Strawberry Cheesecake Squares

By LoriCaputo

Ingredients

• CRUST
• 2 cups ROBIN HOOD® All Purpose Flour 500 mL
• 3/4 cup brown sugar , packed 175 mL
• 3/4 cup almonds , finely chopped 175 mL
• 3/4 cup margarine 175 mL
• FILLING
• 2 pkgs (8 oz/250 g) cream cheese , softened 2 pkgs
• 2/3 cup sugar 150 mL
• 2 eggs 2
• 1/2 tsp almond extract 2 mL
• 1 cup strawberry jam 250 mL
• 3/4 cup almonds , sliced 175 mL

Preparation

Step 1

Preparation

CRUST

COMBINE all ingredients for crust until crumbly. Reserve 3/4 cup (175 mL) for topping.

Press remainder into 13" x 9" (33 x 23 cm) cake pan sprayed with a non-stick spray.

BAKE at 350°F (180°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until edges are golden.

FILLING

BEAT cream cheese, sugar, eggs and extract until smooth. Spread evenly over hot crust.

Bake 15 minutes longer.

Stir jam until smooth. Spread over filling. Stir sliced almonds into reserved crumble mixture. Sprinkle over jam.

Bake 15 minutes longer. Cool completely on wire rack. Chill 3 hours or overnight before cutting into squares. Store in refrigerator.