Recipe for Fig and Cranberry Oatmeal Bars

Recipe for Fig and Cranberry Oatmeal Bars

Oatmeal bars with figs and cranberries are a wholesome snack that’s easy to make and packed with natural sweetness, fiber, and nutrients. These bars combine chewy oats, sweet figs, and tart cranberries into a satisfying treat that’s perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a healthy dessert. With a delightful texture and a balance of flavors, these oatmeal bars are a delicious and convenient way to enjoy a nutritious treat.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of rolled oats
• 1 cup of dried figs, chopped
• 1/2 cup of dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup of almond flour (or any flour of choice)
• 1/3 cup of honey or maple syrup
• 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup of coconut oil, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Chop the Figs
   Use dried figs for a chewy texture and slice them into small pieces. This will help distribute the fig flavor evenly throughout the bars.

2. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. Combine Oats, Flour, and Salt
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.

2. Add Cinnamon
   Sprinkle the ground cinnamon into the oat mixture for a warm flavor that complements the figs and cranberries.

Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

1. Combine Honey, Applesauce, and Coconut Oil
   In a separate bowl, mix together the honey (or maple syrup), unsweetened applesauce, and melted coconut oil. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

2. Add Vanilla Extract
   Stir in the vanilla extract to the wet ingredients, enhancing the flavor profile of the bars.

Step 4: Combine the Mixtures

1. Add Wet Ingredients to Dry
   Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until everything is well combined. The mixture should be sticky and hold together.

2. Fold in Figs and Cranberries
   Gently fold in the chopped figs and dried cranberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 5: Press the Mixture into the Baking Dish

1. Spread the Mixture Evenly
   Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to press it down firmly and evenly.

2. Ensure a Smooth Surface
   Pressing down firmly ensures that the bars will hold together well once baked, so take a moment to smooth out the surface.

Step 6: Bake the Bars

1. Bake for 20–25 Minutes
   Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.

2. Cool Completely
   Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan. This step is crucial, as cutting them while warm may cause them to crumble.

Step 7: Cut and Serve

1. Lift Out of the Pan
   Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the cooled bars out of the baking dish and place them on a cutting board.

2. Cut into Squares
   Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares or rectangles, depending on your preferred serving size.

Tips for Perfect Fig and Cranberry Oatmeal Bars

1. Use Rolled Oats for Texture: Rolled oats provide a chewy texture, while quick oats may make the bars softer.
2. Add Nuts for Crunch: Add chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans to the mixture for added crunch and flavor.
3. Adjust Sweetness to Taste: If you prefer a less sweet bar, reduce the honey or maple syrup slightly.

Variations on Fig and Cranberry Oatmeal Bars

1. Nutty Fig Bars
   Add 1/4 cup of chopped nuts, like almonds or walnuts, for a crunchy texture and an extra boost of protein and healthy fats.

2. Chocolate Chip Fig Bars
   Stir in a handful of dark chocolate chips for a touch of sweetness that pairs well with the figs and cranberries.

3. Coconut Fig Bars
   Add 1/4 cup of shredded coconut for a tropical twist that complements the fruit flavors.

4. Spiced Fig Bars
   Add a pinch of ground nutmeg or cardamom for a warm, aromatic flavor profile.

Storing Fig and Cranberry Oatmeal Bars

1. Room Temperature
   Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

2. Refrigeration
   For longer storage, keep the bars in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Refrigerated bars are a bit firmer, which some people prefer.

3. Freezing
   Wrap individual bars in parchment paper and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator when ready to eat.

Serving Ideas for Fig and Cranberry Oatmeal Bars

1. With Yogurt
   Serve the bars alongside a bowl of Greek yogurt for a balanced breakfast or snack.

2. As a Trail Snack
   Pack the bars for a hike or outdoor activity. They are easy to transport and provide a great energy boost.

3. Drizzled with Nut Butter
   Drizzle a little almond or peanut butter on top for a rich, protein-packed addition that pairs well with the fruity flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Use Fresh Figs?
   Dried figs work best in this recipe as they add a chewy texture and concentrated flavor. Fresh figs may add too much moisture, affecting the texture of the bars.

2. Is It Possible to Make These Bars Vegan?
   Yes, replace honey with maple syrup or agave to make the recipe fully vegan.

3. Can I Use Other Dried Fruits?
   Absolutely! Dried apricots, dates, or cherries make great substitutes or additions to the figs and cranberries.

Conclusion

Fig and cranberry oatmeal bars are a delicious, nutritious snack that’s easy to make and customize. With chewy figs, tangy cranberries, and hearty oats, these bars are ideal for any time of day. Try different variations and enjoy the satisfaction of a homemade snack that’s both flavorful and healthful!