Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars are a delightful treat combining a buttery crumble base, sweet fig compote, and a smooth cream cheese topping. Perfect for dessert or an indulgent snack, their rich and balanced flavors will impress any home cook and guest alike.

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)
• A small amount of oil (for greasing)

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 little oil. Press the crumble dough evenly over the bottom of the pan, compacting it slightly to form a solid base.
3. Step 3: Remove stems from the dried figs and cut into smaller pieces. Place figs in a small saucepan with 1 cup water and granulated sugar, cooking for 5 minutes until softened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Step 4: Transfer the cooked figs and liquid to a blender, add fresh lemon juice, and blend until smooth. Spread this fig mixture evenly over the crumble base in the baking pan.
5. Step 5: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar, vanilla extract, and one egg until smooth and creamy. Pour this cream cheese mixture over the fig layer and gently spread evenly with a spatula.
6. Step 6: 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 crumbly, tender texture.
• For extra flavor, use real vanilla extract instead of imitation.
• Feel free to adjust the sugar in the fig compote based on your preferred sweetness level.
• Try adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top before baking for added crunch.

Storage

Store the fig and cream cheese bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or enjoy cold as a refreshing treat. These bars can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight 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?

Fresh figs can be used, but because they contain more moisture, reduce the added water when cooking the compote to avoid a soggy base.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The top should be lightly golden and set; the cream cheese layer will firm up as it cools. Avoid overbaking to keep the topping creamy.

Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 76 reviews

These Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars feature a buttery crumble base topped with a luscious fig compote and a creamy vanilla-infused cream cheese layer. Perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy, these bars make an irresistible dessert or snack.

• Author: Clara
• 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

Crumble Base

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

Fig Compote

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

Cream Cheese Layer

• 170 g cream cheese, softened
• 40 g sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• Small amount of oil for greasing the pan

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, forming the crumble dough for the base. Using cold butter ensures a delightful crumbly texture.
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 with your hands, compacting slightly to create a solid base layer.
3. Prepare the Fig Compote: Remove stems from 400 g dried figs and chop into smaller pieces. Place figs in a small saucepan with 1 cup (250 ml) water and 40 g granulated sugar (adjust to taste). Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes until figs are softened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. 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 compote 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. The real vanilla extract enhances the flavor significantly.
6. Assemble and Bake: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the fig layer, spreading gently with a spatula to create an even topping. 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

• Using cold butter in crumble dough creates the best texture.
• Adjust sugar in the fig compote based on the sweetness of your dried figs.
• For a stronger vanilla flavor, use pure vanilla extract rather than imitation.
• Ensure the bars cool completely before slicing for clean cuts.
• Storage: Keep bars refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• These bars can be served chilled or at room temperature.

Keywords: fig bars, cream cheese bars, crumble bars, fig compote dessert, easy baked bars, sweet dessert bars