Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a dessert that breaks all the rules! These fig bars are not your ordinary sweet treat - they're a culinary adventure that combines the rich, creamy texture of goat cheese with the natural sweetness of dried figs. Imagine biting into a perfectly balanced bar that's crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with unexpected flavor combinations that will make your friends and family beg for the recipe!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried figs, chopped
- 1/2 cup goat cheese, softened
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup honey
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. This will help prevent the bars from sticking.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chopped dried figs and honey. Stir until the figs are well-coated with honey. Set aside to allow the figs to absorb some of the sweetness and soften slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This dry mixture will form the base for your fig bars.
- In a separate bowl, mix the melted unsalted butter and softened goat cheese until smooth and creamy. You can use a hand mixer or a whisk for this step to ensure the cheese is well incorporated with the butter.
- Pour the goat cheese and butter mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The mixture should be crumbly but hold together when pressed.
- Add the honey-coated figs to the mixture and fold gently until the figs are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly and press down firmly to create a compact layer. This will help the bars hold together once baked.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, using the parchment overhang, lift the bars out of the pan and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, cut into 16 bars. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Enjoy your delicious fig bars with goat cheese!
Tips
- Make sure your goat cheese and butter are at room temperature for the smoothest possible mixture.
- Don't overmix the batter - this can make your bars tough instead of tender.
- Use fresh, high-quality dried figs for the best flavor and texture.
- Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting to ensure they hold their shape.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent them from drying out.
- For an extra touch of elegance, you can drizzle a little honey on top before serving.
- These bars are perfect for meal prep and can be stored at room temperature for up to a week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
