Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars combine a buttery crumble crust, a sweet and tangy fig layer, and a smooth cream cheese topping. Perfect for a special dessert or an elegant snack, they offer a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

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 (for cream cheese mixture)

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 the mixture slightly to form a solid base.
3. Step 3: Remove stems from dried figs and cut them into smaller pieces. Place figs in a small saucepan with water and granulated sugar. Cook for 5 minutes until figs soften, then remove from heat and let cool slightly. Transfer 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 the egg until smooth and creamy. This will be the cream cheese topping.
6. Step 6: 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 to cool completely before slicing into bars.

Tips & Variations

• Use very cold butter when making the crumble dough to achieve a perfect crumbly texture.
• For a deeper flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the fig compote.
• Swap dried figs for other dried fruits like apricots or dates for a different twist.
• Use real vanilla extract instead of imitation for richer cream cheese topping flavor.
• Press the crumble base firmly to prevent it from crumbling when sliced.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best texture, bring them to room temperature before serving. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge overnight and enjoy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh figs instead of dried figs?

Fresh figs have a higher moisture content and a different texture, so substituting them may change the consistency of the fig layer. If using fresh figs, reduce the added water and adjust cooking time accordingly.

Can I make these bars vegan?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with a vegan alternative and use a plant-based cream cheese and an egg replacer to make the bars vegan-friendly.

Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

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4.5 from 74 reviews

Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars offer a delightful combination of a buttery crumble crust, a sweet and tangy fig compote layer, and a smooth, creamy cream cheese topping. Perfect for dessert or an indulgent snack, these bars balance rich textures with natural fruit sweetness and a hint of lemon.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars (about 4x4 cm pieces) 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
• 40 g granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 large egg

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crumble Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine 170 g flour, 80 g brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add 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 will form the crumble dough for the base.
2. Assemble the Crumble Base: Grease or line a 20×30 cm baking pan with a small amount of oil. Pour the crumble dough into the pan and press evenly over the bottom, compacting slightly to form a solid base.
3. Prepare the Fig Compote: Remove stems and chop 400 g dried figs. Place them in a small saucepan with 1 cup water and 40 g sugar. Cook for 5 minutes until softened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Transfer figs and 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. This will be the creamy topping for the bars.
6. Assemble and Bake: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the fig layer in the pan. Spread gently and evenly 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 butter for the crust to ensure a crumbly texture.
• Adjust sugar in the fig compote to taste, depending on the sweetness of the dried figs.
• Soften cream cheese to room temperature for easier blending and smoother texture.
• Let bars cool completely before slicing to retain their shape.
• Storage: Keep bars refrigerated and consume within 3-4 days for best freshness.

Keywords: fig bars, cream cheese bars, fig dessert, crumble crust, baked bars, fig compote dessert