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Tasty Fig and Cream Cheese Bars

Decadent three-layer dessert bars featuring a buttery shortbread crust, a rich homemade fig filling, and a creamy cheesecake topping. The perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and crunchy.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 190
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Shortbread Crust
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.25 tsp salt
Fig Filling
  • 10 oz dried mission figs stems removed
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
Cream Cheese Topping
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened to room temp
  • 0.25 cup sugar
  • 1 egg large
  • 0.5 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

  • 8x8 Baking Pan
  • Food processor
  • Hand Mixer
  • Saucepan

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. For the crust: Cream butter and sugar. Add vanilla, salt, and flour. Mix until crumbly.
  3. Press dough firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15-18 minutes until lightly golden. Cool slightly.
  4. For the filling: Simmer figs, water, and lemon juice in a saucepan for 15 minutes until soft. Blend in a food processor until smooth.
  5. Spread the fig paste evenly over the baked crust.
  6. For the topping: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add egg and vanilla, mixing just until combined.
  7. Pour topping over fig layer. Bake for 20-25 minutes until set. Cool completely, then refrigerate for 2 hours before slicing.

Notes

Dip your knife in hot water and wipe dry between cuts for clean slices.