Fig Newtons (gluten-free)
It has been a long time since I’ve eaten an OG fig newton. While they were enjoyed without restriction as a kid, ingredients like partially hydrogenated cotton seed oil and sulfites don’t settle with my dietary beliefs. These fig newtons are gluten free, vegan, and don’t use any refined sugar. This recipe is a little time consuming but totally worth it when fresh figs are in season.
Fresh figs can be found in grocery stores and farmer’s markets in the summer months, making this an optimal seasonal treat. If you have to use dried figs, be sure to soak them in hot water beforehand to soften before blending the filling.
Ingredients
6 fresh figs
6 Medjool dates
1 teaspoon cinnamon (divided)
1 teaspoon orange zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 3/4 cup almond flour
2 cup sprouted gluten free oat flour
1/4 cup ground psyllium husk
1 1/4 cup water
1/3 cup coconut oil (melted)
1/2 cup raw honey or maple syrup
Method:
Combine ground psyllium husk and water in a small bowl, let it gelatinize while measuring out dry ingredients. Use 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon in the mix of dry ingredients.
Add psyllium gel to dry ingredients along with the coconut oil and raw honey or maple syrup. Stir until it becomes too thick to handle with a wooden spoon. At this point, switch to kneading until everything is combined and a firm dough forms. Refrigerate dough while preparing filling.
Cut figs, pit the Medjool dates, and zest the orange peel. Blend together Medjool dates, figs, orange zest, remaining 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
Preheat oven to 300°F.
Halve the dough and roll out into a 1/3″ thick rectangle between two sheets of wax paper. Spread half the filling on the lower portion of the raw dough.
Fold upper portion of dough over the lower. Repeat with second half of the dough. Crimp the edges with a fork.
Bake for 40 minutes on a lined baking sheet. Let cool, then proceed by cutting logs in 2″ increments. Best enjoyed while fresh, but shelf life can be extended in the fridge or freezer.