Bar 84: Toasted Almond Neiman Marcus Bars

Mmmmm...I love me some almond. If you're an almond person too...then this bar's for you.
Enjoy!


Shopping List
2 cups slivered almonds 1 box of white cake mix
4 eggs
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 box of powdered sugar (about 4 cups)
1 (8 oz) package of cream cheese, softened
2 teaspoons almond extract




Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Grease (I use Pam) a 9x13 inch baking dish. Set aside.

In a clean, dry skillet over medium-high heat, add in your slivered almonds and toast up (it will take about 3 minutes). Once they start to get toasted and slightly browned, remove from heat and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, 2 eggs and melted butter. Spread in bottom of pan.

Spread the toasted almonds (reserving a few) across the cake layer.

In a second bowl, beat with electric mixer, powdered sugar, 2 more eggs, cream cheese and almond extract until smooth. Spread on top of toasted almonds.

Bake 35-40 minutes until edges are brown and center set (it will still be slightly wobbly in the middle).

Cool on counter 30 minutes, then refrigerate 2 hours up to 2 days.

Garnish bars with a few extra toasted almonds before serving.