Almond Creme Bars Recipe

Ingredients for Almond Creme Bars

• 1 ½ cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons almond extract
• 2-4 tablespoons milk

How to Make Almond Creme Bars

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. **Make the Crust:**
3. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted, 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, and ½ cup powdered sugar.
4. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking pan.
5. Bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
6. **Make the Filling:**
7. In a large bowl, beat together 8 ounces cream cheese (softened), 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon almond extract until smooth and creamy.
8. Pour filling over the baked crust.
9. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the filling is set.
10. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
11. **Make the Frosting:**
12. In a medium bowl, cream together ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened, and 2 cups powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
13. Add 1 teaspoon almond extract and 2-4 tablespoons milk, mixing until desired consistency is reached.
14. Spread frosting evenly over the cooled cream cheese layer.
15. Optional: Sprinkle with ½ cup slivered almonds, lightly crushed.
16. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.