Oatmeal Biscoff Fig Bars

Aside from fig newtons, I never had fresh figs.  If you love figs, or are curious to try them, give this recipe a whirl!  These bars are tasty and make a perfect fall after school treat.  They have an awesome Biscoff flavor that combines well with the texture of the oatmeal.  My kids really enjoyed them and I hope you do too. 
    

Ingredients, Filling
2 cups chopped stemmed fresh figs
1 cup water
6 tablespoons sugar
Pinch of salt

Ingredients, Crust
Nonstick vegetable oil spray
1 3/4 cups old-fashioned oats
1 cup all purpose flour
3/4 cup Biscoff cookies, coarsely chopped
1 1/4 cups (packed) dark brown sugar
1 cup hazelnuts, coarsely chopped
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, chilled cut into 1/2-inch cubes

Directions, Filling
Combine first 4 ingredients in a medium saucepan.  Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.  Reduce heat to low.  Cover and simmer 5 minutes.  Uncover and simmer until figs are very soft and filling is thick, stirring often, about 10 minutes.  Cool completely, then pulse in a food processor until a smooth consistency, but still have texture.  Set aside.

Directions, Crust
Preheat oven to 350°F.  Spray 13x9x2- inch baking pan with nonstick spray.  Combine oats and next 6 ingredients in large bowl and whisk to blend.  Add butter.  Using fingertips, blend until mixture forms small moist clumps.  Firmly press half of crust mixture (about 3 cups) over bottom of prepared pan.  Spread filling evenly over crust.  Sprinkle remaining crust mixture over filling; press to adhere.  Bake bars until deep brown and firm to touch, about 30 minutes.  Cool completely in pan on rack.  Once cooled, cut into bars.