📝 About This Recipe
A sophisticated, homemade take on the classic childhood snack, these bars feature a luscious, jammy filling of mission figs brightened with orange zest and a touch of honey. Encased in a buttery, tender dough enriched with whole wheat flour and warm cinnamon, they offer a nostalgic yet elevated flavor profile. These treats are the perfect marriage of chewy dried fruit and melt-in-your-mouth pastry, proving that the original 'Newton' is even better when crafted from scratch.
🥗 Ingredients
The Fig Filling
- 2 cups Dried Mission Figs (stems removed and halved)
- 3/4 cup Apple Juice (unsweetened)
- 2 tablespoons Honey (clover or wildflower)
- 1 teaspoon Orange Zest (freshly grated)
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
The Pastry Dough
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (softened to room temperature)
- 1/2 cup Light Brown Sugar (firmly packed)
- 1 Large Egg (at room temperature)
- 1 1/4 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 1/2 cup Whole Wheat Flour (adds a classic nutty texture)
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt (fine sea salt)
- 1 tablespoon Milk (if dough is too dry)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
In a medium saucepan, combine the halved figs, apple juice, and honey. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low and cover. Let the figs cook for 10-12 minutes until they are soft and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
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2
Transfer the fig mixture to a food processor. Add the orange zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Pulse until the mixture reaches a thick, jam-like consistency. Set aside to cool completely.
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3
In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and light brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
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4
Add the egg to the butter mixture and beat until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
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5
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
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6
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients on low speed. Mix until just combined. If the dough seems too crumbly, add the tablespoon of milk.
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7
Divide the dough into two equal portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and flatten into rectangles. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to make the dough easier to handle.
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8
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
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9
On a lightly floured surface, roll one piece of dough into a 12x4 inch rectangle. Trim the edges to make them straight if necessary.
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10
Spread half of the fig filling in a 1.5-inch wide strip down the center of the dough rectangle, leaving about 1.25 inches on either side.
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11
Carefully fold one side of the dough over the filling, then fold the other side over to overlap slightly. Press gently to seal. Repeat with the second piece of dough.
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12
Carefully flip the logs over so they are seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
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13
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dough is set and just beginning to turn golden brown around the edges.
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14
Remove from the oven and let the logs cool for 5 minutes. While still warm, use a sharp serrated knife to slice the logs into 2-inch wide bars.
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15
Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack. As they cool, the moisture from the filling will soften the crust, creating that iconic chewy texture.
💡 Chef's Tips
For the softest texture, store the cooled bars in an airtight container for 24 hours before eating; this allows the crust to hydrate from the filling. If the dough is too sticky to roll, place it between two sheets of parchment paper to prevent it from clinging to your rolling pin. Ensure your fig filling is quite thick; if it's too runny, it will leak out of the sides during the baking process. You can substitute Black Mission figs with Turkish figs for a slightly milder, honey-like flavor profile. Don't overbake! The bars should look pale; if they get too dark, they will be crunchy rather than the traditional soft-chew.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside a glass of cold whole milk for the ultimate nostalgic snack experience. Pair with a cup of Earl Grey tea; the bergamot notes complement the orange zest in the fig filling beautifully. Arrange on a dessert platter with sharp white cheddar cheese and walnuts for a sophisticated sweet-and-savory contrast. Lightly warm a bar and serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a fiber-rich breakfast treat. Pack into school lunches or hiking bags for a naturally sweet, energy-boosting snack.