Lemon Fig Cheesecake Bars

1 Preheat the oven to 350°F, and grease a baking pan with cooking spray.
2 For the crust, combine the shortening, applesauce and brown sugar. Beat at a medium speed with an electric mixer until well blended, then add the flour, oats and salt to the mixture gradually at a low speed. Mix until just blended, then press onto the bottom of the prepared pan.
3 Bake the crust for 20 minutes or until lightly browned.
4 Spoon the preserves onto the hot crust immediately after it comes out of the oven. Spread carefully to cover the crust evenly.
5 Combine the cream cheese, sugar and flour in a large bowl, beating on a low speed until blended. Add the eggs, and mix well. Add the lemon zest and lemon juice, folding into the batter until smooth. Pour over the fig layer.
6 Bake the cheesecake bars for 25 minutes or until set. (This took a lot longer in our oven, so be prepared to bake this for longer.)
7 Remove the pan to cool on a rack and cool to room temperature before cutting into bars.
8 Cover and refrigerate, then enjoy!