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5-Ingredient No Bake Fig Newton Bites

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LIZ DELLA CROCE

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

Holding 5-ingredient no bake fig newton bites.

We were never a big dessert family growing up. Perhaps this explains my lack of a sweet tooth as an adult! One item that would appear in the pantry from time to time was fig newtons, which upon further inspection, have over 25 ingredients! All the more reason to switch to my 5-Ingredient No Bake Fig Newton Bites. This delicious and healthy snack doesn’t require you to turn on the oven and is jam-packed with sweet fig flavor.

Why You’ll Love these 5-Ingredient No Bake Fig Newton Bites

  • Easy to make in advance for an on-the-go snack.
  • Full of protein and fiber, it’ll keep you feeling full so you won’t want a snack again in 5 minutes.
  • While natural and healthy, they’re delicious and liked by adults and children alike!

Ingredients

  • Dried figs: Naturally sweet and chewy, and guilt free as they are chalk full of fiber, calcium, iron, and other vitamins.
  • Walnuts: High in omega-3 fatty acids and protein, which adds to the filling nature of these snacks, while remaining low in calories.
  • Flax seed meal: Flavorless, but full of additional nutrients like more omega 3s, fiber, and potassium.
  • Vanilla extract: Ties the flavors together with an additional touch of sweetness.
  • Salt: Balance in all things, a little salt is needed even in sweet dishes.

How to Make 5-Ingredient No Bake Fig Newton Bites

Step 1. Start by cutting up your dried figs and making sure you’ve removed the hard stems.

Step 2. Then add the dried figs to a food processor.

Step 3. Add in the halved walnuts, then give it a couple pulses to start blending them together.

Step 4. Once the figs and walnuts have started to break down, add in the flax seed meal, salt, and vanilla extract. If you like things sweeter, you can also add in a hint of honey or maple syrup.

Step 5. Continue pulsing until ingredients are mixed and the figs and walnuts are broken into small pieces.

Step 6. Use your hands or a small ice scream scoop to roll the mixture into small balls.

Serve immediately at room temperature, or refrigerate before serving. Then enjoy your 5-Ingredient No Bake Fig Newton Bites!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a nut free option to these?

Unfortunately not. 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 are fig newton bites good for?

These fig newtons can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

Should dried figs be soaked before eating?

You don’t need to! And actually, I recommend you don’t for this recipe. You can reconstitute figs by soaking though.
5-Ingredient no bake fig newton bites.

More Quick Snacks

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Liz enjoying 5-ingredient no bake fig newton bites.

Full of flavor as well as protein, these 5-Ingredient No Bake Fig Newton Bites will keep you energized and full all morning or afternoon long. Looking for more healthy dessert ideas?! Try my hermit cookie bars if you haven’t already!

No forks required.

5-Ingredient No Bake Fig Newton Bites

4.38 stars average
A healthy twist on the classic fig newton cookies, these no bake fig newtons energy bites are naturally gluten free, vegan, and paleo-friendly.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
CourseSnack
Serves12

Ingredients
 
 

  • 3 cups dried figs hard stems removed
  • 1 cup walnuts halves
  • ยผ cup flax seed meal
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • ยฝ teaspoon salt

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.
    3 cups dried figs, 1 cup walnuts halves, 1/4 cup flax seed meal, 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon salt
  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.

Nutrition

Serving: 2ballsCalories: 172kcalCarbohydrates: 25.9gProtein: 3.4gFat: 7.8gSaturated Fat: 0.8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 101mgFiber: 5gSugar: 18g

Liz’s 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.

Have you tried this?

Let us know how it was!

4.38 from 106 votes (90 ratings without comment)

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108 responses to “5-Ingredient No Bake Fig Newton Bites”

  1. Lisa | Mummy Made.It Avatar
    Lisa | Mummy Made.It

    we don’t have Fig Newtons in Australia, but I’m tempted now to track down some dried figs to make these tomorrow!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Let me know what you think Lisa!

  2. Glen Avatar
    Glen

    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 arenโ€™t called fig newtons anymore? They are now called Newton Cookies โ€“ 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.

  3. Joanne Avatar
    Joanne

    Do you think Almonds, Cashews or Peanuts would work in this recipe? I’m allergic to all other nuts. These sound yummy!

    Jo

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      I’ve never tried it with those types of nuts Joanne but I am guessing cashews would work perfectly!

    2. Kristen Avatar
      Kristen

      Joanne, I used slivered almonds. They turned out great! I may try to add coconut also next time, just for something different.

  4. Alice Avatar
    Alice

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

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Ooo those sound delicious!

  5. Joanne Avatar
    Joanne

    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.

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      They were nothing like a chocolate chip cookie, that’s for sure. ;)

  6. Annie @Maebells Avatar
    Annie @Maebells

    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!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      I hope you like them Annie!

  7. EA-The Spicy RD Avatar
    EA-The Spicy RD

    Fig Newtons were pretty much my favorite cookie as a kid, so these look super delicious to me!!!!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Aren’t they just the best?? Let me know if you try this GF version!

  8. Jocelyn @BruCrew Life Avatar
    Jocelyn @BruCrew Life

    I kind of puffy heart love you right now!!! These are awesome! I always loved eating Fig Newtons growing up, but you just made them no bake and cute little balls. Love it!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Awww I puffy heart love you too girl!!! Enjoy!!

  9. Robyn Stone | Add a Pinch Avatar
    Robyn Stone | Add a Pinch

    These look like little bites of heaven!!! Love figs!!!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      So do I Robyn!! Enjoy!

  10. Penny Avatar
    Penny

    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.

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      I used dried figs and it worked perfectly!! The oils in the walnuts help bind the balls. :)