Name: Honey Fig Cheesecake Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 5 h
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired / American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs or digestive biscuits; 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt; 2 large eggs; 1/3 cup honey (plus extra for drizzling); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp lemon zest (optional); Pinch of salt; 1 cup fresh or dried figs, sliced

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Honey fig cheesecake bars are a luxurious and elegant dessert I like to make when I want something both rustic and refined. With a buttery crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a luscious topping of sweet figs drizzled with golden honey, these bars are the perfect balance of tangy and sweet.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines the richness of classic cheesecake with the natural sweetness of figs and the floral notes of honey. The bar format makes them easy to serve and share, and they look stunning with fresh fig slices on top. Whether I’m making them for a gathering or just treating myself, they always feel like a little indulgence.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Graham cracker crumbs or digestive biscuits
Unsalted butter, melted
Cream cheese, softened
Sour cream or Greek yogurt
Eggs
Honey
Vanilla extract
Fresh or dried figs (or a mix of both)
Lemon zest (optional)
Pinch of salt

Directions

I start by preheating the oven and lining an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
I mix the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and press the mixture into the bottom of the pan to form the crust. I bake it for a few minutes until set.
While the crust cools slightly, I beat together the cream cheese, sour cream, honey, eggs, vanilla, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
I pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust and smooth out the top.
I bake the bars until the center is set but still slightly wobbly, then let them cool completely at room temperature.
I chill them in the fridge for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to firm up.
Just before serving, I top the bars with sliced fresh figs and drizzle more honey over the top for a glossy finish.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 9 to 12 cheesecake bars, depending on how I slice them. It takes about 20 minutes to prep, 35–40 minutes to bake, and at least 4 hours to chill before serving. I usually make them the day before so they’re ready to go when I need them.

Variations

Sometimes I add chopped walnuts or almonds to the crust for extra texture. I’ve also tried using mascarpone instead of cream cheese for a silkier filling. If fresh figs aren’t in season, I use rehydrated dried figs or a fig jam swirl on top. For a citrusy twist, I add orange zest instead of lemon.

storage/reheating

I store leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. I don’t recommend freezing them with the fig topping, but I have frozen the plain cheesecake bars and added the figs and honey after thawing.

FAQs

Can I use dried figs instead of fresh ones?

Yes, I rehydrate dried figs by soaking them in warm water or orange juice for 10–15 minutes before slicing and using them.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely. I often make them a day in advance and just add the figs and honey right before serving.

What kind of honey works best?

I prefer a light, floral honey like clover or orange blossom, but any good-quality honey will work.

How do I know when the cheesecake is done?

I look for the edges to be set and the center to have a slight jiggle. It will firm up completely as it chills.

Can I use a different crust?

Yes, I’ve made these with a shortbread crust or even crushed oat cookies for a heartier base.

Conclusion

These honey fig cheesecake bars are a beautiful, flavorful treat that always impresses. I love how the tangy cheesecake pairs with sweet honey and figs, and how easy they are to slice and serve. Whether I’m making them for a special occasion or just because, they bring a little touch of elegance to every bite.