Description
These Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars combine a buttery, crumbly base with a rich cream cheese filling and sweet, tender figs for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Ideal for satisfying your sweet cravings, these bars are easy to prepare and make a wonderful dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (substitute with gluten-free flour if desired)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark works well)
- 1/8 teaspoon salt (enhances flavors)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into pieces)
Fig Filling
- 1 cup dried figs (Turkish or Mission figs recommended)
- 1 cup water (to soften figs)
- 1-2 tablespoons sugar (optional, based on taste)
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (brightens flavor)
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (real vanilla preferred)
- 1 large egg (helps bind the filling)
Instructions
- Prepare the Fig Filling: Chop the dried figs into small pieces and place them in a small saucepan with 1 cup of water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until the figs have softened, about 10-15 minutes. Add 1-2 tablespoons of sugar if desired for extra sweetness and 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavor. Stir well, then remove from heat and let cool.
- Make the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Cut in the cold, unsalted butter pieces using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press two-thirds of this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking pan to form the crust.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese until smooth. Add 1/4 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 large egg. Mix until well combined and creamy.
- Assemble the Bars: Spread the softened fig mixture evenly over the prepared crust. Then gently spoon the cream cheese filling over the fig layer, smoothing it out evenly. Crumble the remaining third of the crust mixture over the top to create a crumbly topping.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the cream cheese filling is set. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before slicing into 12 bars.
Notes
- Dried figs can be substituted with fresh figs when in season, but soaking time will be reduced.
- Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of these bars.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crust for extra warmth and flavor.
- Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- For a sweeter filling, increase the sugar in the cream cheese layer slightly.
