Feel-Good Fig Squares

An amazingly nutrient-dense, gluten-free sweet treat, these squares are healthy enough to eat for breakfast but taste like a traditional “dessert-only” date square! You will get some energy-enhancing protein and fibre from the almonds, blood sugar-balancing fibre from the dried fig, omega-3- and anti-inflammatory-rich chia and flax seeds, and good, satiating fat from the coconut oil, nuts, and seeds!

Figs aren’t just delicious, they’re also a great source of magnesium, which is excellent for muscle and nervous system relaxation, and something we need more of when experiencing stress and premenstrual hormone dips. And red raspberry leaf tea is great in this recipe as it’s especially nourishing for the uterus. When I make these, I like to brew a large pot of tea, pulling out one cup for the recipe and drinking the rest as I make it!

Completely customizable! Switch up the fig with dates or flax with shredded coconut! Or add some spiciness by trading in the red raspberry leaf tea for a rooibos chai!

Feel-Good Fig Squares

For more awesomely energy-boosting, protein-rich goodness check out Grain-Free Amaranth Almond Crackers and Cocoa Maca Nut Smoothie. 

Ingredients - Filling

• 1 c dried figs, cut in quarters
• 1 c brewed red raspberry leaf tea
• ½ tsp cinnamon

Ingredients - Crust

• 1 c unsweetened shredded coconut
• ⅔ c blanched almond meal
• ¼ c each tapioca flour, chia seeds, ground flax seeds
• 3 Tbsp monk fruit sugar (or coconut sugar)
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp sea salt
• ⅓ c coconut oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions - Filling

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease an 8x8-inch baking pan.
2. Brew herbal tea. Let sit for 5 minutes or up to an hour to extract the medicinal benefits.
3. Place the dried figs and tea in a small saucepan and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Purée the fig filling in your food processor to create a jam-like consistency.

Instructions - Crust

1. Mix the dry ingredients in a medium-sized bowl.
2. Warm the coconut oil enough to melt it, add both it and the vanilla to the dry ingredients, and mix well.

To Assemble

1. Dump about 1 c of the crust mixture into the pan and press it out with your hands to create the base layer.
2. Spread the filling on top of the base layer crust. Sprinkle the remaining cup of crust mixture over the top of the fig filling and lightly press it evenly over the entire surface.
3. Bake for 25 minutes until the crust is lightly browned.
4. Let cool completely before cutting into squares. I like the consistency of the bars kept in the fridge and find they cut best after being refrigerated first. They also freeze very well!