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!
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.
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
Start your fig newton bites by cutting up your dried figs and making sure you remove the hard stems.
Then add the dried figs to a food processor.
And add in the halved walnuts, then give it a couple pulses to start blending them together.
Once the figs and walntus have started to break down, add in the flax seed meal and salt.
Then finish with the vanilla extract.
Continue pulsing until ingredients are all mixed and the figs and walnuts are broken into small pieces.
Then using your hands or a small ice scream scoop or cookie dough scoop, roll the mixure 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 you soak dried figs before eating?
You don’t need to! And actually, I recommend you don’t for this recipe. You can reconsitute figs by soaking though.
More Quick Snacks
- High Protein Homemade Granola
- Baked Pita Chips with Za’atar
- Avocado Toast with Cottage Cheese and Tomatoes
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips
- Tomato Caprese Skewers with Pesto
Eat It, Like It, Share It!
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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.
No forks required.
5-Ingredient No Bake Fig Newton Bites
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 cups dried figs (hard stems removed)
- 1 cup walnuts halves
- ¼ cup flax seed meal
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ 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.
Love this idea!!😍 I am a HUGE fan OF fig newtons!!🙌 So, this is right up my alley!! AND looks even BETTER!!!👌🤤🤤🤤 I also love the questions in the comment section too!! I’m just NOT a fan of ANY nuts ESPECIALLY IN my food!!👎 You think I could use wheat germ to tighten the mixture up instead of the walnuts?? Maybe even a little graham cracker crumbs??🤔 (also think that’d BE a tasty addition!!👌) And I’d also love to use fresh figs as my sister has a tree that’s loaded with buds!!!🙌 Just wanted to see what your thoughts and readers thoughts are on these questions/ideas!! Thanks for posting!!!❤️ And thanks in advance for any replies or help!!
Sincerely,
Christy 😊🌻🌻🌻
How do you dry figs
I buy the figs dried from the store!
Can I use fresh figs with this recipe?
I’ve never tried, but you could! Fresh figs will have more moisture, so you might need to add more walnuts or flax seed meal to mainatin consistency.
What can I substitute for flax meal?
You could try chia seeds or hemp seeds!
You’re calories are out by nearly 100, it’s 266 calories per 2 balls, not 172 🙂
These look Delicious! I have some figs that are too hard. I soaked some of them and made yummy oil-free fig newtons. I am wondering if I soak my figs first to soften them if these fig balls might be too wet?
For a Nut-Free option, consider trying hemp seed or pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds instead of the walnuts. What do you think?
Pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds sound like great and delicious alternatives!
Hi there,
Could I add cacao powder to make it chocolatey? If so how much?
Yes, you definitely can. I would add about a tablespoon of cocoa powder. Anymore, and the mixture will probably be too dry.