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Homemade Almond Cream Cheese Shortbread Bars photo

Almond Cream Cheese Shortbread Bars

These Almond Cream Cheese Shortbread Bars are a delicious blend of buttery shortbread and creamy almond filling!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 9 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter very soft (1 stick)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup confectioners sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon salt optional or to taste
  • 4 ounces brick-style cream cheese softened (lite is okay)
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons almond extract
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter softened (half of 1 stick)
  • 1 ½ cups confectioners sugar
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons almond extract for frosting
  • About 2 tablespoons cream or milk for frosting
  • About ¼ cup slivered almonds for garnish

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Baking pan (9x9-inch)
  • Rubber spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cream together the unsalted butter and confectioners sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add in all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt (if using). Mix until just combined.
  3. Grease your 9x9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. Press the shortbread mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
  4. In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add in the egg, all-purpose flour, and almond extract. Mix until well combined.
  5. Pour the cream cheese filling over the cooled shortbread base, spreading it out evenly. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly browned on top.
  6. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. In the meantime, make the frosting by beating together the softened unsalted butter, confectioners sugar, almond extract, and cream or milk until smooth and creamy.
  7. Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Sprinkle with slivered almonds for garnish.

Notes

  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
  • Freezing is an option! Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
  • Allow bars to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.