I’m probably not alone in that it took until my adult years to appreciate the fig, outside of a cookie (though even as a kid, I’d always pick chocolate chip over a fig newtown.) And lately I’ve been enjoying fresh figs more frequently – I was the very fortunate recipient of fresh figs a couple times this summer as I wrote about here (along with a recipe for Figgy Bacon, Ricotta & Thyme Pizza.)

Figs are a food-loving dietitian’s dream – chock-full of nutrients (fiber, potassium, magnesium, iron, calcium, phosphorus) AND delicious all on their own. Dried figs are more concentrated so they are higher in nutrients but also calories.

Though I adore fresh figs, their prime season (June- September) is just ending plus I knew dried figs would work best for this recipe. It seems like raw, no-bake and protein balls are all the rage nowadays – which are basically snacked sized bites loaded with nutrient-rich foods like flax, oats, nuts and dried fruit. I thought I’d do my version of the no-bake bite (call me juvenile but I just continuously giggle if they are referred to as balls.) Dried figs and honey provided the sweetness while pecans give the crunch and salty flavor. Other “power” ingredients include oats, ground flax and coconut flour. You could really swap in any dried fruit, flour or nut you’d like – endless possibilities here.

Fig Pecan No Bake Bites

No-bake fruit nut bites or balls are a snap to make and a great power snack! This recipe features dried fruit, pecans, coconut flour, oats and honey.

• Author: by Deanna Segrave-Daly, RD
• Yield: 16 balls 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3/4 cup diced dried figs (about 8 )
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup rolled oats
• 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter (or powdered peanut butter)
• Unsweetened shredded coconut, optional

Instructions

1. Chill all ingredients (except the honey) in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before beginning to prevent the ingredients from being too sticky.
2. In a large bowl, mix together figs, pecans, oats, flaxseed and peanut butter.
3. Add 2 tablespoons honey.
4. Mix together with your hands – if dough seems too sticky, add an additional tablespoon of flour.
5. To assemble each bite, scoop 1 tablespoon of batter and roll into a ball.
6. If desired, roll balls in unsweetened shredded coconut.