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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.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Could I substitute oatmeal for the flax seed meal?

Yes!

What else could I use instead of flax seed meal in these?

Chia Seeds

Can fresh figs be used instead of dried ones?

Yes!

Do you have a nut free option to these energy bites?.

I don’t. The oils in the walnuts help bind the balls similar to peanut butter in other energy ball recipes.  If you have a suggestion I’m all ears :)

 

 

 

 

No forks required.

5 Ingredient No-Bake Fig Newton Bites - The Lemon Bowl

Homemade No Bake Fig Newtons Energy Bites

Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: energy balls, fig netwons, no bake
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: 172kcal
Author: Liz Della Croce
A healthy twist on the classic fig newton cookies, these no bake fig newtons energy bites that are naturally gluten free, vegan and paleo-friendly.
Questions / Comments?
Print Recipe

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

Instructions

  • 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.
  • Scoop mixture out one at a time using a small ice cream scoop. Form mixture into balls by rolling in between your hands.
  • Enjoy room temperature or refrigerate in an air-tight container for up to 7 days.

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 Information:

Serving: 2balls | Calories: 172kcal | Carbohydrates: 25.9g | Protein: 3.4g | Fat: 7.8g | Saturated Fat: 0.8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Sodium: 101mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 18g
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Comments

  1. Larry Walsh

    January 13, 2019 at 1:48 pm


    No fig newtons. That’s it, next you
    Will tell me the tooth ferrie is gone
    I’ve lived too long. I tried your cookies
    And they are good. I did soak some of them in a dry sherry. Now I’m hooked
    Thanks

    Reply

  4. Go Jules Go

    June 2, 2017 at 10:50 am


    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

  6. Penny

    July 5, 2016 at 2:43 pm

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

    Reply

  7. Amy

    May 19, 2016 at 7:23 pm

    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

    • Liz DellaCroce

      May 20, 2016 at 1:52 pm

      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

  9. Glen

    July 13, 2014 at 3:37 pm

    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

  11. Alice

    July 12, 2014 at 1:24 pm

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

    Reply

  12. Joanne

    June 9, 2014 at 6:49 am

    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

  13. Annie @Maebells

    June 6, 2014 at 5:36 pm


    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

  17. Penny

    June 5, 2014 at 8:14 pm

    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

  21. Michelle

    June 5, 2014 at 12:00 pm

    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

    • Liz DellaCroce

      June 5, 2014 at 1:24 pm

      I’ve never experimented with a nut free variation, I’m afraid. The oils in the walnuts help bind the balls similar to peanut butter in other energy ball recipes. If you come up with something will you let me know??

      Reply

    • Michelle T

      June 16, 2015 at 7:47 pm


      I just made these with dry roasted sunflower seeds and they were perfect. I don’t much care for the taste of raw, but I bet they’d work too. If not, a little honey to bind.

      Reply

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