Raspberry Cream Cheese Squares
The Best Raspberry Bars

FOR THE CRUST

1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour:)

FOR THE TOPPING

3 pkgs. (8 oz. size, each) cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tbsps. cornstarch
3 eggs
3/4 tsp. almond extract
1 cup fresh or *frozen raspberries
1/4 cup sliced almonds



Directions

FOR THE CRUST

In a bowl, combine the softened butter and the sugar.

With a hand mixer, beat the butter and sugar until creamy.



Add the flour, and continue to mix on low speed, until well combined, and the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9" x 13" baking dish.

Bake at 350%#176 F for about 15 minutes, or until the edges are very lightly browned.

FOR THE TOPPING

In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, sugar, and cornstarch.

Beat at medium speed, until well combined and sugar is dissolved.

Mixture will be creamy in consistency.

Add the eggs and almond extract, and continue to beat until well combined.

Sprinkle the raspberries over the hot, partially baked, crust.

Pour the cream cheese mixture over the raspberries, and sprinkle with the sliced almonds.

Bake at 350° F for 22 - 28 minutes, or until the edges are slightly browned.

Remove from oven, and carefully run a knife around the outside of the squares.

Cool, and then refrigerate before cutting into squares (about 2 hours).

Store squares in the refrigerator.

Makes 30 squares.

Enjoy this Raspberry Squares Recipe!