RASPBERRY DESSERTS BARS RECIPES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
• Place the butter and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and mix on medium speed just until combined. With the mixer on low, add the vanilla.
• Sift the flour and salt together and, with the mixer on low, slowly add to the butter mixture, mixing until it almost comes together in a ball. Turn the dough out on a board. Lightly pat two-thirds of the dough evenly on the bottom of a 9-inch square baking pan and about 1/4-inch up the sides. Spread with the jam, leaving a 1/4-inch border. Mix the granola into the remaining dough with your hands. Break the dough into small bits and distribute it on top of the jam, covering most of the surface. Sprinkle the almonds on top. Bake the bars for 45 minutes, until lightly browned.
• Cool completely and cut into 9 or 12 bars. Sprinkle lightly with confectioners' sugar.

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 9-inch square pan with nonstick cooking spray. In large bowl, combine 1/2 cup sugar and butter; blend well. Lightly spoon flour into measuring cup; level off. Add flour; mix until crumbly. Press mixture in bottom of sprayed pan.
• Bake at 350°F. for 15 to 18 minutes or until edges are light golden brown.
• Meanwhile, in large bowl, combine all filling ingredients; beat well.
• Remove pan from oven; pour filling over partially baked crust. In small bowl, stir 2 tablespoons of the jam until softened. Spoon over cream cheese mixture. With tip of spoon, carefully swirl jam into top of cream cheese mixture. (Do not disturb crust.)
• Return pan to oven; bake an additional 15 to 20 minutes or until filling is set. Cool 30 minutes.
• Stir remaining jam; spread evenly over bars. Refrigerate 30 minutes. Cut into bars. Store in refrigerator.