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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.

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 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

Find it online: https://cookwithlea.com/cream-cheese-bars-with-fig-layer-recipe/