RASPBERRY CREAM CHEESE BARS

RASPBERRY CREAM CHEESE BARS

Crust Ingredients:
1/2 cup Butter, softened
1/3 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Topping Ingredients
3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3 eggs
3/4 teaspoon almond extract
1 cup fresh or frozen red raspberries
1/4 cup sliced almonds

Directions
1. Heat oven to 350°F.
2. Combine butter and 1/3 cup sugar in large bowl.
3. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy.
4. Reduce speed to low; add flour.
5. Beat until well mixed.
6. Press mixture onto bottom of ungreased 13x9-inch baking pan. 7. Bake for 12 to 16 minutes or until edges are very lightly browned.
8. Meanwhile, combine cream cheese, 3/4 cup sugar and cornstarch in large bowl.
9. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy.
10. Add eggs and almond extract; continue beating until well mixed.
11. Sprinkle raspberries over hot, partially baked crust.
12. Pour cream cheese mixture over berries; sprinkle with almonds. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until set and edges are lightly browned. Run knife around outside edge of bars.
13. Cool completely (at least 1 hour).
14. Refrigerate bars at least 2 hours before cutting.
Store refrigerated.

TIP: If using frozen raspberries, completely thaw and drain on paper towels before using.