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Fig And Cream Cheese Bars

Indulge in Homemade Fig And Cream Cheese Bars Bliss

Fig And Cream Cheese Bars are a delightful quick dessert with a soft base and rich cream cheese topping, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 7 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Cooling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 12 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

For the Batter
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour Foundation for structure; measure accurately for the best results.
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar Adds sweetness; can be replaced with coconut sugar for a healthier option.
  • 1/2 cup Brown Sugar (Packed) Enhances moisture and adds depth; light brown sugar is a suitable substitute.
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder Provides leavening; if unavailable, baking soda can be used, but adjust measurements.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda Aids in rising; used alongside baking powder for optimal fluffiness.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt Balances sweetness; kosher salt is great for a finer texture.
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (Softened) Adds richness; substitute with vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
  • 1 large Egg Acts as a binder; you can use a flax egg for vegan diets.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Enhances flavor; almond extract can offer a tasty twist.
  • 1 cup Fresh/Dried Figs (Chopped) The main flavor component; dried figs work well if fresh aren’t available.
For the Cream Cheese Layer
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese (Softened) Provides a creamy topping; feel free to use vegan cream cheese as an alternative.
  • 1 cup Powdered Sugar Sweetens the cream cheese layer; adjust to your taste preference.
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice Offers acidity to balance the sweetness; lime juice can be used in a pinch.
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest Adds aromatic freshness; substitute with orange zest for a delightful variation.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Baking dish
  • whisk
  • Spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and the large egg until smooth.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
  5. Gently fold in the chopped figs, spreading them evenly throughout the batter.
  6. Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  7. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
  8. While the bars are cooling, prepare the cream cheese topping by beating together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
  9. Once the bars have cooled for about 30 minutes, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled bars.
  10. Chill the frosted bars in the refrigerator for an additional 30 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 2gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 80mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freeze cut bars for longer storage.

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