Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars combine a buttery crumble base with a sweet fig compote and a creamy vanilla-touched topping. Perfect as a dessert or a special snack, they deliver layered textures and rich flavors that are sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 170 g all-purpose flour
• 80 g brown sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 90 g cold unsalted butter
• 400 g dried figs
• 1 cup (250 ml) water
• 40 g granulated sugar
• 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 170 g cream cheese
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 40 g sugar (for cream cheese layer)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, a pinch of salt, and cold unsalted butter cut into small pieces. Rub the butter into the dry ingredients using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs to form the crumble dough.
2. Step 2: Grease or lightly oil a 20×30 cm baking pan. Press the crumble dough evenly into the bottom of the pan, compacting it to create a solid base.
3. Step 3: Remove stems from the dried figs and cut them into smaller pieces. Place figs in a small saucepan with water and sugar. Cook for 5 minutes until softened, then remove from heat and let cool slightly. Transfer figs and cooking liquid to a blender, add lemon juice, and blend until smooth.
4. Step 4: Spread the blended fig mixture evenly over the crumble base in the baking pan, covering the entire surface.
5. Step 5: In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese with sugar, vanilla extract, and the egg until smooth and creamy.
6. Step 6: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the fig layer and spread gently with a spatula. Bake at 180°C (356°F) for 30 minutes or until the top is set and lightly golden. Let cool completely before slicing into bars.

Tips & Variations

• Use very cold butter for the crumble to ensure a crumbly texture.
• Adjust the sugar in the fig compote according to your preferred sweetness.
• For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the fig layer before adding the cream cheese topping.
• Real vanilla extract enhances the cream cheese layer’s flavor compared to imitation vanilla.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Before serving, you can let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes for a softer texture. Reheat gently in a low oven if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh figs instead of dried?

Fresh figs have a higher moisture content and a different texture, so they may affect the consistency of the compote. You can use fresh figs, but reduce added water and adjust cooking time accordingly for best results.

Can these bars be frozen?

Yes, these bars freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 123 reviews

These Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars feature a crumbly buttery base topped with a luscious fig compote and a smooth, creamy cream cheese layer. Baked to perfection, they offer a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy textures, making them an irresistible dessert or snack.

• Author: Isabella
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 9 bars (based on a 20×30 cm pan cut into 3 rows by 3 columns) 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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For the Crust:

• 170 g all-purpose flour
• 80 g brown sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 90 g cold unsalted butter

For the Fig Layer:

• 400 g dried figs
• 1 cup (250 ml) water
• 40 g granulated sugar
• 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice

For the Cream Cheese Topping:

• 170 g cream cheese (softened)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 40 g sugar

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crumble Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine 170 g all-purpose flour, 80 g brown sugar, a pinch of salt, and 90 g cold unsalted butter cut into small pieces. Rub the butter into the dry ingredients using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This crumble dough will form the base of your bars.
2. Assemble the Crumble Base: Grease or line a 20×30 cm baking pan with a little oil. Pour the crumble dough into the pan and press it evenly over the bottom using your hands, compacting the mixture slightly to form a solid base.
3. Prepare the Fig Compote: Remove stems from 400 g dried figs and cut into smaller pieces. Place figs in a small saucepan with 1 cup (250 ml) water and 40 g granulated sugar. Cook for about 5 minutes until figs soften. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Transfer figs with the cooking liquid to a blender, add 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and blend until smooth.
4. Spread the Fig Mixture: Evenly spread the blended fig compote over the prepared crumble base in the baking pan, covering the entire surface.
5. Make the Cream Cheese Layer: In a bowl, beat 170 g softened cream cheese with 40 g sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1 large egg until smooth and creamy. This will create a rich, smooth topping for the bars.
6. Assemble and Bake: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the fig layer in the pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) for 30 minutes, or until the top is set and lightly golden. Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Use very cold butter when making the crumble dough to ensure a crumbly texture.
• If you prefer a sweeter fig layer, adjust the sugar quantity in the compote to taste.
• Real vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the cream cheese topping better than imitation vanilla.
• Let the bars cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts and proper set.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: fig bars, cream cheese bars, dessert bars, fig compote, easy baking recipe, crumbly crust, creamy topping