Homemade Raw Fig Newton Bars {Gluten Free}

Are you a fan of fig newtons? One of my favorite things to do in the kitchen is to give my favorite treats a healthy, homemade makeover! These raw fig newton bars are easy to make and require minimal ingredients. The bars are made with a fig chia jam filling and a nutritious crust made with oats, flaxseeds and dates. Get out your food processors and make these delicious and easy homemade fig newton bars to have on hand for a healthy snack!

Are you a fan of fig newtons? Growing up, we always had a package of these bars on hand because they were my dad’s favorite go-to snack when he got home from work or after dinner.

I was never really a fan of these bars because I thought they were lacking in flavor and a little too dry for my liking. This just meant more bars for my dad! At least he didn’t have to worry about the rest of the family eating his beloved snack.

One of my favorite things to do in the kitchen is to try and recreate a healthier version of the classics. I’ve done it with these KIND bar-inspired almond apricot bites and this superfood twist on the classic hummus!

This summer, there’s no denying all of the fresh figs available at the store and I’ve found myself buying way more than I need. With all of these figs on hand, I thought there’s only way to use them all up – make some fig jam! And while I was at it, why not try and recreate fig newton bars into something the whole family can enjoy?

First up, the fig chia jam.

This jam is ridiculously easy to make and seriously takes all of five minutes. All you need is a blender and a few key ingredients: lemon juice, maple syrup and chia seeds!

Did you know that chia seeds absorb up to eight times their weight in liquid? This is what transforms this recipe from a fig puree to a thick fig chia jam.

To make the fig chia jam, all you do is blend 1 cup figs (stems removed), 1 Tablespoon lemon juice and 1 1/2 Tablespoons maple syrup until smooth and creamy. Transfer to a bowl and stir in 3 Tablespoons chia seeds. Then, chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes and you’ve got jam, friends!

Now, to take the jam one step further and make fig newton bars…

To make these bars, you will need is a food processor. To the food processor, add 1 cup of oats and grind until it resembles the fine consistency of a flour. Then, add 1 cup Medjool dates (pits removed), ¼ cup ground flaxseed, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon orange zest (about ½ orange), 1 teaspoon cinnamon and 3 Tablespoons orange juice (about half an orange). Pulse on HIGH until the mixture becomes crumbly and begins to stick together.

To make the bars, transfer the crust to a piece of parchment paper and roll into a rectangle that’s about ¼ inch thick. Then, spoon the fig chia jam down the middle lengthwise, leaving room on both sides. Picking up the parchment paper on one side, carefully roll the crust to meet the other side and press the edges together.

Transfer the parchment paper with the roll onto a baking sheet and chill in the freezer for at least 30 minutes to harden up a bit. Cut the bars into 1” pieces and store in the refrigerator for up to a few weeks or in the freezer for a few months!

And there you have it, friends. Homemade fig newton bars that taste even better than the kind that comes in the package so that the whole family can enjoy them!

[Tweet “Making these delicious and easy #homemade fig newton bars! #healthy”]

Homemade Raw Fig Newton Bars {Gluten Free}

• Author: Carly at fitlivingeats.com
• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 10 bars 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• Fig Chia Jam
• 8 oz figs, stems removed
• 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 Tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 1/2 Tablespoon chia seeds
• For the crust:
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted
• 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon orange zest (about 1/2 orange)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3 Tablespoons orange juice (about 1/2 orange)

---

Instructions

1. To make the fig chia jam, blend the figs, lemon juice and maple syrup until smooth and creamy. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the chia seeds. Then, chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, make the crust. Using a food processor, add the oats and grind until it resembles the fine consistency of a flour. Then, add the rest of the ingredients and pulse on HIGH until the mixture becomes crumbly and begins to stick together.
3. To make the bars, transfer the crust to a piece of parchment paper and roll into a rectangle that’s about ¼ inch thick. Then, spoon the fig chia jam down the middle lengthwise, leaving room on both sides. Picking up the parchment paper on one side, carefully roll the crust to meet the other side and press the edges together.
4. Transfer the parchment paper with the roll onto a baking sheet and chill in the freezer for at least 30 minutes to harden up a bit.
5. Cut the bars into 1” pieces and store in the refrigerator for up to a few weeks or in the freezer for a few months!

---

So, tell me. What’s your favorite comfort food or snack bar? Have you ever tried to make a healthier, homemade version? Share with me in the comment section!

Don’t forget to pin this recipe to make for later!