Cherry Cheesecake Crumb Bars

By srumbel

Cherry Cheesecake Crumb Bars make a terrific brunch or dessert treat. The crumb topping takes things over the top, in the best, buttery-crunchy-spicy kinda way.
from mybakingaddiction.com

Ingredients

• For the Crust
• 2 cups quick oats (not instant)
• 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 1 teaspoon Spice Islands® Ground Cinnamon
• 1/2 cup Karo® Light Corn Syrup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• For the Filling
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup cherry preserves

Details

Preparation time 20mins
Cooking time 45mins

Preparation

Step 1

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8 x 8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray.

2. In a large bowl with an electric mixer, mix oats, flour, almonds, cinnamon, corn syrup, brown sugar and butter until crumbly. Press about 3/4 of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Reserve remaining crumb mixture for topping.

3. In a large bowl with an electric mixer, combine cream cheese, sugar, egg and extracts until smooth. Pour over crust. Microwave cherry preserves in microwave-safe container on high for 5-10 seconds. Drop spoonfuls of preserves over cream cheese mixture. Use a knife to swirl it through cream cheese. Top with reserved crumb mixture.

4. Bake 25-30 minutes or until center is set. Cool on wire rack and cut into bars.
Yield: 16 servings