Greek Fig and Walnut Shortbread Bars
Buttery shortbread layered with sweet fig jam and crunchy walnuts, baked into tender, fragrant bars inspired by warm Mediterranean flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55–60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 cup plus 4 tablespoons (2 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and cooled to just warm
1 cup granulated sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 large egg yolks
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups fig jam
3/4 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Prepare a 9×11-inch pan with a parchment or foil sling and coat with baking spray.
- In a medium bowl, mix melted butter, sugar, salt, egg yolks, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add flour and stir until just combined. Remove 1/2 cup of dough, cover with plastic wrap, and set aside.
- Press the remaining dough firmly into the prepared pan.
- Freeze the crust for 30–60 minutes to prevent puffing during baking.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F and bake the crust for about 30 minutes, until edges are lightly browned.
- Remove from oven and increase temperature to 350°F.
- Spread fig jam evenly over the warm crust.
- Crumble the reserved dough over the jam, then sprinkle chopped walnuts on top.
- Bake 25–30 minutes, or until topping is lightly browned.
- Cool completely in the pan, then lift out using the sling and cut into bars.
Notes
Add cinnamon to the crumble for extra warmth.
Use almonds or pistachios instead of walnuts.
Reduce jam and add chopped dried figs for less sweetness.
Orange zest in the dough adds a bright Mediterranean twist.
Warm briefly in the oven for a crispier topping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
