Oatmeal Fig Bars

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper leaving enough overhang on the sides to easily remove the bars when they have cooled.
2. For the filling combine the chopped dried figs, water, and orange juice together in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
3. Cook while stirring occasionally for 5-8 minutes or until the figs are soft and have absorbed some of the liquid. Remove from the heat and add the vanilla extract.
4. Cool for 5 minutes and then puree using a food processor or blender until there are no more chunks (fig seeds will not break down).
5. To make the topping combine the melted butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, and egg together in a large bowl.
6. Add the oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix to bring the ingredients together.
7. Take a little over 1 and 1/2 cups of the topping mixture and press it evenly into the lined pan.
8. Spread fig filling in an even layer on top. Spoon remaining topping mixture evenly on top and gently press it down into the filling to ensure it’s compact on top.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top has lightly browned.
10. Once cooked place the tin on a wire rack and leave to cool. Once cool lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang on the sides. Cut into squares and enjoy!