Apricot Almond Cream Cheese Squares

I got this recipe from my girlfriend, after tasting this at her house party, I have been making these bars ever since, they are so delicious, and very rich, also, I have made these for parties, cut them small and served them in tiny muffin cups....I have never had any leftover. Also, I have used this base mix recipe, omiting the preserves of course, in lots of other recipes that call for a base, it always turns out flakey and light, with a wonderful buttery taste! (note: prepare ahead, these squares have to stay in the fridge overnight)

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Yields: 36 bars

Ingredients

• BASE

• 1  package  yellow cake mix or 1  package  white cake mix
• 1⁄2 cup butter, melted (no substitutions)
• 1⁄2 cup  almonds, finely chopped or ground
• 1 1⁄2 cups  apricot preserves

• FILLING

• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1⁄4 cup sugar
• 2  tablespoons flour
• 1⁄8 teaspoon salt
• 1  teaspoon vanilla
• 1  egg
• 1⁄3 cup  apricot preserves
• 1⁄2 cup coconut

Directions

1. Set oven 350 degrees.
2. Set rack to second lowest position.
3. Butter a 13x9 baking pan.
4. In a bowl, combine cake mix and melted butter; mix at low speed until crumbly.
5. Stir in almonds.
6. Reserve 1 cup base mixture.
7. Press remaining mixture in bottom of greased pan.
8. Carefully spread 1-1/2 cup preserves over base.
9. In another bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, flour, salt, vanilla and egg until well blended.
10. At low speed, mix in 1/3 cup preserves.
11. Carefully spread mixture over base.
12. Combine reserved 1 cup base mixture and coconut; sprinkle over filling.
13. Bake for 30-40 mins, or until very lightly golden brown, and center is set.
14. cool, and then refrigerate overnight.
15. Cut into small squares.