Week 28: Raspberry Cheesecake Bars

Recipe: Raspberry Cheesecake Bars

From:  South Dakota Human Services Center (submitted by Barb P.)

Category:  Dessert

Rating: Yummy!

Ingredients:
1 cup sugar, divided
1/2 cup softened butter
1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 oz. package cream cheese, softened
1/2 tsp. almond extract
1 egg
1/4 cup seedless red raspberry jam

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease a 9-inch square baking pan.  
2. Combine 1/2 cup sugar and butter in large bowl.  Mix well.  Stir in flour until crumbly.  Press into pan.  Bake 15 to 18 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.  Mixture will not be fully cooked.
3. Combine remaining 1/2 cup sugar, cream cheese, almond extract and egg.  Beat with mixer on high speed until well blended.  Pour cream cheese mixture over crust.
4. Place 2 tablespoons jam in microwavable bowl and microwave 15 seconds, until slightly melted.  Stir to blend.  Spoon over cream cheese mixture.
5. Using tip of spoon, carefully swirl jam into cream cheese layer, being careful not to disturb the crust.  
6. Bake 18 to 20 minutes until set.  Cool on wire rack for 30 minutes.
7. Stir remaining jam and spread evenly with back of a spoon over the bars in a thin layer.  Refrigerate 30 minutes before cutting.  Store in refrigerator.