Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars combine a buttery crumble base with a rich fig compote and a smooth cream cheese topping. Perfectly balanced in sweetness and texture, they make an irresistible treat for any occasion.

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, softened
• 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 to form the crumble dough.
2. Step 2: Grease or line a 20×30 cm baking pan with a small amount of oil. Press the crumble dough evenly over the bottom of the pan, compacting slightly to create a solid base.
3. Step 3: Remove stems from the dried figs and cut them into smaller pieces. Place them in a small saucepan with 1 cup water and granulated sugar. Cook for 5 minutes until softened, then remove from heat and let cool slightly. Blend the figs with their cooking liquid and fresh lemon juice 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 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 for a better texture.
• For a nutty twist, sprinkle toasted chopped nuts over the cream cheese layer before baking.
• Replace dried figs with dates or apricots for a different fruit flavor.
• Real vanilla extract enhances the flavor significantly compared to imitation.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They can be served chilled or at room temperature. Reheat gently in a warm oven if you prefer them warm, but avoid microwaving to keep the texture intact.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh figs instead of dried?

Fresh figs are softer and contain more moisture, so the texture and cooking time of the compote will differ. Dried figs provide a concentrated sweetness and thicker consistency ideal for this recipe.

Do I have to refrigerate the bars?

Yes, because of the cream cheese topping, the bars should be stored in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and safe to eat.

Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 50 reviews

These Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars feature a buttery crumble crust layered with a smooth fig compote and topped with a rich, creamy vanilla-infused cream cheese layer. Perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy, these bars offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors, ideal for dessert or an indulgent snack.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 forms the crumble dough for the base.
2. Assemble the Crumble Base: Grease or lightly oil a 20×30 cm baking pan. Pour the crumble dough into the pan and press it evenly over the bottom using your hands, compacting 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 5 minutes until softened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly, then transfer figs and 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 mixture over the 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.
6. Assemble and Bake: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the fig layer and spread gently with a spatula. 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.

Notes

• Use very cold unsalted butter for the crumble to ensure a tender, flaky crust.
• Adjust the sugar in the fig compote to your preferred level of sweetness.
• Real vanilla extract is recommended over imitation for richer flavor.
• Make sure to cool the bars completely to allow proper setting before cutting.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 4 days.

Keywords: Fig bars, Cream cheese bars, Fig compote dessert, Crumble crust bars, Vanilla cream cheese topping dessert