Peaches and Cream Bars

From Family Circle All-Time Favorite Recipes.

• Ready In: 1 hr 20 mins
• Yields: 24 bars

Ingredients

• 30  graham cracker squares (15 whole graham crackers)
• 1⁄3 cup sugar, plus
• 1⁄2 cup sugar
• 1⁄2 cup  sliced almonds
• 6  tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 12  ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 2  eggs
• 1  teaspoon vanilla

• Topping

• 2  tablespoons  cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1⁄4 cup  packed light brown sugar
• 1⁄2 cup  sliced almonds
• 2  tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 (13 ounce) jar  peach preserves

Directions

1. Combine graham crackers, 1/3 cup sugar, and almonds in the container of a food processor or blender; process until well combined.
2. Pour in melted butter; process until crumbs hold together.
3. Press mixture over the bottom of a 13x9 inch pan that has been coated with nonstick cooking spray.
4. Bake in a 350° oven for 10 minutes or until lightly browned.
5. Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar until smooth.
6. Add in eggs, one at a time; beat well after each addition.
7. Beat in vanilla.
8. Pour cream cheese mixture over baked crust; spread out evenly; return to oven (same temperature) and bake 15 minutes or until slightly puffed.
9. To prepare the topping: crumble together the cold butter, brown sugar, sliced almonds, and flour in a bowl (can use a pastry blender); set aside.
10. Stir the peach preserves to break up any clumps.
11. Gently spread peach preserves over the top of cream cheese filling.
12. Sprinkle with topping; bake (same temperature) for 15 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
13. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack.
14. May chill bars if you want them firmer; cut into bars and serve.