Cream Cheese Bars with Fig Layer Recipe

Introduction

Cream Cheese Bars are a delightful treat combining a buttery crumble base, a rich fig layer, and a smooth cream cheese topping. This easy-to-make dessert balances sweet and tangy flavors for a perfect snack or dessert option.

Ingredients

• 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
• 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. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, a pinch of salt, and cold unsalted butter cut into small pieces. Rub the butter into the dry ingredients using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This is your crumble dough for the base.
2. Step 2: Grease or line a 20×30 cm baking pan with a little oil. Press the crumble dough evenly over the bottom of the pan using your hands, compacting it slightly to form a solid base.
3. Step 3: Remove stems from the dried figs and cut them into smaller pieces. Place figs in a saucepan with 1 cup of water and granulated sugar. Cook for 5 minutes until softened, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Step 4: Transfer the figs and cooking liquid to a blender. Add fresh lemon juice and blend until smooth. Spread this fig mixture evenly over the crumble base in the baking pan.
5. Step 5: In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese with sugar, vanilla extract, and the egg until smooth and creamy. This will be the creamy topping for your bars.
6. Step 6: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the fig layer in the pan, spreading it evenly.
7. Step 7: Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 25-30 minutes or until the cream cheese topping is set and lightly golden.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.

Tips & Variations

• Use very cold butter for the crumble to achieve a flakier texture.
• Swap dried figs for dates or apricots for different fruit flavors.
• For a richer topping, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture.
• If you prefer a less sweet fig layer, adjust the sugar to taste or omit entirely for a natural fruit sweetness.

Storage

Store the cream cheese bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, leave at room temperature for 10-15 minutes or warm gently in the oven at low heat to restore softness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars taste great when made a day in advance as the flavors meld together. Just keep them refrigerated until serving.

Can I use fresh figs instead of dried?

Fresh figs contain more moisture, so the texture will change. You can pulse fresh figs to make a compote, but reduce added water and baking time accordingly to avoid a soggy base.

Cream Cheese Bars with Fig Layer Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 58 reviews

Delicious and creamy fig cream cheese bars featuring a buttery crumble crust, a smooth fig compote layer, and a luscious cream cheese topping baked to perfection. This dessert combines fruity sweetness with creamy richness, perfect for a treat or special occasion.

• Author: lea
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 9–12 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 the flour, brown sugar, a pinch of salt, and cold unsalted butter cut into small pieces. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This cold butter technique ensures a lovely crumbly texture for the base.
2. Assemble the Crumble Base: Grease or lightly oil a 20×30 cm baking pan. Transfer the crumble dough into the pan and use your hands to press it evenly over the bottom, compacting it slightly to form a solid base layer.
3. Prepare the Fig Compote: Place the chopped dried figs in a small saucepan with 1 cup water and 40 g granulated sugar. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes until the figs soften. Remove from heat and cool slightly. Transfer the mixture to a blender, add the fresh lemon juice, and blend until smooth to create a sweet and tangy fig compote.
4. Spread the Fig Mixture: Evenly spread the blended fig compote over the prepared crumble base in the baking pan, making sure to cover the entire surface.
5. Make the Cream Cheese Layer: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar, vanilla extract, and one egg until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Using real vanilla extract enhances the flavor significantly.
6. Assemble and Bake: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the fig layer in the pan, spreading it evenly. Bake the assembled bars in a preheated oven (recommended 175°C/350°F) for approximately 25-30 minutes or until the cream cheese topping is set and lightly golden around the edges.

Notes

• Use very cold butter for the crumble to achieve a perfect crumbly crust texture.
• Adjust the sugar in the fig compote to your preferred sweetness.
• Real vanilla extract provides a richer flavor compared to imitation vanilla.
• Allow bars to cool completely before slicing for cleaner cuts.
• Store leftovers refrigerated and consume within 3-4 days for best taste.

Keywords: cream cheese bars, fig compote dessert, crumble crust bars, creamy fruit bars, baked cream cheese dessert