1-First Step: Line a 7 x 11-inch pan with two pieces of parchment paper crossed, edges hanging over for easy lifting. A 8 x 8-inch pan works if straight-sided to keep ratios right. This trick makes removal a breeze.

2-Second Step: Make the crust. Pulse 1 ½ cups (170 g) pecan pieces, 6 tablespoons (90 g) melted unsalted butter, ¼ cup (60 g) brown sugar, and 1/3 cup (50 g) flour in a food processor until just combined, pecans slightly coarse. Press evenly into the pan; set aside.

3-Third Step: Prepare fig topping. Combine 1 pound (450 g) sliced figs, 1/3 cup (65 ml) lemon juice, ¼ cup (50 ml) water, and ¼ cup (60 g) sugar in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir about 5 minutes, then simmer low, stirring occasionally, until very thick, around 20 minutes. Cool slightly. Cook slowly so it won’t sink.

4-Fourth Step: Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Active prep wraps up here, about 20 to 30 minutes total.

5-Fifth Step: Beat 8 ounces (225 g) softened cream cheese on medium-high until fluffy, 1 to 2 minutes. Add 1 large egg and mix until incorporated. Then add ¼ cup (60 g) sugar, 5 tablespoons (75 ml) sour cream, and 1 tablespoon (10 g) lemon zest; mix until combined.

6-Sixth Step: Pour filling over crust, level with spatula. Spoon fig topping in dollops across filling, avoiding one spot to prevent sinking.

7-Seventh Step: Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 50 to 60 minutes, until firm and skewer in center has a few moist crumbs. Lower temp longer reduces filling collapse risk.

8-Eighth Step: Cool completely in pan, then refrigerate at least 1 hour. Lift with parchment, cut into squares. Total time: cooking 50 to 60 minutes, chilling 1 hour minimum.

9-Ninth Step: For storage, keep in airtight container refrigerated up to 5 days. Freeze squares after flash-freezing, up to 3 months; thaw overnight.

10-Tenth Step: Troubleshooting: Soggy crust? Press firmer. Runny figs? Simmer longer. Cracks? Don’t overbake.

11-Eleventh Step: Serve with coffee or tea. For easy desserts like this, try my peach cobbler dump cake next. Dust with sugar or add nuts.