Name: Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-487779H43M41S
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1/4 cup sour cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 egg; 1 1/2 cups fresh or dried figs, chopped (if using dried, soak in warm water for 10-15 minutes and drain); 1/4 cup honey; 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 tablespoon lemon juice

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Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars

Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars are a rich, sweet, and creamy dessert that combines the luscious flavor of figs with a velvety cream cheese filling, all atop a buttery shortbread crust. These bars are the perfect balance of sweet and savory, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a dinner party or indulging in a personal treat, these bars are sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These bars are the perfect combination of a buttery, crumbly crust, a creamy, tangy filling, and the natural sweetness of figs. I love how the figs add a bit of chew and depth to the bars, while the cream cheese filling provides a rich, smooth texture. They’re not too sweet, just the right balance, and they have a sophisticated flavor profile that’s perfect for dessert or even a mid-afternoon snack.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg

For the Fig Topping:

1 1/2 cups fresh or dried figs, chopped (if using dried, soak in warm water for 10-15 minutes and drain)
1/4 cup honey
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon lemon juice

(Tip: You can substitute the figs with other fruits like dried apricots or berries for a different twist!)

Directions

Make the Crust:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, butter, sugar, and salt. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the dough comes together and resembles coarse crumbs.
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
Bake the crust for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.

Make the Cream Cheese Filling:

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
Add the sour cream, vanilla extract, and egg, and beat until combined and smooth.
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.

Make the Fig Topping:

In a small saucepan, combine the chopped figs, honey, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the figs are softened and the mixture has thickened slightly.
Spoon the fig mixture over the cream cheese filling, spreading it evenly.
Bake the bars for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the cream cheese filling is set and slightly golden on the edges.
Let the bars cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to fully set.

Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 9-12 bars, depending on how large you cut them. Prep time is about 20 minutes, baking time is 40-45 minutes, and chilling time is about 2 hours, so they’re ready in about 3 hours.

Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars

Variations
I like to:

Add a dash of nutmeg or cardamom to the fig topping for extra warmth.
Top the bars with a sprinkle of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
Drizzle the finished bars with a bit more honey or a dusting of powdered sugar before serving.
Use mascarpone cheese instead of cream cheese for a slightly different flavor.

Storage/Reheating
Store these bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They can be served chilled or at room temperature. If you’d like to warm them up, you can heat individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use dried figs instead of fresh?
Yes! If you use dried figs, soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes to soften them before chopping.

Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, you can freeze the bars before adding the fig topping. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 2 months. To serve, let them thaw in the refrigerator and add the fig topping afterward.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! These bars actually taste even better after sitting for a day or two, so they’re perfect for making ahead of time.

Conclusion
Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars are a rich, flavorful dessert that combines the creamy tang of cream cheese with the natural sweetness of figs and honey. The buttery crust holds everything together perfectly, and the topping adds just the right amount of sweetness and texture. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them by yourself, these bars are sure to be a hit!

Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars

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Author: Sarah
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours (including chilling time)
Yield: 9-12 bars
Category: Dessert
Method: Bake
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Make the Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, butter, sugar, and salt. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the dough comes together and resembles coarse crumbs. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Bake the crust for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the sour cream, vanilla extract, and egg, and beat until combined and smooth. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
Make the Fig Topping: In a small saucepan, combine the chopped figs, honey, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the figs are softened and the mixture has thickened slightly. Spoon the fig mixture over the cream cheese filling, spreading it evenly. Bake the bars for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the cream cheese filling is set and slightly golden on the edges.
Let the bars cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to fully set.