Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I rummaged through my pantry, a bag of dried figs caught my eye, reminding me of warm days spent gathering their sweetness under the sun. Inspired, I decided to whip up some Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars, a delightful no-bake dessert that’s just as impressive as it is easy to prepare. Perfect for those bustling weeks or special gatherings, these bars are a delicious way to bring a taste of gourmet to your kitchen without spending hours crouched over the stove. Plus, they’re make-ahead friendly, ensuring you’re always ready to impress friends and family. I can’t wait for you to experience the creamy richness balanced with the natural sweetness of figs—what’s your favorite way to enjoy figs in dessert? Why Are These Bars So Irresistible? Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars captivate with their luscious creamy texture and delightful sweetness from figs. Versatile enough to adapt with your favorite dried fruits, they make for a delightful treat. No-fuss preparation means you can whip these up in no time, making them perfect for busy days or special occasions. Rave reviews are guaranteed when you serve up these bars, especially paired with a cup of Earl Grey or fresh fruit. Plus, they store beautifully, allowing you to satisfy your sweet tooth all week long! Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars Ingredients • Perfect for those busy days! For the Crust All-purpose Flour – This forms the base for the crust; substitute with gluten-free flour blends if needed. Brown Sugar – Adds a rich sweetness and a hint of molasses; you can use white sugar if you’re out. Salt – Essential for enhancing the flavors and balancing the sweetness. Unsalted Butter – Provides a rich texture; for a vegan option, consider using coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. For the Fig Layer Dried Figs – The star ingredient, delivering natural sweetness; Turkish or Mission figs are best, but fresh figs can also work if you don’t mind a different texture. Water – Helps soften the dried figs; adjust the amount for your desired consistency. Lemon Juice – Adds necessary acidity to balance sweetness; use fresh juice for the best flavor, but bottled is fine in a pinch. For the Cream Cheese Topping Cream Cheese – Creates the dreamy, creamy topping; Neufchâtel cheese can lighten things up if desired. Sugar – Sweetens the cream cheese layer; adjust to taste for personal preference. Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor; always opt for real vanilla over imitation for superior quality. Egg – Provides structure to the topping; a flax egg can serve as a vegan alternative (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water). These Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars not only promise a delightful dessert experience but also invite creative substitutions that suit your palate. Enjoy crafting them and sweeten your day! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars Step 1: Prepare the crust In a medium bowl, combine all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and salt. Cut in cold unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, about 5 minutes. Grease a 20×30 cm baking pan and press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom, creating an even layer. Chill the crust in the refrigerator while you prepare the fig layer. Step 2: Soften figs In a saucepan, add dried figs and enough water to cover them. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 5 minutes until the figs are tender and soft. Remove from heat and let them cool slightly before transferring to a blender. Blend until smooth, adding a little more water if necessary to achieve a creamy consistency. Step 3: Spread the fig mixture Pour the smooth fig mixture evenly over the chilled crust, using a spatula to spread it out gently. Ensure the fig filling covers the entire crust evenly to create a luscious layer that will complement the cream cheese topping. Set aside while you prepare the cream cheese mixture. Step 4: Make cream cheese topping In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and egg together using an electric mixer until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes. This will create a rich, velvety topping for the Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars; pour it over the fig layer and spread it evenly with a spatula. Step 5: Bake Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Place the assembled pan in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly. Keep an eye on the bars to prevent over-baking, which can lead to cracks in the cream cheese layer. Allow them to cool on the countertop for a few minutes after baking. Step 6: Cool and slice Once cooled, transfer the bars to the refrigerator and allow them to chill completely for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling time is crucial for a clean cut when slicing. When ready to serve, use a sharp knife, dipped in warm water for easier cutting, to slice the Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars into squares. Make Ahead Options These Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars are a dream for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing taste! You can prepare the crust and fig layer up to 24 hours in advance by following these steps: First, make the crust and press it into the pan, then prepare the fig filling and spoon it over the crust. Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, simply whip up the cream cheese topping and bake as directed. For maximum freshness, slice the bars only after they’ve chilled completely, maintaining their creamy texture and delightful flavor. Enjoy gourmet results that make entertaining a breeze, even on your busiest days! Storage Tips for Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars Fridge: Store the bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days. This helps maintain their creamy texture and delightful sweetness from the figs. Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thawing: When ready to enjoy, simply thaw the bars overnight in the fridge. This preserves the flavors and ensures they remain deliciously creamy. Reheating: If you prefer them slightly warm, you can microwave individual pieces for about 10-15 seconds. Enjoy the comforting richness of your Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars! Expert Tips for Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars Cold Butter Matters: Use very cold butter for the crust to ensure it turns out crumbly and delicious. Handle the dough minimally to keep it light. Cook Figs Thoroughly: Ensure that figs are fully cooked to achieve a smooth filling—undercooking can result in a grainy texture. Perfect Baking Time: Keep a close watch on baking time; remove the bars when the center has a slight jiggle to prevent cracks in the cream cheese layer. Chill for Clean Cuts: Let the bars cool completely before slicing. Run a knife under hot water for easy cutting—this keeps your slices neat! Substitution Tips: Feel free to swap out dried figs for other dried fruits like apricots or dates for new flavor dimensions in your Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars. Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars Variations Feel free to personalize your Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars to match your taste buds and dietary preferences—let your creativity shine! Dried Fruit Swap: Try using apricots or dates instead of figs for a different fruit-infused flavor, offering a yummy twist. Nutty Addition: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans into the fig mixture for a delightful crunch and extra texture contrast. Nuts add a fantastic flavor depth. Chocolate Cream Cheese: Stir in cocoa powder to the cream cheese layer for a chocolatey variation that will delight any chocolate lover. It transforms the entire bar into a decadent dream! Vegan Twist: Replace cream cheese with cashew cream for a dairy-free version, bringing a smooth consistency with all the rich flavors. The creamy texture ensures you won’t miss out! Zesty Upgrade: Add zest from an orange to the cream cheese mixture for a hint of brightness that complements the figs beautifully. It’s a sunny surprise you’ll adore. Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the fig layer to warm up the flavors, perfect for cozy gatherings or festive occasions. Spices can truly elevate the entire dessert. Serving Suggestions: For an elevated experience, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This adds richness that transforms a simple bar into a luxurious dessert. Mini Bars: Pour the mixture into mini muffin tins for bite-sized bars—perfect for parties or a sweet snack on the go! They’re a delightful way to enjoy these treats in smaller portions. If you love experimenting with flavors, you might also enjoy whipping up some delicious Blueberry Cheesecake Bars or exploring a savory option like Sausage Egg and Cheese Roll-Ups for breakfast. The possibilities are endless! What to Serve with Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars Indulging in these luxuriously creamy bars is so delightful, but pairing them perfectly can elevate your dessert experience even more. Earl Grey Tea: The subtle bergamot notes complement the fig’s sweetness, creating a comforting and aromatic pairing. A warm cup brings serenity to your dessert time. Fresh Berries: Juicy raspberries or strawberries add a bright, tart contrast against the rich flavor of the bars, refreshing your palate. Their vibrant colors also make for a beautiful presentation! Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy coldness of ice cream melts beautifully into every bite. The vanilla’s soothing essence enhances the richness of the fig and cream cheese. Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream adds a delightful texture, making each savory bite feel extravagant and comforting. You can even infuse it with vanilla or a hint of lemon zest for an extra twist! Toasted Almonds: Adding a crunchy element brings a satisfying contrast to the smoothness of the bars. Their nutty flavor will amplify the fig’s natural sweetness. Dessert Wine: A sweet dessert wine, like a Riesling or late-harvest Sauvignon Blanc, pairs wonderfully, enhancing the sweetness of the bars while offering a delightful balance. Dark Chocolate Shavings: Sprinkling rich chocolate over your bars can turn them into an even more decadent treat. The bittersweet notes of the chocolate beautifully mingle with fig flavors. Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars Recipe FAQs How do I choose the best dried figs? Absolutely! When selecting dried figs, look for ones that are plump and moist, without dark spots all over. Turkish or Mission figs are recommended for their rich flavor, while fresh figs can alter the texture if substituted. Always opt for figs that feel soft to the touch but not overly mushy! What is the best way to store leftover Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars? For optimal freshness, refrigerate your bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days. This helps maintain their creamy texture and delightful sweetness. If you have leftovers after that, individual wrapping and storing in a freezer-safe container will allow you to freeze them for up to 3 months! Can I freeze the Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars? Very! To freeze, simply wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator to keep that creamy consistency intact. What if my cream cheese topping curdles? Don’t worry too much! If your cream cheese topping curdles, it may be due to the cream cheese being too cold or if it’s whipped too quickly. To prevent this, always allow the cream cheese to reach room temperature before mixing, and blend at a low speed initially until combined.For a smooth texture, whisk the ingredients gently. Are these bars suitable for people with allergies? If anyone in your circle has dietary restrictions, you can definitely make adjustments! This recipe can be modified to be gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and using a vegan butter substitute. Additionally, for a vegan option, try using a flax egg instead of the traditional egg. Enjoy your inclusivity in dessert-making! Can I change the figs to another fruit? Absolutely! The beauty of these Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars lies in their versatility. You can swap dried figs with other soft dried fruits like apricots or dates for exciting new flavors. Just keep in mind that the texture might vary slightly based on your choice of fruit, but they’ll still be delicious! Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars – Indulge in Easy Bliss Experience the delicious blend of creamy and sweet in these Decadent Fig and Cream Cheese Bars, perfect for any occasion. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsChilling Time 4 hours hrsTotal Time 4 hours hrs 50 minutes mins Servings: 12 barsCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 210 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Crust1 cup All-purpose Flour Gluten-free blend can be used.1/2 cup Brown Sugar White sugar can be substituted.1/4 teaspoon Salt Enhances flavors.1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Use coconut oil for vegan option.For the Fig Layer1 cup Dried Figs Turkish or Mission figs are best.1 cup Water Adjust for desired consistency.2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Fresh is preferred.For the Cream Cheese Topping8 oz Cream Cheese Neufchâtel cheese can lighten the topping.1/2 cup Sugar Adjust to taste.1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Use real vanilla.1 large Egg Can use a flax egg for vegan option. Equipment Medium bowlPastry cutterbaking panblenderElectric Mixer Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPrepare the crust by combining flour, brown sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press into a greased 20x30 cm baking pan and chill.Soften figs by simmering them with water for about 5 minutes. Blend until smooth, adding more water if necessary.Spread the fig mixture evenly over the chilled crust.Make the cream cheese topping by beating cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and egg until smooth. Pour over the fig layer.Bake at 180°C for 30 minutes, until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly. Cool on the countertop.Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before slicing into squares. Nutrition Serving: 1barCalories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 0.5mg NotesThe bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge, or individually wrapped and frozen for up to 3 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
