Cherry Cheesecake Bars

Step 1

Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray. In large bowl, place cookie mix. Cut in butter, using pastry blender (or pulling 2 table knives through mix in opposite directions), until mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Reserve 1 1/2 cups of the crumb mixture for topping. Press remaining mixture in bottom of pan. Bake 10 minutes. Cool.

Step 2

Meanwhile, in large bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, flour, vanilla and egg with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over partially baked crust. Spoon cherry pie filling evenly over cream cheese layer.

Step 3

In small bowl, mix reserved 1 1/2 cups crumb mixture and the almonds. Sprinkle over pie filling.

Step 4

Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool 30 minutes. Refrigerate about 2 hours or until chilled. Cut into 6 rows by 4 rows. Store covered in refrigerator.