Creating Festive Fig & Cream Cheese Bars is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to ensure your bars turn out perfectly:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the softened butter and egg. Mix until the dough forms a crumbly texture.
3. Press the Dough: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
4. Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
5. Spread the Filling: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the baked crust, spreading it evenly.
6. Prepare the Fig Topping: In another bowl, mix chopped figs, walnuts (if using), and lemon zest until combined. Spread the fig mixture evenly over the cream cheese filling.
7. Bake Again: Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 25-30 minutes or until the filling is set and slightly golden.
8. Cool: Remove from the oven and let it cool in the baking dish for about 1 hour. This allows the bars to set properly.
9. Cut into Bars: Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper. Cut them into squares or rectangles for serving.
10. Serve: Enjoy your Festive Fig & Cream Cheese Bars either chilled or at room temperature.