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Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 bars
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars combine a buttery crumbly crust with a luscious fig and cream cheese filling, making the perfect sweet treat to satisfy your cravings. Featuring dried figs softened to a jam-like consistency and a rich cream cheese layer, these bars offer a delightful balance of fruity sweetness and creamy texture, ideal for desserts or afternoon snacks.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (substitute with gluten-free flour if desired)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark works well)
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt (enhances flavors)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into pieces)

Fig Filling

  • 1 cup dried figs (Turkish or Mission figs recommended)
  • 1 cup water (to soften figs)
  • 1-2 tablespoons sugar (optional, based on taste)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (brightens flavor)

Cream Cheese Layer

  • 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (real vanilla preferred)
  • 1 large egg (helps bind the filling)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Fig Filling: Start by combining the dried figs and water in a small saucepan. Simmer gently over low heat until the figs have softened and absorbed the water, about 10-15 minutes. Then, mash the figs into a chunky jam-like consistency. Add 1-2 tablespoons of sugar if desired to enhance sweetness, along with 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavor. Set aside and let cool.
  2. Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold, diced unsalted butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Reserve about 1/3 of this mixture for the topping later.
  3. Form the Base: Press the remaining crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a greased 8×8 inch baking pan to form the crust. Make sure it’s compact to support the filling layers.
  4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 large egg until smooth and creamy without lumps. This mixture will serve as a rich and smooth custard-like layer.
  5. Assemble the Bars: Spread the softened fig filling evenly over the pressed crust base. Then gently spread the cream cheese mixture on top of the fig layer, smoothing it out evenly.
  6. Add the Crumb Topping: Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly on top of the cream cheese layer to create a crunchy, sweet topping.
  7. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled bars for 30 minutes or until the top is golden and the cream cheese layer is set. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 12 bars.
  8. Serve: Once cooled, cut into squares and serve. These bars can be enjoyed at room temperature or chilled for a firmer texture. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Notes

  • Use gluten-free flour to make these bars gluten-free.
  • If figs are very dry, soak longer or add a little more water for a softer jam.
  • Adjust sugar amounts in the fig filling according to desired sweetness.
  • Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
  • For added texture, chopped nuts can be mixed into the crumb topping.

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Find it online: https://comfortmealsmadeeasy.com/decadent-fig-and-cream-cheese-bars-recipe/