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!
We 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 Newtons – 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 package, I am quickly reminded that there are certain aspects of my childhood I don’t wish to repeat.
The 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 beeline 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!
Ingredient substitutions:
- No flax seed meal? Oatmeal can be substituted instead. No flax seeds? You could use chia seeds instead.
- Fresh figs cannot be used. Use only dried figs.
Nut-free options:
I don’t have one. 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 :)
Shelf Life:
These fig newtons can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
No forks required.
Homemade No Bake Fig Newtons Energy Bites
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.
Chef's Notes:
Could I substitute oatmeal for the flax seed meal?
Yes!What else could I use instead of flax seed meal in these?
Chia SeedsCan fresh figs be used instead of dried ones?
No. Use dried figs only.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 :)How long do these fig newtons keep for?
They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.Nutrition Facts:
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Want more delicious, healthy dessert recipes? Check out my Pinterest board!
Kendra
I’m totally making these first thing in the morning! I bought dried figs for Christmas cookies and never made them. Anyway. A suggestion for omitting the walnuts. What about sunflower seeds? They make sunflower seed butter as a replacement for peanut butter. And it’s yummy! Maybe even just use a couple tablespoons of the Sunbutter?
Liz DellaCroce
That should work! Let me know!! Did you try it?
JoDee
I found a recipe that makes me look forward to eating figs. I can’t say I really ever liked them that much before. However, I found this recipe after buying a large quantity of them at Costco’s. I wondered what to do with all of them. Now I know. I made a small batch to test this recipe. Now it’s safe to make a larger one. Thank you!
Liz DellaCroce
I’m so happy to hear this!
JoDee
Just made the fig balls this morning. I let them blend in the food processor full speed once I pulsed it a few times. They were yummy. I was looking for a way to enjoy figs. I wanted their health benefits, but wasn’t too keen on just eating a fig. This recipe will help me eat my big bag of figs quickly! And I needed to eat more omega 3 fatty acids. The walnuts and flaxseed fill that need too. Thanks for a great recipe!
Liz DellaCroce
I’m so glad you found this recipe and enjoyed it!
Judy
Oh my gosh, so……delicious. I was looking for something to do with the dried figs other than eating them out of the bag. I found your recipe and had everything I needed. Not quite enough figs, so I added dried dates. Definitely will have this to satisfy my sweet tooth. Will be trying some of your other recipes too. Thanks!
Liz DellaCroce
That makes me so happy Judy! So glad!
MaryEllen Poulin
These are delicious and do easy to make 👍👍
Liz DellaCroce
I’m so glad!