Chocolate Layer Bars

These dessert bars have a tender, almond-flavored crust with a nutty, chocolate chip cream cheese filling and crumb topping.

Recipe Ingredients:

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese
2/3 cup evaporated milk
1 cup chopped walnuts, chopped
1 teaspoon almond extract - divided use
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter
2 large eggs, lightly beaten

Cooking Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 13x9x2-inch baking dish; set aside.
2. In a saucepan melt together chocolate chips, cream cheese and evaporated milk. Cook over low heat until melted and smooth. Remove from the heat and stir in chopped walnuts and half the almond extract. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Blend in butter and eggs until crumbly. Stir in remaining almond extract.
4. Press half of the crumb mixture into pan. Spread chocolate mixture over crumb mixture; then sprinkle remaining crumb mixture evenly on top. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until golden brown. Cool before cutting into 24 bars.

Makes 24 bars.