Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Spread the Fig Mixture: Evenly spread the blended fig compote over the crumble base in the baking pan, covering the entire surface.
- 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.
- 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
