Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8-inch (what I use and recommend) or 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on the sides to easily remove the bars when they have cooled. Set aside.

Step 2

Combine the chopped dried figs, water, and orange juice together in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook while stirring occasionally for 5-8 minutes or until figs are soft and have absorbed some of the liquid. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Cool for 5 minutes, and then transfer to a food processor or blender and puree until there are no more chunks (fig seeds will not break down). Set aside.

Step 3

In a large bowl, whisk the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, brown sugar, and egg together. Add the oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Begin whisking to combine and once the mixture becomes too thick, switch to a spoon or rubber spatula to bring the ingredients together. You will have about 2 and 1/2 cups of this crust/topping mixture.

Step 4

Take a little over 1 and 1/2 cups of the crust/topping mixture and press it evenly into the lined pan. Spread fig filling in an even layer on top. Evenly sprinkle remaining crust/topping mixture on top and gently press it down into the filling to ensure it’s tight and compact on top.

Step 5

Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top has lightly browned. Avoid over-baking. 8 inch pans take closer to 30 minutes, 9 inch pans take closer to 25 minutes. (Note: Oil/moisture will soak on the parchment paper during the baking & cooling process. That’s normal with this recipe.) Remove from the oven and place the pan on a wire rack. Cool bars completely.

Step 6

Lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang on the sides. Cut into squares.

Step 7

Cover leftover bars and store at room temperature for up to 4 days or in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.