Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars combine a crumbly base with a sweet fig layer and a smooth cream cheese topping. Perfect for a delightful dessert or a special snack, they offer a balance of textures and flavors that will please any crowd.

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

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. This forms the crumble dough for the base.
2. Step 2: 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 it slightly to form a solid base.
3. Step 3: Remove stems from dried figs and cut them into smaller pieces. Place the figs in a small saucepan with water and granulated sugar. Cook for 5 minutes until softened, then remove from heat and let cool slightly. Transfer the figs and cooking liquid to a blender, add fresh 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 one egg until smooth and creamy.
6. Step 6: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the fig layer in the pan. Use a spatula to spread the topping evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) for 30 minutes, or until the top is set and lightly golden. Allow to cool completely before slicing into bars.

Tips & Variations

• Use very cold butter when making the crumble dough to achieve a better texture.
• For extra flavor, use real vanilla extract instead of imitation.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon to the fig mixture for a warm spice note.
• If fresh figs are available, they can be used instead of dried figs, adjusting cooking time as needed.

Storage

Store the fig and cream cheese bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or enjoy cold. For longer storage, freeze the bars wrapped tightly for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh figs instead of dried figs?

Yes, fresh figs can be used. Since they contain more moisture, reduce the added water and cook until the mixture thickens to achieve the right consistency.

How do I know when the bars are fully baked?

The top should be set and lightly golden, and the cream cheese layer should not jiggle when you gently shake the pan. Baking for 30 minutes at 180°C (356°F) usually achieves this.

Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

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Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars combine a buttery crumble base with a sweet fig compote and a smooth cream cheese topping. This layered dessert offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, featuring a crisp pastry bottom, a rich fruity middle, and a creamy finish. Ideal for gatherings or an indulgent treat, these bars bake to golden perfection and are best served cool.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Crumble Base

• 170 g all-purpose flour
• 80 g brown sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 90 g cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

For the Fig Compote

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

For the Cream Cheese Layer

• 170 g cream cheese, softened
• 40 g granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 large egg

Other

• Oil for greasing the baking pan

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crumble Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add the cold unsalted butter pieces and rub them into the dry ingredients with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Using cold butter helps create a tender, flaky crumble texture.
2. Assemble the Crumble Base: Grease or line a 20×30 cm baking pan with a small amount of oil. Press the crumble dough evenly over the base of the pan, compacting it slightly into a solid, even layer. This will form the sturdy base for the bars.
3. Prepare the Fig Compote: Place the chopped dried figs, water, and granulated sugar in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes until the figs soften. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Transfer the figs along with the cooking liquid into a blender. Add the fresh lemon juice and blend until smooth to make a luscious fig compote.
4. Spread the Fig Mixture: Evenly spread the blended fig compote over the crumble base in the baking pan, covering the entire surface carefully to create a fruity layer.
5. Make the Cream Cheese Layer: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and the egg until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This will form the rich, creamy topping for the bars.
6. Assemble and Bake: Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the fig layer in the baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth the surface. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) for 30 minutes, or until the cream cheese topping is set and lightly golden. Let the bars cool completely before slicing into squares for serving.

Notes

• Use very cold butter for the crumble to achieve the best texture.
• You can adjust the sugar in the fig compote based on the sweetness of your dried figs.
• Real vanilla extract enhances the flavor significantly compared to imitation vanilla.
• Make sure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the cream cheese layer.
• Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to help them set properly and avoid crumbling.
• These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Keywords: fig bars, cream cheese bars, dessert bars, crumble base, fig compote, baked desserts