Raspberry Cream Cheese Bars

You can choose any flavor of preserves. From Taste of Home.

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Serves: 30

Ingredients

• 3⁄4 cup butter or 3⁄4 cup margarine, softened
• 1  cup  packed brown sugar
• 1 1⁄2 cups quick-cooking oats
• 1 1⁄2 cups flour
• 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 11  ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1⁄2 cup sugar
• 2  eggs
• 1  teaspoon vanilla
• 1 (18 ounce) jar  red raspberry preserves
• 1⁄3 cup  chopped  slivered almonds

Directions

1. In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar.
2. Combine the oats, flour, baking soda and salt; add to creamed mixture and mix well.
3. Press 3/4 of the mixture into a greased 13x9 pan.
4. Bake at 350 for 11-13 minutes or until set and edges just begin to brown.
5. Meanwhile, in a small mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar.
6. Add eggs and vanilla; mix well.
7. Spread over crust.
8. Drop preserves by spoonfuls over cream cheese mixture; carefully spread evenly.
9. Combine almonds and remaining oat mixture; sprinkle over preserves.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until set and edges are golden brown.
11. Cool before cutting.
12. Store in refrigerator.