Almond Bars

I have to confess, I didn't make these bars.....yet.  My mom did and I really liked them.  If you have ever had Swedish Kringle, they are very similar to that.  A little bit richer with the added cream cheese.  Keep in mind they are rich and sweet.  So, you can cut them smaller.  My mom topped each bar with a sliced strawberry instead of the toasted almonds.  It cut some of the sweet and also looked pretty against the white frosting.  Added bonus, before you put the toasted almonds or strawberries on top, you can freeze them.

INGREDIENTS

Crust:

1 c. butter

1/2 c. powdered sugar

2 c. flour

Filling:

8 oz. Cream cheese, softened

1/2 c. sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp. Almond extract

Frosting:

1 1/2 c. powdered sugar

1 1/2 T. Milk

1/4 c. butter, softened

1 tsp. Almond extract

1/2 c. toasted sliced almonds

DIRECTIONS

Crust: Cut butter into dry ingredients and pat into 9 x 13 pan. Bake at 350 for 20 - 25 minutes.

Filling: Mix sugar and cream cheese with mixer until well creamed. Beat in Eggs and almond extract until fluffy. Pour over crust while still hot. Bake at 350 for 15 - 20 minutes. Cool completely.

Frosting: Cream sugar and butter, add milk and almond extract, mix well. Spread evenly on baked, cooled filling. Sprinkle toasted almonds on top.