Absolutely! 🍋 Here’s the full scoop on making these delightful Lemon-Frosted Spicy Fig Bars! This recipe is a scrumptious twist on the classic Sicilian Fig Cookies, presenting a cake-like bar form that’s perfect for those who love a bit of spice and a burst of lemony freshness in their treats.
Lemon-Frosted Spicy Fig Bars
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 52 minutes
- Yield: 36 bars
- Category: Bar Cookie
- Keywords: Dessert, Cookie & Brownie, < 60 Mins
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1/2 cup | Butter |
| 1/2 cup | Light brown sugar |
| 1/2 cup | Dark brown sugar |
| 1/3 cup | Molasses |
| 2 cups | Milk |
| 2 | Eggs |
| 2 cups | Flour |
| 1 tsp | Cinnamon |
| 3/4 tsp | Baking powder |
| 1/4 tsp | Baking soda |
| 2 pinches | Salt |
| 2 cups | Dried figs, chopped |
| 1/2 cup | Walnuts, chopped |
| 2 1/2 cups | Powdered sugar |
| 1/4 cup | Butter, softened |
| 1 tbsp | Fresh lemon zest |
| 2-3 tbsp | Fresh lemon juice |
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Prepare the Batter:
- In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, cream together the butter and both types of brown sugar until creamy and smooth. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Add in the molasses, milk, and eggs. Blend everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
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Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing on low speed until everything is thoroughly combined. This step ensures a nice, uniform batter.
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Fold in Figs and Walnuts:
- Gently stir in the chopped dried figs and walnuts by hand. This adds a lovely texture and bursts of flavor to the bars.
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Bake the Bars:
- Spread the batter evenly into a greased 13×9-inch baking pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 22-27 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bars should be lightly golden and firm to the touch.
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Cool Completely:
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan. This ensures they set properly for frosting.
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Prepare the Lemon Frosting:
- In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, softened butter, and fresh lemon zest.
- Gradually add in the fresh lemon juice, mixing with an electric mixer on low speed until you reach your desired spreading consistency. The frosting should be smooth and creamy.
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Frost and Decorate:
- Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the lemon frosting evenly over the top.
- For an extra touch of citrusy goodness, sprinkle additional grated lemon zest over the frosting.
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Slice and Serve:
- Finally, cut the bars into squares or rectangles as desired. These bars are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a sweet treat with your afternoon tea or a delightful dessert after dinner.
Tips:
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Freshness Boost: For an extra burst of lemon flavor, add a bit more fresh lemon zest to the batter.
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Storage: Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for longer freshness.
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Make Ahead: These bars can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
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Variations: Feel free to get creative with the toppings! Chopped pistachios, a drizzle of honey, or a dusting of powdered sugar are all delicious options.
These Lemon-Frosted Spicy Fig Bars are a delightful blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors—a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee in the morning or as a sweet ending to your dinner, they’re sure to impress! 🍋✨
