Momma's Fig Bars

12 servings Prep: 20 m Cook: 30 m Total: 50 m Beginner
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Momma's Fig Bars
July and August are prime time for peaches, figs and raspberries. A fresh fig tastes like a mix of a peach and a strawberry! Even though Fig Newton cookies are probably the only figs most people have tried, they simply do not compare to the fresh fig. Treat yourself next time you see a fig tree that is ripe for picking. Most Cajuns are willing to share their figs! These oatmeal fig bars with canned figs, lemon juice, and nuts make a perfect sweet treat. Comment J’aime ces figues! In Memory of Dale’s Mom - Meredith Begnaud.

Ingredients

12 servings
  • 1 1/2 cup flour
  • 1/2 tsp soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup margarine
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 cup oatmeal
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1 pint canned figs
  • 1/2 cup nuts

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  2. In a bowl, combine lemon juice, figs and nuts. Set aside.
  3. Combine remaining dry ingredients (flour, soda, salt, brown sugar, and oatmeal) together for the crust. Add the margarine (at room temperature) and crumble the mixture together with your hands or a pastry blender until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. In a greased 13x9 pan, press half of the crumble mixture into the pan to form an even crust. Pour the fig mixture onto the crust, spreading it evenly. Crumble the remaining crust mixture over the figs.
  5. Bake for 30 minutes until the top is golden brown. Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Can I use fresh figs instead of canned?

A: Yes, but you'll need to cook them down first. Chop 2 cups fresh figs, simmer with the lemon juice and 2-3 tablespoons sugar for 10-15 minutes until soft and jammy, then let cool before using.

Q: Why are my bars falling apart when I cut them?

A: Make sure to let them cool completely before cutting. The fig mixture needs time to set. Also, press the bottom crust firmly into the pan to create a solid base.

Tips and Techniques

For easier serving, line your pan with parchment paper leaving an overhang on two sides - you can lift the whole batch out and cut clean bars. These bars actually taste better the next day after the flavors have melded together.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • canned figs: fig preserves or fig jam
  • margarine: butter
  • nuts: pecans or walnuts

Equipment Needed

  • 13x9 inch baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Pastry blender or fork (for crumbling)

Historical Context

Figs have been grown in Louisiana since the 1700s, thriving in the humid climate. The Celeste fig, also called the ‘sugar fig,’ is the most common variety in Cajun yards, and neighbors sharing their abundant fig harvest is a cherished Louisiana tradition.