Raspberry Cheesecake Bars
- 1 cup sugar
- 1⁄2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- 11⁄4 cups all- purpose fl our
- One 8- ounce package cream cheese, softened
- 1⁄2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 egg
- 1⁄4 cup seedless red raspberry jam
Instructions:
I love cheesecake and wanted to take a recipe, simplify it, and make it my own. Whoever gives these bars a chance will really enjoy how easy they are and how delicious.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9- inch square baking pan.
- Combine 1⁄2 cup of the sugar and the butter in a large bowl; mix well. Stir in the flour until the mixture is crumbly. Press into the prepared pan. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. The mixture will not be fully cooked.
- Combine the remaining 1⁄2 cup sugar, the cream cheese, almond extract, and egg in the large bowl. Beat using a mixer at high speed until well blended.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust. Place 2 tablespoons of the jam in a small bowl and micro wave on high for 15 seconds until slightly melted. Stir to blend and spoon over the cream cheese mixture. Using the tip of a spoon, carefully swirl the jam into the cream cheese layer, being careful not to disturb the crust.
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until set. Place the pan on a wire rack and let stand for 30 minutes. Using the back of a spoon, stir the remaining jam and spread evenly over the bars in a thin layer. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before cutting into bars. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.