Almond Cheesecake Bars

Almond Cheesecake Bars are a delightful blend of creamy cheesecake and the rich, nutty flavor of almonds. These bars start with a buttery almond crust, topped with a smooth and luscious cheesecake layer, and finished with a sprinkle of slivered almonds for added crunch. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or simply indulging in a sweet treat at home, these cheesecake bars are easy to make and even easier to enjoy. The combination of flavors and textures makes them a standout dessert that will quickly become a favorite.

Ingredients:

For the crust:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

For the filling:

• 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

For the topping:

• 1/4 cup slivered almonds
• Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, softened butter, and almond extract. Mix until a crumbly dough forms.
3. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
4. Bake the crust for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
5. While the crust is cooling, prepare the cheesecake filling. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
6. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the cream cheese mixture. Beat until fully combined and smooth.
7. Pour the cheesecake filling over the baked crust and spread it out evenly.
8. Sprinkle the slivered almonds over the top of the cheesecake layer.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden.
10. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
11. Before serving, dust with powdered sugar if desired.

These Almond Cheesecake Bars are creamy, nutty, and absolutely irresistible. They’re the perfect dessert for any occasion and will leave everyone asking for more!