Cherry Cheesecake Bars
Continuing with our Christmas cookie theme, we have a new entry into the double decadence that is cheesecake. Basically, this is a fruit covered cheesecake, but made into individual bars. Although it looks a little complex, the recipe is actually pretty easy once you get going, so do not let the multiple steps concern you, honestly.
Ingredients:
Crust
1 stick plus 2 tablespoons cold butter (10 tablespoons or 5 ounces) cut into small pieces
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup ground almonds
few drops almond flavoring
Fruit Filling
1 jar (16 to 18 ounces) cherry preserves
about 36 maraschino cherries, drained, halved
Cream Cheese Filling
2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon almond flavoring
Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Heat oven to 350°.
In bowl, work crust ingredients together just until particles begin to stick together a bit. Press into prepared pan. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until lightly browned around edge. Let cool slightly in pan on a rack.
Prepare fruit filling. Mix preserves and cherries; spread over crust.
Make the cream cheese filling. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until light. Beat in sugar and eggs and flavoring until well blended. Spread over the cherry layer. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
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