Fig and Cream Cheese Bars

• cups all-purpose flour (about 6 ounces)↗1 1⁄3 cups
• cup brown sugar, packed↗3⁄4 cup
• teaspoon salt↗1⁄2 teaspoon
• tablespoons butter, chilled and cut into small pieces↗6 tablespoons
• Filling
• cups dried figs, stems removed↗2 cups
• cup water↗1 cup
• cup granulated sugar, divided↗1⁄2 cup
• tablespoons fresh lemon juice↗3 tablespoons
• cup reduced-fat cream cheese, softened↗3⁄4 cup
• teaspoon pure vanilla extract↗1 teaspoon
• large egg↗1
• teaspoons powdered sugar↗2 teaspoons

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring cup; level with a knife.

2. 2

   In a bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and salt, stirring well with a whisk.

3. 3

   Cut in butter with a pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture resembles coarse meal. Press mixture firmly into a 13 x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray.

4. 4

   Combine figs, water and 1/4 cup granulated sugar in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

5. 5

   Cook 5 minutes or until figs are tender and sugar dissolves.

6. 6

   Cool slightly. Place fig mixture and juice in a blender; process until smooth.

7. 7

   Gently spread fig mixture over prepared crust.

8. 8

   Place remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar, cheese, vanilla, and egg in a medium bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until smooth.

9. 9

   Pour over fig mixture; spread to edges. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until set and lightly browned.

10. 10

    Cool in pan on a wire rack; sprinkle with powdered sugar.