Homemade Fig Newton Bars

Step 1

FOR THE FILLING: Simmer the figs, apple juice*, and salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the figs are very soft and the juice is syrupy, 25 to 30 minutes. There should only be 3-4 tablespoons of liquid remaining in the pan when they're done.

Step 2

Let the mixture cool slightly. Puree the figs in a food processor with the lemon juice until the mixture has a thick jam consistency, about 8 seconds.

Step 3

FOR THE CRUST: Adjust an oven rack to the middle position and heat the oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with a parchment both directions, and then grease the paper.

Step 4

Whisk the flours, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl.

Step 5

In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, 3 to 6 minutes.

Step 6

Beat in the egg and vanilla until combined.

Step 7

Stir in the flour mixture until just incorporated.

Step 8

Reserve 3/4 cup of the dough for the topping!

Step 9

Sprinkle the remaining dough mixture into the prepared pan and press into an even layer with a greased spatula.

Step 10

Bake the crust until just beginning to turn golden, about 20 minutes.

Step 11

Meanwhile, roll the reserved 3/4 cup of dough for the top crust between 2 sheets of greased parchment paper into an 8-inch square; trim the edges of the dough as needed to measure exactly 8 inches. Leaving the dough sandwiched between the parchment, transfer it to a baking sheet and place it in the freezer until needed.

Step 12

Spread the fig mixture evenly over the crust. Unwrap the frozen, reserved top crust and lay it over the filling, pressing lightly to adhere. Honestly, this part doesn't have to be perfect; you can see in the photos I had some tears and holes and I just patched it. Once you cut the bars, no one will notice!

Step 13

Bake the bars until the top crust is golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through baking.

Step 14

Let the fig bars cool completely in the pan, set on a wire rack, about 2 hours. Remove the bars from the pan using the foil, cut into squares, and serve.