Description
These Irresistible Fig and Cream Cheese Bars combine a buttery crumb crust with a luscious fig filling and creamy cheese topping. Perfect for sharing, they offer a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors, enhanced by the richness of cream cheese and the natural sweetness of dried figs. Ideal for dessert or an elegant snack your guests will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 250 g All-Purpose Flour (Forms the base of the crust.)
- 100 g Brown Sugar (Can swap with white sugar if needed.)
- 1 pinch Salt (Enhances overall flavor.)
- 150 g Cold Unsalted Butter (Keep it very cold for best texture.)
Fig Filling
- 200 g Dried Figs (Ensure figs are soft or soak in warm water if hard.)
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice (Brightens the fig filling.)
- Water (a little, for cooking figs)
Cream Cheese Topping
- 300 g Cream Cheese (Full-fat is best for flavor and texture.)
- 100 g Brown Sugar (Used to sweeten the cream cheese layer)
- 1 large Egg (Binds the cream cheese layer.)
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (Opt for real vanilla for a richer taste.)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) and prepare a 20×30 cm baking pan by greasing it or lining with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Cut in the very cold unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this crumbly mixture firmly into the base of the prepared baking pan to create an even, solid crust.
- Prepare the Fig Filling: Chop the dried figs and place them into a small saucepan with a little water. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes until the figs soften. Remove from heat, transfer to a blender or food processor, and blend until smooth. Stir in the lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
- Assemble the Fig Layer: Spread the prepared fig filling evenly over the crust in the baking pan, creating a uniform layer.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Topping: In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and egg until smooth and creamy. Be sure the mixture is well combined to ensure a silky texture.
- Layer the Cream Cheese: Pour the cream cheese mixture gently over the fig filling and spread evenly to cover the surface.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes. The top should be set but still have a slight jiggle in the center when you gently shake the pan.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This cooling step helps the bars to firm up for easier slicing. Once cooled, cut into 12 squares or rectangles and serve.
Notes
- If dried figs are hard, soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes before cooking to ensure softness.
- Cold butter is essential for achieving the perfect crumbly crust texture.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the best taste and texture in the topping.
- Cooling completely before slicing prevents the bars from falling apart.
- The slight jiggle after baking indicates the bars are perfectly baked and will set fully while cooling.
