Savor the sweet taste of ripe figs and fragrant vanilla in these delightful Fig Vanilla Bars. With a buttery shortbread crust, a luscious fig filling, and a hint of vanilla, these bars are the perfect combination of fruity and indulgent. Whether you enjoy them as a midday snack, a dessert, or a special treat for afternoon tea, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fig Vanilla Bars are not only deliciously fruity and flavorful, but they’re also incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a batch of bars that are perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying all to yourself. Plus, they’re a great way to use up an abundance of fresh figs when they’re in season, ensuring that none of the precious fruit goes to waste.

Ingredients

For the Shortbread Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

For the Fig Filling:

• 2 cups fresh figs, stemmed and chopped
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Vanilla Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• 9×9-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan
• Whisk or spatula

Directions

Making the Shortbread Crust

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and salt until combined.
3. Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs and holds together when pinched.
4. Press into Pan: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan and press it evenly into the bottom of the pan to form the crust.
5. Bake: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until lightly golden around the edges. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the fig filling.

Making the Fig Filling

1. Prepare Figs: In a saucepan, combine the chopped figs, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
2. Cook: Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the figs are soft and the mixture has thickened slightly, about 10-12 minutes.
3. Puree: Remove the saucepan from the heat and use a blender or food processor to puree the fig mixture until smooth. Allow the filling to cool slightly before spreading it over the baked crust.

Making the Vanilla Glaze

1. Mix Glaze: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Start with 1 tablespoon of milk and add more as needed to reach your desired consistency.
2. Drizzle: Drizzle the vanilla glaze over the cooled fig filling in the baking pan.

Serving

1. Chill: Place the Fig Vanilla Bars in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the filling and glaze to set.
2. Slice and Serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and transfer them to a cutting board. Slice into squares or bars and serve.

Notes and Tips

• Fresh vs. Dried Figs: While fresh figs are preferred for the best flavor and texture, you can use dried figs if fresh ones are not available. Simply rehydrate the dried figs by soaking them in hot water for 15-20 minutes before using.
• Storage: Store any leftover Fig Vanilla Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of fruit?

Yes, you can customize these bars with your favorite fruits or whatever you have on hand. Try using berries, peaches, or apples for a delicious variation.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can make these bars gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for the crust.

Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, these bars freeze well. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Pairings

Fig Vanilla Bars pair perfectly with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. Serve them alongside a cheese platter for a sophisticated dessert option at your next gathering.

Call to Action

Ready to bake up a batch of these heavenly Fig Vanilla Bars? Give this recipe a try and let us know how you like them! Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes and baking inspiration. Happy baking!