Making Festive Fig & Cream Cheese Bars is easy if you follow these clear steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Figs: In a small bowl, soak the chopped figs in warm water for about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. Cream the Cheese: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and continue to mix until combined.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
6. Mix Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the cream cheese mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
7. Add Melted Butter: Fold in the melted butter and mix until smooth. Be careful not to overmix.
8. Incorporate Figs: Gently fold in the soaked figs and nuts (if using) into the batter.
9. Pour Batter: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
10. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
11. Cool: Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar before cutting into squares.

These step-by-step instructions will guide you to create Festive Fig & Cream Cheese Bars that are sure to be a hit!