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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://islawhite.com/decadent-fig-and-cream-cheese-bars-recipe/