Baking: Cakes, Cookies, Muffins: Homemade Fig Bars

Wholesome fig, nut and oat bars with a fresh homemade flavor!

Author: California Fig Advisory Board - www.californiafigs.com
Date: December 26, 2012

Serves: 30 person(s)
Yield: 30 x bars

Preparation Time: 35 mins
Cooking Time: 40 mins
Extra Time: 10 mins (for cooling)

Ingredients:

1 cup sugar (for filling)
8 oz California dried figs, finely chopped
1/2 cup nuts, finely chopped (optional)
1/2 cup water
1 cup brown sugar (for crust)
1/2 cup margarine (or butter *)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp vanilla
2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, divided
1 3/4 cup rolled oats

Directions:

FILLING: Combine sugar, California dried figs, nuts, and water in a medium saucepan. Heat to boiling; reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes or until thickened, stirring frequently. Set aside to cool.

CRUST AND TOPPING: Preheat oven to 350°F.

Cream brown sugar and margarine together until light and fluffy. Add salt and vanilla; mix until blended. Stir in 1-3/4 cups flour and oats until well mixed and crumbly.

Spread and pat two-thirds flour mixture evenly into ungreased 9x13x2-inch pan. Spread filling evenly on top. Add 1/2 cup flour to remaining flour mixture; crumble and spread all over.

Bake in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until lightly brown. Allow to cool in pan; cut into bars.

Variations:

* If made with butter add 8 mg cholesterol per bar.