Tasty Fig and Cream Cheese Bars Recipe | Elegant Dessert with Fig Jam & Creamy Cheesecake Layers
These Tasty Fig and Cream Cheese Bars are a luxurious blend of sweet figs, tangy cream cheese, and buttery crust. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of rich flavor and smooth texture, with a layer of fig preserves nestled between creamy cheesecake filling and a golden shortbread base. Ideal for holidays, tea parties, or anytime you crave a sophisticated dessert, these bars are easy to make and guaranteed to impress.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- 8x8 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Spoon or spatula
- Knife (for swirling and slicing)
Ingredients
Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- Pinch of salt
Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Fig Layer:
- 1 cup fig preserves or chopped dried figs
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Optional: 1 tsp orange zest or 1/4 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix flour, butter, brown sugar, and salt until crumbly. Press into pan.
- Bake crust for 10 minutes. Let cool slightly.
- Beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth. Spread over crust.
- Mix fig preserves with lemon juice (and optional zest or cinnamon). Spoon over cream cheese layer.
- Swirl gently with a knife for a marbled effect.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until set and lightly golden.
- Cool completely, then chill for 1 hour before slicing.
Notes
- Use full-fat block cream cheese for best texture.
- Chill before slicing for clean edges.
- Fresh figs can be used by cooking them down with sugar and lemon juice.
- Freeze tightly wrapped bars for up to 2 months.
- Layer parchment between slices to prevent sticking.