Creating these incredible Festive Fig & Cream Cheese Bars is a breeze when you follow these simple 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 Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.
3. Cream Butter and Egg: In another bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add the egg and mix until combined.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
5. Fold in Figs and Nuts: Gently fold in the chopped figs and nuts if using.
6. Spread the Base: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to form the base layer.
7. Bake the Base: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden.
8. Prepare Cream Cheese Layer: While the base is baking, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until smooth.
9. Spread Cream Cheese Mixture: Once the base is done, remove it from the oven and spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over it.
10. Return to Oven: Bake again for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cream cheese layer is set and slightly golden.
11. Cool: Remove from the oven and let cool in the baking dish for 15-30 minutes. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Cut into Bars: Once cooled, cut into squares or rectangles for serving.

These straightforward steps will guide you in creating Festive Fig & Cream Cheese Bars that are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate.