Coconut Fig Squares
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
These coconut fig squares won't last long on the counter! Coconut and fig join forces as an irresistible flavor duo: the coconut offers a slightly sweet and tropical flavor with a chewy bite, and the homemade fig jam adds a unique sweetness with a jammy, honey-like flavor, all wrapped up in a hearty, crumbly oat base.
For more delicious jam-filled bars, make these blueberry jam bars next!
Everything is better with figs ā they're not quite an everyday fruit, so enjoying them always feels special! They have a natural honey-like sweetness and turning them into jam is a great way to let that flavor profile shine ā that brings us to these delicious coconut fig squares. They taste quite similar to date squares, only made with fresh green figs instead. The shredded coconut adds a subtly sweet flavor and chewy texture, and then it's all wrapped up in a delicious oat crumb! These make a great snack, healthy dessert, or treat with your cup of tea.
Ingredients needed
These coconut fig squares are a hit with kids and adults! Gather these simple ingredients:
- The fig jam:Ā Green figs, brown sugar, and lemon juice come together to make a sweet and slightly tart filling.
- All-purpose flour: Acts as a structural base.
- Rolled oats:Ā Adds a hearty texture. Quick oats will also work if that's what you have on hand.
- Shredded coconut:Ā Adds the distinct coconut flavor and a delightful texture.
- Brown sugar:Ā Sweetens things up. You can use coconut sugar to make these refined sugar-free.
- Baking powder:Ā Acts as a leavening agent for a lighter texture.
- Sea salt:Ā Enhances and balances the other flavors.
- Coconut oil:Ā For a moist texture and coconut flavor.
How to make coconut fig squares
These vegan bars come together easily ā just make the fig jam, the oat crumb, and then bake it all together! This is how it's done:
- Make the fig jam: Cut the stems off the figs then add them to a pot with the sugar and lemon juice. Once boiling, reduce the heat to let it simmer for ten minutes. Use a potato masher to mash the jam until it's mostly smooth.
- Prep the squares: While the oven is preheating, line your baking pan with parchment paper. Mix all the other dry ingredients together, then add the coconut oil and mix again. Press two-thirds of the square mixture into the baking dish and then bake it for 10 minutes.
- Finish it off: Pour the fig jam over the baked crust, then top with half of the remaining oat crumb and push it down gently. Sprinkle the remaining oat crumb over the top and then return to the oven until light golden brown ā enjoy these homemade fig bars alone, with a cup of tea, or with a scoop of vanilla coconut ice cream!
How to prepare your fig jam
Preparing the homemade fig jam is a breeze, simply add the ingredients to a pot, bring it to a boil, then let it simmer before mashing it with a potato masher. Here are some tips as you prep your figs for your jam:
- Keep the skins on! Just remove the stems; the skins will soften during cooking so they seamlessly blend into the jam.
- We opt for ripe green figs for this recipe, but you could use black figs if that's what you have. As long as theyāre fresh figs (not sulfured) they'll work in this recipe. As the black ones tend to be a little sweeter, you may want to cut down on the sugar.
- The fig jam is so lush that you'll be grateful if you make extra and store it in jars! It makes an adorable gift, or use it to elevate your next charcuterie boards next to some brie or parmesan cheese. Or amp up sandwiches, swirl into yogurt, or drizzle over pancakes or waffles.
- Figs have lots of health benefits! They're a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals.
- For some extra flavor, make this bourbon fig jam with vanilla.
Recipe FAQs
Can I store leftover oatmeal fig bars?
You sure can ā store any squares in an airtight container on the counter at room temperature for up to three days, or in the freezer for three months.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free flour, like almond flour or oat flour, instead of the all-purpose flour! They are already vegan and dairy-free, just be sure to check any labels for any added ingredients.
Coconut Fig Squares Recipe
Ingredients
The Fig Jam
- 1 Ā½ lb very ripe green figs (about 9)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
The Squares
- 1 Ā½ cups all-purpose flour (gluten-free, if needed)
- 1 Ā½ cups rolled oats
- Ā½ cup shredded coconut
- Ā½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Ā½ teaspoon sea salt
- Ā¾ cup coconut oil (melted)
Instructions
- Cut the stem off the figs and quarter them. Add them to a medium-sized pot over high heat. Add the brown sugar and lemon juice and bring the pot to a boil. Be careful as it will splatter. Reduce the heat to medium and let the jam simmer for 10 minutes, uncovered, stirring occasionally and mashing the figs with your spoon as they soften. Let the jam simmer for 5 minutes more without stirring. Spoon off the liquid that comes to the top of the jam. Use a potato masher to mash the jam until it is somewhat smooth.1 Ā½ lb very ripe green figs, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- While the jam is cooking, prepare the rest of the fig squares. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line an 8Ć8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting the excess drape over the sides.
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, rolled oats, coconut, sugar, baking powder, and sea salt. Add the coconut oil and mix again. I find using my hands the easiest way once the coconut oil is added. Press ā of the oat crumb mixture into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.1 Ā½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 Ā½ cups rolled oats, Ā½ cup shredded coconut, Ā½ cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, Ā½ teaspoon sea salt, Ā¾ cup coconut oil
- Pour the fig jam over the baked crust in the pan then top with half of the remaining oat crumb and pat down gently. Sprinkle the remaining oat crumb over top.
- Bake the fig squares in the oven for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is light golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely before removing from the pan and cutting into 12-16 squares, depending on how big you want the squares.
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
For more inspiration, check out all of our dessert recipes!