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Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars Recipe

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These Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars feature a buttery crumble base topped with a smooth fig compote and a rich cream cheese layer, baked to perfection for a delightful dessert that balances fruity sweetness with creamy indulgence.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

  • 170 g all-purpose flour
  • 80 g brown sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 90 g cold unsalted butter

For the Fig Layer:

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

For the Cream Cheese Topping:

  • 170 g cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg
  • 40 g sugar

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 creates a crumble dough perfect for the base.
  2. Assemble the Crumble Base: 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 using your hands, compacting the mixture slightly to form a solid base.
  3. Prepare the Fig Compote: Remove stems from 400 g dried figs and cut into smaller pieces. Place the figs in a small saucepan with 1 cup (250 ml) water and 40 g granulated sugar. Cook for 5 minutes until the figs soften. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Transfer figs and cooking liquid into a blender, add 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, and blend until smooth.
  4. Spread the Fig Mixture: Spread the blended fig compote evenly over the crumble base in the baking pan, covering the entire surface for a flavorful layer.
  5. Make the Cream Cheese Layer: In a bowl, beat 170 g softened cream cheese with 40 g sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 large egg until smooth and creamy. This will be the creamy topping for your bars.
  6. Assemble and Bake: Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the fig layer in the baking pan. Bake the assembled bars in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for approximately 25-30 minutes until the cream cheese layer is set and slightly golden on top. Allow to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

  • Using very cold butter in the crumble creates a better texture for the crust.
  • Real vanilla extract enhances the flavor significantly compared to imitation vanilla.
  • You can adjust the sugar in the fig compote according to your taste preferences or the natural sweetness of your dried figs.
  • Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices.
  • If dried figs are very dry, soak them briefly in warm water before cooking for a smoother compote.

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