Description

Hey friends! Beau here from Feastical. Sometimes dessert should be a showstopper, but also achievable in your own kitchen. These Baked Fig & Honey Cheesecake Bars have it all: a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy honey-sweetened cheesecake, and roasted figs with a glossy thyme-honey glaze. Earthy, elegant, and cozy—all in one sliceable bar.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust:

1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar for deeper flavor)
6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Layer:

16 oz (two 8-oz blocks) full-fat cream cheese, softened
½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
½ cup honey (high-quality preferred)
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Topping:

1 cup fresh figs, halved
2 tbsp honey
½ tsp fresh thyme leaves (optional, can use a pinch of flaky sea salt)

Instructions

1. Prep the Pan

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy lifting. Spray parchment lightly with cooking spray.

2. Make the Crust

Mix graham cracker crumbs and sugar.
Add melted butter and mix until it holds together.
Press firmly into the pan. Use a measuring cup bottom to compact it.
Bake 10 minutes, then cool slightly.

3. Make the Cheesecake Filling

Beat cream cheese until smooth. Scrape down sides.
Add sour cream and honey, mix until combined.
Beat in eggs one at a time on low speed.
Mix in vanilla and salt. Batter should be smooth and pourable.

4. Assemble

Pour cheesecake filling over crust, smooth top.
Arrange halved figs cut-side up on top. They will sink slightly.

5. Bake

Bake 30–35 minutes. Edges should be set; center should jiggle slightly.

6. Glaze

Warm honey with thyme leaves for ~15 seconds. Drizzle over warm bars.

7. Chill

Cool completely, then refrigerate 2+ hours or overnight before slicing.

Notes

Nutty Crust: Replace half of the crumbs with ground toasted almonds or pecans.
Citrus Zing: Add zest of 1 orange or lemon to cheesecake batter.
Ginger Spice: Add 1 tsp ground ginger or 2 tbsp chopped crystallized ginger to crust.
No Fresh Figs: Use ¾ cup high-quality fig jam swirled on top instead.
Bourbon Caramel: Skip thyme honey glaze; drizzle cooled bars with bourbon caramel.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham crackers.

Nutrition

Calories: 270 Cal per bar
Sugar: 17g
Fat: per bar
Carbohydrates: 23g