If you’re looking for a delicious, easy-to-make snack that’s both healthy and filling, these homemade vegan fig bars are perfect.
Packed with wholesome ingredients like dried figs, gluten-free oats, walnuts, and almond butter, they offer a naturally sweet and nutritious treat.
The base is refined sugar free and sweetened with just figs. Whereas the topping is low sugar using a dark chocolate which is at least 70% cocoa solids.
Best of all, they require minimal effort and no baking, making them an excellent option for meal prepping or on-the-go snacks.
Why You’ll Love These Fig Bars
- Simple Ingredients – Made with just a handful of natural, whole-food ingredients.
- No Baking Required – An easy, no-bake recipe that’s simple to prepare.
- Nutrient-Packed – Loaded with fibre, healthy fats, and essential vitamins.
- High in protein – they have 7g of protein per bar
- Naturally Sweet – Dried figs provide a rich, caramel-like sweetness without added sugar.
- Gluten-Free & Vegan – Suitable for various diets
- Great for Meal Prep – Store well in the fridge or freezer for a convenient, healthy snack anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Fig Bars
1. Are these fig bars gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use certified gluten-free oats. If you have coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity, always check the label to ensure there’s no cross-contamination.
Oats are actually naturally gluten free, however, they can often get contaminated with gluten products during production process.
2. How do I store these homemade fig bars?
Store these bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. Let them thaw for a few minutes before enjoying.
You can also eat them straight from the freezer, if preferred!
3. Can I make these fig bars nut-free?
Absolutely! Swap the almond butter for sunflower seed butter or tahini. Replace walnuts with extra pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds to keep the texture, whilst making it nut-free.
4. What’s the best way to melt dark chocolate for the topping?
For the smoothest results, use a double boiler (a heatproof bowl over simmering water). Alternatively, melt it in the microwave in 15-second bursts, stirring in between to prevent burning.
5. Can I add extra protein to these bars?
Yes! You can mix in a scoop of your favourite plant-based protein powder into the fig mixture. If you are doing this, I would reduce the oats by the same amount.
6. Can I use a different type of dried fruit instead of figs?
Yes! You can substitute the figs with another dried fruit. Good examples are dates, apricots, or prunes. Depending on how dry they are you make need to soak them like I’ve done with the figs.
How to make fig bars?
They are very simple to make. Add the dried figs, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, oats and almond butter to a food processor.
Blend until smooth and the nuts have broken down. You may need to stop and start the food processor a few times and scrape down the sides to get it fully blended. It should be soft and sticky with no large nut pieces. If it won’t come together, add a tbsp or two of water and blend again.
Separate the mixture into 12 pieces and press down into a mini bar tray and refrigerate whilst you melt the chocolate.
Add the dark chocolate to a bowl and melt over a pan of hot water. Pour a spoonful over each bar and top with some optional extra walnuts. Refrigerate to set the chocolate.
What ingredients do you need to make fig bars?
- Dried figs
- Gluten-free oats
- Walnuts
- Almond butter
- Pumpkin seeds
- Dark chocolate
What are the nutritional benefits of the main ingredients?
Figs
As much as I love a fresh fig – the season is short. One of my favourite ways to have them is dried. They are naturally sweet and packed with dietary fibre. They are a good source of nutrients such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium. In fact, they are one of my go-tos for plant-based calcium sources.
Gluten-free oats – Oats are an excellent ingredient for sustained energy and a great, cheap ingredient to add to bars instead of using all nuts and seeds. They contain beta-glucans, which can help lower cholesterol and stabilise blood sugar levels.
Walnuts – High in omega-3 fatty acids, walnuts are renowned for supporting brain health and reducing inflammation. They are also high in protein and healthy fats, keeping you full and satisfied.
Almond butter – This helps bring the bars together without the need for extra refined fats. Almonds are a great source of vitamin E and contain healthy monounsaturated fats as well as plant-based protein.
Pumpkin seeds – These tiny seeds are a powerhouse of nutrients. They are a great source of magnesium, as well as being high in zinc and iron.
Dark Chocolate – Dark chocolate is always my preferred choice. It’s a good source of antioxidants and contains minerals such as iron, magnesium, and copper. I also opt for one that has minimal sugar and at least 70% cocoa solids. The base is quite sweet so the dark chocolate will balance this out well.
Storage & Shelf Life
These fig bars store really well in the fridge. You can leave them out of the fridge for a few hours easily. However, I like to store in the fridge as it keeps them harder and ensures they last longer. They’ll last for at least 7 days.
If you’d like them to last even longer, they can be kept in the freezer for up to three months.
Recipe Tips
Blend in stages – If your food processor struggles, pulse the nuts and oats first before adding the figs and almond butter.
Customise your nuts and seeds – Swap walnuts for almonds, cashews, or pecans; replace pumpkin seeds with sunflower seeds.
Boost the flavour – Add a pinch of cinnamon, vanilla extract, or a touch of sea salt to enhance the taste.
Choose high-quality dark chocolate – Opt for a minimum of 70% cocoa for the best flavour and nutritional benefits.
Make it protein-packed – Stir in a scoop of plant-based protein powder for an extra energy boost. Just reduce the oats by the same amount.
If you liked this recipe and would like to see more no bake recipes – here are some you could try next:
Fig Bars
Ingredients
Ingredients for the base:
- 1½ cups dried figs (250g)
- 1 cup gluten free oats (80g)
- 1 cup walnuts (100g)
- ¼ cup natural almond butter (60g)
- ¼ cup pumpkin seeds (35g)
Ingredients for the topping:
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips (or chunks) (150g) min 70% cocoa
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts (25g)
Instructions
- Cut the stalks from the figs and discard. Soak the figs in boiling water for 20 mins.
- Drain the figs well and add to a food processor with the oats, walnuts, almond butter and seeds. Process until fully combined.
- Separate into 12 pieces and press down into a mini brownie tin. Refrigerate whilst you melt the chocolate.
- Melt the chocolate in a bowl over a pan of hot water. Pour a spoonful on top of each bar. Top with a few extra walnuts. Refrigerate until set.
Notes
- Store in the fridge to keep for about 7 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- If you don’t have the tray, they can also be made in one large tray and cut into bars. Use a tray which is about 20cm (8 inch) square.
Nutrition
Thank you so much, Helen for your recipes. They and you are truly appreciated. Much success with your continued studies! Thank you again.
You are very welcome Mary! Thanks so much for your comment – it’s made my day! x
Mulțumesc mult, dragă Helen pentru minunata rețetă! Sănătoasă și delicioasă!🥰
So glad you liked the bars!