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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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