Fast Dessert RecipesFastDessertRecipes
Fig Cheesecake Bars With Pistachio Crust
CheesecakeMedium

Fig Cheesecake Bars With Pistachio Crust

Recipe by lounarecipes

From the Blog Author

This Fig Cheesecake Bars With Pistachio Crust are truly one of those desserts that makes me happy just looking at them. I whipped these up the first time when I needed an impressive yet totally doable treat for a last-minute gathering, and they became an instant favorite in my house. They hit that perfect sweet spot between sophisticated flavors and total ease, which is exactly what we aim for here at Fast Dessert Recipes. What makes these bars so addictive is the incredible contrast in textures and tastes. You get that beautifully buttery, slightly salty pistachio crust holding up a creamy, tangy cheesecake filling, all topped with sweet, jammy figs. It sounds fancy, but honestly, if you can mix ingredients, you can nail this recipe. They bake up perfectly and slice like a dream, making them ideal for parties or just a quiet Sunday afternoon indulgence. A little tip from my kitchen: make sure your cream cheese is truly at room temperature; it makes the filling incredibly smooth, banishing any lumps and ensuring that perfect velvety texture we’re after. Don't rush that step! I know you’re going to love the vibrant flavor combination as much as I do. Go ahead, give these a try this week, and let me know what you think when you do!
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Servings
12
Difficulty
Medium

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups shelled pistachios
  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup fresh or dried figs, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Directions

1

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2

In a food processor, pulse pistachios until finely ground, then mix with graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and salt.

3

Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 10 minutes; let cool.

4

Beat cream cheese until smooth, then add sugar and mix well.

5

Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla, almond extract, and sour cream until creamy.

6

Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust and bake for 25–30 minutes until the filling is set.

7

Remove from the oven and let the cheesecake cool completely.

8

Toss chopped figs with honey and lemon juice, then spread evenly over the cooled cheesecake layer.

9

Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before slicing into bars.

Recommended Kitchen Tools

1
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2
Air Fryer Oven Large 20 QT, 10-in-1 Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo with Window for Family, Airfryer Oven with Rotisserie, 3 Dehydrating Racks
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3
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Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I need to chill the Fig Cheesecake Bars before serving?

For the best texture and clean slicing, these Fig Cheesecake Bars require thorough chilling. After cooling completely on the counter, transfer the bars to the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, though chilling overnight is highly recommended.

Can I substitute the pistachio crust ingredients in this recipe?

While the pistachio crust is a signature element, you can make a substitution if needed. For a nut-free version, replace the 1 1/2 cups of shelled pistachios with an equal amount of vanilla wafer crumbs or substitute the graham crackers with shortbread crumbs.

What is the best way to prevent my cheesecake bars from cracking during baking?

To minimize cracking in your cheesecake filling, ensure your cream cheese is fully softened and don't overbeat the eggs when mixing. Since this recipe doesn't call for a water bath, baking at the specified 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes and allowing them to cool gradually in the oven with the door ajar helps maintain a smooth top.