Cream Cheese Apple Bars

I've made this recipe several times this fall. Even though it has several different layers, it isn't difficult to make.

This recipe has been in my files for a while and I don't remember where I first found it. The original recipe was to be made in a spring-form pan. I prefer making it in a 9x13 pan. The bars are then easier to cut, though they are thinner.

Cream Cheese Apple Bars

Crust:
1/2 cup soft butter
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 tsp vanilla
1 cup flour

Cream butter and sugar together. Blend in vanilla and flour. Spread in 9x13 pan.

Filling:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp vanilla

Combine cream cheese and sugar. Add egg and vanilla and mix well. Spread over unbaked crust.

Topping:
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 tsp cinnamon
4 cups diced apples
1/3 cup slivered almonds

Toss apples in sugar and cinnamon. Arrange over cream cheese. Sprinkle on almonds.
Bake at 450 degrees for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 400 degrees and bake for 20-25 minutes. Cool. Cut into squares. Serve.

I cut the squares into triangles for my mom's tea party.