Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

Introduction

Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars are a delightful treat combining sweet fig compote with a creamy, tangy topping on a buttery crumble base. Perfect for dessert or a special snack, these bars are sure to impress with their rich flavors and satisfying texture.

Ingredients

• 170 g all-purpose flour
• 80 g brown sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 90 g cold unsalted butter
• 400 g dried figs
• 1 cup (250 ml) water
• 40 g granulated sugar
• 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 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 forms the crumble dough for the base.
2. Step 2: Grease or line a 20×30 cm baking pan with a little oil. Pour the crumble dough into the pan and press it evenly over the bottom, compacting the mixture slightly to form a solid base.
3. Step 3: Remove stems from the dried figs and cut them into smaller pieces. Place the figs in a small saucepan with 1 cup water and granulated sugar. Cook for 5 minutes until the figs soften. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Transfer the figs and cooking liquid to a blender, add fresh lemon juice, and blend until smooth.
4. Step 4: Spread the blended fig mixture evenly over the crumble base in the baking pan, covering the entire surface.
5. Step 5: In a bowl, beat the 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. Gently spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) for 30 minutes, or until the top is set and lightly golden. Allow to cool completely before slicing into bars.

Tips & Variations

• Use very cold butter for the crumble to achieve a tender, flaky base.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crumble mixture for a warm spice note.
• Substitute dried figs with dried dates or apricots for a different fruity flavor.
• For a tangier topping, replace some of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven at low temperature or enjoy chilled. These bars are best served at room temperature or slightly cool.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh figs instead of dried figs?

Fresh figs can be used, but you may need to adjust cooking time to soften them properly. Dried figs create a thicker compote with concentrated flavor, so fresh figs may result in a looser filling.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend of your choice. Make sure the blend contains a binder like xanthan gum for best texture.

Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 62 reviews

These Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars combine a buttery crumble base with a sweet fig compote and a smooth, creamy topping. Perfect for dessert or a special snack, these bars offer a delightful blend of textures and flavors, featuring a rich cream cheese layer over a fruity fig filling on a crumbly, golden crust.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars (20×30 cm pan, sliced into 12 pieces) 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Western, American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crumble Dough

• 170 g all-purpose flour
• 80 g brown sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 90 g cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Fig Compote

• 400 g dried figs, stems removed and chopped
• 1 cup (250 ml) water
• 40 g granulated sugar (plus extra sugar to taste)
• 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (approximately, adjust to taste)

Cream Cheese Layer

• 170 g cream cheese, softened
• 40 g sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (preferably real vanilla)
• 1 large egg

Other

• Oil for greasing the pan

Instructions

1. 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 technique, using very cold butter, helps create a lovely crumble texture.
2. Assemble the Crumble Base: Grease or oil a 20×30 cm baking pan. Pour the crumble dough evenly into the pan and press it down firmly with your hands to form a solid, even base layer.
3. Prepare the Fig Compote: Remove stems from 400 g dried figs and chop into smaller pieces. Place the figs and 1 cup water in a small saucepan, add sugar to taste (at least 40 g suggested), and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Transfer the figs and cooking liquid to a blender, add approximately 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, and blend until smooth.
4. Spread the Fig Mixture: Evenly spread the blended fig compote over the crumble base in the baking pan, covering the entire surface thoroughly.
5. Make the Cream Cheese Layer: In a bowl, beat 170 g softened cream cheese with 40 g sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1 large egg until smooth and creamy. Use real vanilla extract for best flavor enhancement.
6. Assemble and Bake: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the fig layer in the baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) for 30 minutes, or until the top is set and lightly golden. Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Use very cold butter when making the crumble dough to achieve the perfect crumbly texture.
• Adjust sugar in the fig compote according to the sweetness of your dried figs and your preference.
• Real vanilla extract significantly enhances the flavor of the cream cheese layer.
• Let the bars cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts and proper set layers.
• Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: fig bars, cream cheese bars, dessert bars, fig compote, crumble base, baked bars