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Homemade No Bake Fig Newtons Energy Bites

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A healthy twist on the classic fig newton cookies, your entire family will love these no bake fig newtons energy bites that are naturally gluten free, vegan and paleo-friendly. The perfect on the go snack!

Homemade Fig Newtons Energy BitesWe were never a big dessert family growing up. Perhaps it explains my lack of sweet tooth as an adult but the only “dessert” we regularly had on hand were dried apricots, dates, fresh apples or raisins. We were more likely to end the evening with Sleepy Time Tea than a piece of pie.

One item that would appear in the pantry from time to time was fig newtons. (PS: Did you know they aren’t called fig newtons anymore? They are now called Newton Cookies – fig flavor. Who knew?)

As much as I adore those little cookies (fruit and cake!) and the childhood memories they bring back, the minute I see the 25 ingredients (!!!) listed on the back of the box, I am quickly reminded that there are certain aspects of my childhood I don’t wish to repeat.

No Bake Fig Newton Bites - The Lemon BowlThe good news is that my no-bake version doesn’t require you to turn on the oven and is jam-packed with sweet fig flavor. My sugar-loving husband and toddler made a bee line to these beauties and couldn’t stop eating them which is always a good sign.

As an added bonus, each bite is full of heart-healthy omega 3 fats from the walnuts and flax seed plus a good dose of protein to keep blood sugars stabilized. Figs are also an excellent source of fiber, potassium and B vitamins.

What is your favorite childhood cookie? I’d love to hear from you.

No forks required.

4.56 from 9 votes
5 Ingredient No-Bake Fig Newton Bites - The Lemon Bowl
Print
Homemade No Bake Fig Newtons Energy Bites
Prep Time
10 mins
Total Time
10 mins
 

A healthy twist on the classic fig newton cookies, your entire family will love these no bake fig newtons energy bites that are naturally gluten free, vegan and paleo-friendly. The perfect on the go snack!

Course: Snack
Servings: 12
Calories: 172 kcal
Author: Liz DellaCroce
Ingredients
  • 3 cups dried figs hard stems removed
  • 1 cup walnuts halves
  • 1/4 cup flax seed meal
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
US Measurements - Convert to Metric
Instructions
  1. Place all ingredients in a large food processor and pulse until finely chopped, almost the consistency of sand. This may take 4-5 minutes. Remove blade and put aside.
  2. Scoop mixture out one at a time using a small ice cream scoop. Form mixture into balls by rolling in between your hands.
  3. Enjoy room temperature or refrigerate in an air-tight container for up to 7 days.
Recipe Notes

Don't be afraid to press the mixture tightly together with your hands when forming balls. As the heat of your hand warms up the mixture, the natural oils in the walnuts will release helping to bind the balls.

Nutrition Facts
Homemade No Bake Fig Newtons Energy Bites
Amount Per Serving
Calories 172 Calories from Fat 70
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 7.8g 12%
Saturated Fat 0.8g 4%
Polyunsaturated Fat 7g
Sodium 101mg 4%
Total Carbohydrates 25.9g 9%
Dietary Fiber 5g 20%
Sugars 18g
Protein 3.4g 7%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Want more delicious portable summer dessert ideas? Check out these tasty recipes from my friends in honor of Food Network’s #SummerSoiree!


Weelicious: Raspberry Cheesecake Jars
Virtually Homemade: Gluten-Free Double Chocolate Salted Brownies
The Heritage Cook: Anzac Biscotti
Domesticate Me: Summer Berry Parfaits with Vanilla Bean Ricotta and Toasted Almonds
Dishin & Dishes: Triple Berry Pretzel Salad Dessert in a Jar
In Jennie’s Kitchen: The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
FN Dish: Make-and-Take Picnic Desserts

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. These are fantastic! Fig Newtons are definitely one of my childhood favorites, and I never thought I could recreate their ‘essence’ so easily – thank you!

    Reply

  4. could I use fresh figs? Our tree is overloaded and these sound incredible! I don’t have a dehydrator to dehydrate them first

    Reply

  5. I am trying to make these now and it seems like a whole lot of figs. 3 cups?!?! Anyway, I have been pulsing my food processor and mixing in a bowl all of the ingredients and it seems to be all fig. Am I doing something wrong?

    Reply

    • No that is correct… it should definitely have a strong fig flavor as it is supposed to taste like a fig newton. Feel free to get creative though and change up the ratios!

      Reply

  8. Get our facts right; you made typical condescending reporter’s misrepresentation when trying to make the name of Fig Newtons sound more politically correct when you said: “(PS: Did you know they aren’t called fig newtons anymore? They are now called Newton Cookies – fig flavor. Who knew?)” No they are not called that, at least not by th manufacturer on their boxes. They are indeed called Fig Newtons and a check with Nabisco will confirm such as would a trip to a supermarket or grocery store.

    Reply

  10. These sound good! My favorite cookies were called Golden Fruit. Garabaldis in England. I can’t find them any more!

    Reply

  11. Fig newtons were actually my least favorite cookie growing up…but I think that’s because I had a sweet tooth the size of Texas. As an adult I ADORE dried fruit and these little no-bake bites sound super! Perfect for getting a burst of midday energy.

    Reply

  12. Ohh! These sound really good! I used to love fig newtons, but I haven’t had one in ages. I love that these are already gluten free and a good grab and go snack. Trying soon!

    Reply

  16. I have a fig tree and have dried figs in a food dehydrator. Would those work or not? Seems like all you would have is a powder with no binding agent.

    Reply

  20. Man, I loved fig newtons too. Is there any nut-free alternative you can think of? I’ve been trying to think of something to use as a substitute but can’t think of anything. Maybe dried oats? Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply

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