Strawberry Cheesecake Squares

Looking for a delicious new dessert to take for a family gathering, brunch or picnic?? Then this is just the dessert for you!! Beneath a layer of finely chopped almonds, you'll find a creamy strawberry-cheese filling that tastes too good to be true. Your friends and family will be waiting in line to try this yummy creation!!

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Yields: 36 squares

Ingredients

• CRUST

• 2  cups all-purpose flour
• 3⁄4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 3⁄4 cup  almonds, finely chopped
• 3⁄4 cup margarine

• FILLING

• 2 (250 g) packages cream cheese, softened
• 2⁄3 cup sugar
• 2  eggs
• 1⁄2 teaspoon  almond extract
• 1  cup  strawberry jam
• 3⁄4 cup  almonds, sliced

Directions

1. CRUST: Combine all ingredients for crust until crumbly. Reserve 3/4 cup for topping. Press remainder into a 13x9-inch cake pan sprayed with a nonstick spray. Bake at 350F for 12-15 minutes, or until edges are golden.
2. FILLING: Beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and extract until smooth. Spread evenly over hot crust. Bake 15 minutes longer.
3. Stir jam until very smooth. Spread over filling.
4. Stir sliced almonds into reserved crumble mixture. Sprinkle over jam. Bake 15 minutes longer.
5. Cool completely on wire rack. Chill 3 hours or overnight before cutting squares.
6. Store in refrigertor.