Creamy Fig and Cream Cheese Bars Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
