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Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars Recipe


  • Author: Lily
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 bars 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars are a delightful blend of a buttery crumble base, sweet and tangy fig compote, and a smooth creamy cheese topping. This dessert combines rich textures and flavors, perfect for an elegant treat or a cozy afternoon 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 (stems removed and chopped)
  • 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 creates a crumbly dough perfect for the base texture. Use very cold butter to ensure a lovely crumble 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 to form a solid base, compacting it slightly with your hands for a firm foundation.
  3. Prepare the Fig Compote: Clean dried figs by removing stems and chopping into small pieces. In a saucepan, add figs to 1 cup (250 ml) water and 40 g granulated sugar, then cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes until figs soften. Remove from heat, cool slightly, then transfer figs and cooking liquid to a blender. Add 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice and blend until smooth to create a sweet and tangy fig spread.
  4. Spread the Fig Mixture: Evenly spread the blended fig compote over the pressed crumble base in the baking pan, covering the entire surface for a flavorful layer.
  5. Make the Cream Cheese Layer: In a bowl, beat 170 g softened cream cheese with 40 g sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 large egg until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will serve as the rich, velvety topping for the bars. Using real vanilla extract enhances the flavor.
  6. Assemble and Bake: Pour the cream cheese mixture gently over the fig layer in the pan. Spread evenly using a spatula. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) for 30 minutes, or until the top is set and lightly golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before slicing into bars to maintain their structure.

Notes

  • Use very cold unsalted butter for the best crumble texture.
  • Adjust sugar in the fig compote to taste, depending on the sweetness of your dried figs.
  • Ensure cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the topping.
  • Allow bars to cool fully before slicing to ensure clean cuts.
  • Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar (approx. 60 g)
  • Calories: 240 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 110 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg

Keywords: fig bars, cream cheese bars, fig dessert, crumble base, baked dessert, easy dessert recipe, homemade fig bars