Fig & Blue Cheese Cheesecakes

Savoury Dessert Canapes:

The Allure of Savoury Cheesecake

While cheesecake is typically associated with sweet desserts, a savoury variation can be an alluring and unexpected surprise that adds class and intrigue to your appetiser spread.

The smooth and creamy texture of cheesecake itself, creates a luxurious mouth sensation, while the blue cheese adds a pungent, tang on the palate & when you introduce the natural sweetness of figs, it feels kind of elaborate.

When you serve desserts in bite-size, even the non-dessert eaters will grab one.

Removed from your everyday cheesecake or dessert flavours but suitable for an array of occasions…

Maybe the kids might steer clear of this one, unless their tastebuds are well-developed.

This contrast in flavours and textures makes each bite an adventure for the palate, appealing to both cheese lovers and those who enjoy nuanced flavour pairings & perhaps a different kind of ‘sweet’.

The Perfect Pairing of Blue Cheese & Figs

Blue cheese and figs are a classic combination that work in harmony to create a well-balanced taste experience.

The rich, salty, and slightly sharp notes of blue cheese contrast beautifully with the sweetness of figs, which have a honeyed flavour and a soft, juicy texture.

When combined, these elements create a well-rounded bite that is indulgent yet not overwhelming.

The natural sugars in the figs provide a mellow sweetness that tempers the strong, umami-rich profile of the cheese, making for an appetiser that is both complex and approachable.

Upgrade Your Hosting

Elevate your entertaining game with this sophisticated combination of flavours.

These savoury dessert canapes are an elegant addition to any hosting menu, from the laid-back cocktail gathering or a chic formal event, even to a charming garden party.

Their luxurious texture and bold marriage of flavours make them a standout appetiser that complements a variety of wines and cocktails.

Take your hosting to the next level with these Fig & Blue Cheese Cheesecakes—an irresistible bite-sized indulgence that brings both elegance and flavour to your table.

Fig & Blue Cheese Cheesecakes

(Serves 12 Prep 40 Mins)

You Will Need:

• Graham Crackers: These are sweet crackers that originated in USA. They are available at Woolworths in Australia but come in a box of mini-packs & are honey flavoured.
• Butter: Either salted or unsalted butter is fine and depends on your preference. I tend to go with unsalted.
• Cream Cheese: This is the base for your cheesecake. Use full-fat cream cheese.
• Blue Cheese: Any Blue cheese will work in this recipe. I buy smooth blue from Aldi.
• Fresh Figs: Fresh figs are seasonal & here in Australia, they are readily available in summer. Not always cheap but available at all major supermarkets.
• Honey: A touch of honey adds a lovely sweetness & ties all the other ingredients together.
• Pickled Baby figs in syrup (or a 120g jar): These pickled figs are a luxury ingredient and they come in a jar with syrup. I use some of the syrup to garnish the cheesecakes before serving.

Instructions:

Prepare the Crust:

Using a small food processor, pulse the graham crackers until they form fine crumbs. Reserve 2 tablespoons and set aside for garnish.

Melt the Butter:

Place the butter in a heatproof jug or small bowl and microwave in short bursts until fully melted. Allow it to cool slightly before use.

Combine and Press the Crust:

Pour the melted butter into the graham cracker crumbs and stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.

Divide the crumb mixture evenly among the 12 cups of a silicone mini muffin tray. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to press the mixture firmly into the base of each cup.

Blend the Filling:

Wipe the food processor clean, then add the fresh figs, blue cheese (reserving a small amount of blue cheese for the garnish), cream cheese, and honey. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.

Fill the Cups:

Using a small spoon or piping bag, evenly distribute the fig and cheese mixture into each muffin cup, smoothing the tops.

Chill to Set:

Transfer the tray to the refrigerator and let the cheesecakes chill for at least 30 minutes. If you’re in a warm climate and need them to firm up faster, place them in the freezer for about 10–15 minutes instead.

Garnish & Serve:

Just before serving, slice each mini fig almost all the way through, allowing them to fan slightly without falling apart. Top each cheesecake with a mini fig and drizzle 1/2 tsp fig oil over the top.

Serve immediately & Enjoy!

Helpful Hints

• These savoury Dessert canapes need to be eaten immediately to avoid spoiling the texture. The pickled figs can split the cream cheese filling when left to sit.

• You could substitute the graham crackers with pretzels for the base.

• Graham crackers come in a box with multi-small packs. They can be hard to find. I got mine from Woolies & they were honey-flavoured. You can also purchase Graham crackers online.

• Pickled figs can be purchased from super IGA stores or some boutique deli’s. (see below)

Fig & Blue Cheese Cheesecakes

Recipe

(Serves 12 Prep 40 Mins)

Ingredients

• 75g Graham Crackers
• 20g Butter
• 250g Cream Cheese
• 100g Blue Cheese
• 4 Fresh Figs
• 2 tsp Honey
• 12 pickled Baby figs in syrup (or a 120g jar)

Method

1. In a small food processor, pulse the graham crackers into fine crumbs, reserving 2 tablespoons for garnish.
2. Melt the butter in a heatproof jug in the microwave.
3. Pour the melted butter into the crumbs and stir until well combined.
4. Divide the crumb mixture evenly among the 12 cups of a silicone mini muffin tray, pressing firmly to form the base.
5. In a clean processor bowl, blend the fresh figs, blue cheese (reserving a small amount for garnish), cream cheese, and honey until smooth and creamy.
6. Spoon the cheese and fig mixture evenly into the muffin cups.
7. Refrigerate for 30 minutes (or freeze briefly if in a warm climate) to set.
8. Before serving, slice 12 of the baby figs almost all the way through and place one on top of each cheesecake.
9. Drizzle a small amount of fig syrup over each cheesecake.
10. Sprinkle with the reserved blue cheese and the remaining graham cracker crumbs.

Serve & Enjoy!

Wine Pairing Suggestions:

Sauternes or Late Harvest Riesling 

The intense sweetness of these wines beautifully balances the blue cheese’s saltiness while mirroring the honeyed fig flavours. The acidity keeps it from feeling too heavy.

Tawny Port 

With its nutty, caramelised notes, tawny port enhances the richness of the cheesecake while complementing the blue cheese’s depth and the figs’ jammy sweetness.

Vin Santo or Tokaji Aszú 

These sweet yet complex wines bring out the honey and fig flavours while offering a touch of acidity to cut through the richness.

Brut (or Demi-sec) Champagne

The effervescence cleanses the palate between bites, preventing the dish from feeling too heavy. A demi-sec (slightly sweet) Champagne enhances the honey and fig notes.

Off-Dry Gewürztraminer or Muscat 

Their floral, tropical notes pair wonderfully with figs and honey while providing enough acidity to balance the blue cheese.

There are a few different flavours to accompany these savoury dessert canapes.