Fig Cheese Cake Bars Recipe

Introduction

Fig Cheese Cake Bars combine the rich creaminess of cheesecake with the natural sweetness of figs, all on a buttery crumbly crust. These bars make a delightful dessert or snack that’s both unique and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Dried Figs (soaked if hard)
• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (or whole wheat for heartier alternative)
• 1/2 cup Brown Sugar (coconut sugar for a twist)
• 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (cold, cut into cubes)
• 8 oz Cream Cheese (full-fat for best results)
• 1/3 cup Granulated Sugar (sugar substitute for lower-calorie option)
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (pure preferred)
• 1 large Egg (or flax egg for vegan)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Use your fingers to rub in the cold butter cubes until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this evenly into a greased or lined 20×30 cm baking pan.
2. Step 2: In a saucepan, cook the cleaned and chopped figs with a splash of water. Add sugar if desired, and cook until the figs are softened. Blend the mixture with a little lemon juice until smooth. Spread this fig filling evenly over the baked crust.
3. Step 3: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and the egg until creamy and smooth. Gently spread this cheesecake mixture over the fig layer, creating an even top.
4. Step 4: Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) and bake the assembled bars for about 30 minutes, or until the topping is set and lightly golden. Allow them to cool in the pan briefly, then transfer to a wire rack.
5. Step 5: Let the bars cool completely, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. This helps achieve clean slices when cutting.

Tips & Variations

• Soaking dried figs overnight softens them for a smoother filling.
• Substitute whole wheat flour for a nuttier crust with extra fiber.
• Use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute to reduce refined sugar content.
• For a vegan version, replace the egg with a flax egg and use dairy-free cream cheese.
• Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crust mix for a warm spice note.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. Reheat slightly in the microwave if you prefer a softer texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh figs instead of dried?

Fresh figs can be used but will yield a looser filling. Cook them down longer to reduce moisture before blending for best results.

What is a flax egg and how do I make it?

A flax egg is a popular vegan egg substitute made by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it thickens before using.

Fig Cheese Cake Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 93 reviews

Delightful Fig Cheese Cake Bars combine a crumbly buttery crust with a sweet and tangy cream cheese topping layered over a smooth fig filling. These bars offer a perfect blend of fruity, creamy, and rich textures, making them an ideal treat for any occasion or a sophisticated dessert.

• Author: Victoria
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 5 hours (including chilling time)
• Yield: 9–12 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust Ingredients

• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (or whole wheat for heartier alternative)
• 1/2 cup Brown Sugar (coconut sugar for a twist)
• 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (cold, cut into cubes)
• Pinch of Salt

Fig Filling

• 1 cup Dried Figs (soaked if hard)
• Splash of Water
• Sugar to taste (optional)
• 1 tsp Lemon Juice

Cream Cheese Topping

• 8 oz Cream Cheese (full-fat for best results)
• 1/3 cup Granulated Sugar (sugar substitute for lower-calorie option)
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (pure preferred)
• 1 large Egg (or flax egg for vegan)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Use your fingers to rub in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture evenly into a greased or lined 20×30 cm baking pan to form the base crust.
2. Cook and Blend Fig Filling: In a saucepan, add the cleaned and chopped dried figs with a splash of water. Cook over medium heat until the figs soften. Add sugar if desired to enhance sweetness. Once softened, blend the mixture with lemon juice until smooth to create the fig filling.
3. Spread Fig Filling: Evenly spread the blended fig mixture over the baked crust layer carefully to create a uniform filling.
4. Prepare Cream Cheese Topping: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese together with granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and the egg until the mixture is creamy and smooth. Spread this cream cheese topping gently over the fig layer, ensuring an even coating.
5. Bake the Bars: Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Bake the assembled bars for 30 minutes or until the cream cheese topping is set and lightly golden.
6. Cool and Chill: Let the bars cool in the pan briefly, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. For best results and clean slicing, chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before cutting.

Notes

• Soak dried figs in warm water for 10–15 minutes if they are hard to soften before cooking.
• Use whole wheat flour for a heartier crust and added fiber.
• Substitute granulated sugar with sugar alternatives for lower calorie content.
• For a vegan version, replace the egg with a flax egg and use vegan cream cheese.
• Ensure the bars are fully chilled before slicing for clean, neat pieces.
• Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Keywords: Fig bars, cheesecake bars, fig cheesecake, dessert bars, baked dessert, cream cheese dessert