Creamy Fig and Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Fig and Cream Cheese Bars combine a buttery crust, sweet fig filling, and rich cream cheese topping into a delicious treat you’ll love to share. These bars are perfect for dessert or an indulgent snack.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Dried Figs (soaked if hard)
• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (or whole wheat for a heartier alternative)
• 1/2 cup Brown Sugar (coconut sugar for a twist)
• 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (cold, cut into cubes)
• 8 oz Cream Cheese (full-fat for best results)
• 1/3 cup Granulated Sugar (sugar substitute for a lower-calorie option)
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (pure preferred)
• 1 large Egg (or flax egg for vegan)
• A pinch of salt
• 1 splash of water
• Optional: Lemon juice and extra sugar for fig filling

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F). Grease or line a 20×30 cm baking pan.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Rub in the cold butter using your fingers until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Press it evenly into the prepared pan to form the crust.
3. Step 3: Chop the cleaned figs and cook them in a saucepan with a splash of water. Add extra sugar if desired, and cook until the figs are softened. Blend the mixture with a little lemon juice until smooth. Spread this fig filling evenly over the crust.
4. Step 4: Beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and the egg using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Spread this cream cheese topping gently over the fig layer.
5. Step 5: Bake the bars for 30 minutes or until the topping is set and lightly golden. Let them cool briefly in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Step 6: Chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before slicing. This helps achieve clean, neat cuts.

Tips & Variations

• Soaking dried figs in warm water for 10 minutes softens them and improves blending.
• Use whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber.
• For a vegan version, substitute the egg with a flax egg and use vegan cream cheese.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crust for extra warmth.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat briefly at room temperature or enjoy chilled. These bars also freeze well; thaw 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 figs?

Yes, fresh figs can be used. Simply chop and cook them down to reduce moisture before blending, but the consistency and sweetness may vary slightly.

What if I don’t have an electric mixer?

You can beat the cream cheese mixture by hand using a whisk or fork, but be sure the cream cheese is very soft to help achieve a smooth texture.

Creamy Fig and Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 699 reviews

Delight in these creamy fig and cream cheese bars, featuring a buttery crumb crust topped with a luscious fig filling and a smooth cream cheese layer. Perfectly balanced sweetness and a hint of vanilla make these bars an irresistible treat to share with friends and family.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert, Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Crust

• 1 cup Dried Figs, soaked if hard
• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (or whole wheat for a heartier alternative)
• 1/2 cup Brown Sugar (coconut sugar for a twist)
• 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, cold and cut into cubes

For the Cream Cheese Topping

• 8 oz Cream Cheese, full-fat for best results
• 1/3 cup Granulated Sugar (sugar substitute for lower-calorie option)
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract, pure preferred
• 1 large Egg (or flax egg for vegan option)

Instructions

1. Prepare the crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Use your fingers to rub in the cold unsalted butter cubes until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture evenly into a greased or lined 20×30 cm (8×12 inch) baking pan.
2. Make the fig filling: In a saucepan, cook the cleaned and chopped soaked figs with a splash of water. Add sugar if extra sweetness is desired. Cook until the figs soften fully. Then blend this mixture with lemon juice until smooth. Spread the fig filling evenly over the prepared crust.
3. Prepare the cream cheese topping: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese together with granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and the egg. Mix until the topping becomes creamy and smooth. Gently spread this cream cheese mixture over the fig layer in an even layer.
4. Bake the bars: Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F). Place the baking pan in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes until the topping is set and lightly golden on top.
5. Cool and chill: Once baked, let the bars cool in the pan for a short while before transferring to a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely. Then chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours for clean slicing.

Notes

• Soaking the dried figs before cooking makes them easier to blend and improves texture.
• Substitute whole wheat flour in the crust for a nuttier, heartier flavor.
• Use a flax egg substitute (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water, mixed and set) for a vegan version.
• For a lower-calorie option, replace granulated sugar with a sugar substitute of your choice.
• Ensure the cream cheese is softened before mixing for a smooth topping.
• Letting the bars chill is essential for clean, neat slices.

Keywords: fig bars, cream cheese bars, baked fig dessert, creamy fig bars, dessert bars, fig cream cheese recipe