Description

These fig crumble bars are loaded with a super simple homemade fig jam and layers of buttery crumble dough. The natural pectin in figs makes for an quick 3 ingredient jam in under an hour. Perfect for making if you’ve got an abundance of fresh figs or a jar of fig jam sitting around in your pantry. This recipe can make anywhere from 9-12 bars, depending how you slice them.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Homemade Fig Spread: (skip if using store bought fig jam)

4 cups (about 2lbs) fresh figs, roughly chopped
1/2 cup white granulated sugar
1 1/2 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 cup water

For the Bars:

1 cup butter, softened to room temperature
1/2 cup white granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp lemon zest
2 cups all purpose flour
1 cup fig spread (can be store bought or homemade with ingredients above)

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Instructions

Make the fig spread (skip this step if using store bought): Combine chopped figs, sugar and lemon juice in a pot over medium heat. Stir for a few minutes while figs break down. Once the sugar dissolves, lower the heat and add the water, simmering on medium low, mashing every so often until the fruit is broken down into a jammy spread (about 30 minutes). Set aside to cool.
Prep oven and baking dish: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a square baking dish with parchment paper and/or grease with nonstick spray or butter.
Make the crumble mixture: Cream butter, sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest together in a stand mixer*. Add flour and continue to beat until incorporated, it should be a crumbly dough.
Form the bars: Press 3/4 of the dough into the base of the prepared baking dish until a compact layer forms. Spread the cooled fig jam over the dough in an even layer. Crumble remaining dough over top.
Bake, cool and slice: Bake for 35-45 minutes or until the top layer turns light golden in color. Chill in the fridge overnight for firm bars or at room temperature until cool (at least 1 hour) for softer bars. Slice and enjoy!

Notes

* This can also be done with a bowl and spatula or hand mixer