These Gluten Free Fig Newtons are easy, delicious, and healthy. Made with all real ingredients, sweetened only with fruit and vegan.
A classic made-over
Fig Newtons were one of my favorite cookies when I was younger. I know it’s a little weird, but I’d pick that over other cookies most the time. I always loved the filling- the slight crunch from the seeds and how it’s sweet and sticky. This homemade version is just as tasty, but with simpler ingredients. The filling is sweet, but not overly sweet. The almond flour outside is so much better than the store bought ones. It’s more moist, is grain free, naturally sweetened, and has a hint of applesauce. It is so good!
These are easy to make! The filling is blended in a food processor or blender in less than a minute and the outside cookie is mixed in a bowl with no mixer required. A mix of dried figs, lemon juice and a touch of cinnamon. It is pressed into a pan and baked and ready in about 30 minutes. So simple!
These aren't quite as sweet as the original, but they're not meant to be. If you're eating paleo then you will find them plenty sweet, if you're used to regular cookies you may think they're not sweet enough. It's all personal preference as well.
Making the fig newton crust
It does take a little time pressing the crust into the pan. Don't rush it! To get that top layer to cover the fig mixture, it's easiest to flatten small pieces out with your fingers then press it on top. Continue until it's all used then press to fill in any small holes. The proportions are also a little different than the store bought kind- the crust is thinner and the filling is thicker. It's a good change.
You will love these paleo fig newtons- made with all real ingredients that fir your dietary needs. Here are some more copycat recipes to try:
- Paleo Butterfinger Candy Bars
- Vegan Paleo Cosmic Brownies
- Paleo Vegan Samoa Cookies
- Oatmeal Cream Pies (paleo)
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Gluten Free Fig Newtons
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ½ cups almond flour
- 2 tablespoons coconut flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325° and line a 8x8 pan with parchment paper.
- Combine figs, lemon juice, salt, and cinnamon in a food processor or blender and process until smooth. It will be a thick mixture.
- In a medium bowl, combine almond flour, coconut flour, salt, cinnamon, and applesauce. Stir until fully combined and no lumps remain. Divide in half and press half of the mixture into the prepared pan.
- Top with fig mixture, spreading as evenly as possible.
- Top with remaining almond mixture. The best way to do that is to take small pieces and flatten with your fingers. Place on top of fig mixture and repeat until all almond mixture is used. Press any holes closed once all is on top.
- Bake for 30-32 minutes.
- Cool and cut into squares.
Sharon says
These look sooo good! I'd love to make them, but my daughter is allergic to nuts. Can you recommend an alternative to the almond flour? Thanks!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Sharon! If you're just gluten free, not paleo, then a gf flour would probably work. I've heard great things about cassava flour which is paleo, but I haven't tried it myself so I can't say for sure. It's nut free and I believe converts 1:1. I hope that helps- let me know if you have any other questions.
Amanda West says
These are awesome! Just made them today. When they completely cool, they really do taste just like the real thing. I love that there are so few ingredients and all very healthy ones. Only thing I added was some walnuts to the food processor with the figs to give it a slightly earthier taste, just cause I love me some walnuts and added extra lemon juice for more tartness. Thanks for giving me a chance to have that real fig newton taste I've gone without for about 15 years.
Jessica DeMay says
You're welcome, Amanda! Thank you for trying them and I'm glad to hear you enjoyed them!
Cindy says
I have to eat gluten-free and these look delicious. Do you think fresh figs would work also?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Cindy! I don't know for sure, but I don't think they would. I would stick with dry ones for this recipe. I hope you try them!
Linda says
What an easy snack to put together! These are in the oven right now. I didn't have enough figs so I added some dried unsweetened apricots to fill in. I can't wait to taste them!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Linda! I hope you love them!! Those apricots sound like a delicious addition. Thanks for trying them! 🙂
Deryn @ Running on Real Food says
Well, my weekend plans have been sorted out. These look amazing! Thank you!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Deryn! They are so good- I hope you enjoy them!
Jewel says
I just made these and WOW are they good. I cant believe how sweet the filling is with just the figs for sweetness. These are so, so fast and easy to make! I'm thinking off adding unsweetened Bobs red mill coconut flakes next time. As a long distance runner always looking for alternatives to the processed, sugar filled stuff they pass off to athletes these make me happy. I can wrap them up and eat on the run. This will definitely fuel me on my next half marathon!
Jessica DeMay says
Thank you, Jewel!! I am so glad you tried them and love them! I love the idea of adding some coconut flakes to them 🙂 I'm happy these will come in handy for your runs.
Erin says
These just look so delicious! I love the wholesome ingredients you used. Definitely better than the original 🙂
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Erin! Yes, I agree, better than the original 🙂
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
One of my husband Tom's favorite cookies Jessica! I've never tried to make homemade ones! On my list!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Mary Ann! I couldn't believe how easy they are homemade 🙂
Lucy @ Globe Scoffers recipes says
These looks delicious! The figs look lovely and gooey. Thanks for sharing.
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Lucy! That fig filling is so good 🙂
Abby says
WOW... I loved the picture !! I am a fig lover so of course I am going to make these right away...gosh I can see these with a date nut filling too.
Thanks
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Abby! Oh, date and nuts would be delicious. I've always loved figs and just recently started liking dates. I hope you love them!