Pear Custard Bars

Oh these are good. I don't know why I don't make them more often - probably because I have so many good recipes to choose from, and I want to try new ones too. Such a problem - too much food, too little time.

This recipe is easy, but it has a few steps, and the crust needs to cool a bit before you pour the filling in. Don't start making this late in the evening, or you will be forced to stay up too late watching sitcom reruns while you wait for your dessert to bake and cool. (not that I would know)

Start by making the crust: cream together the butter and sugar. Then beat in the vanilla and flour until combined.



Stir in the macadamia nuts.



Press this mixture into a well greased 8 or 9-inch square baking pan.



Bake for 20 minutes or until lightly browned, and cool for about 45 minutes on a wire rack.



While it cools, you can make the filling. Beat the cream cheese until smooth, then add the egg, sugar and vanilla and mix until combined.



Pour the filling over the crust.



Cut the pears into slices (about 1/8") and layer them over the filling.



Combine the sugar and cinnamon and then sprinkle the mixture over the pears.



Turn the oven up to 375 and then bake for 25-30 minutes. The center will still be soft set and will firm up while cooling. Cool on a wire rack for 45 minutes, then cover and refrigerate at least two hours before cutting. Store these in the refrigerator.

Get more recipes at Mouthwatering Mondays, Tempt my Tummy Tusedays, Tuesdays at the Table, Tasty Tuesday and Save Room for Dessert Wednesday, Food on Friday.

Pear Custard Bars

Crust:
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/3 cup sugar
3/4 cup flour
1/4 tsp. vanilla
2/3 cup chopped macadamia nuts
Filling:
1- 8oz. package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 can (15 1/4 oz) pear halves, drained
1/2 tsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon

In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in the flour and vanilla until combined. Stir in the nuts. Press into a well greased 8 or 9 inch square baking pan. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack. Increase heat to 375.

In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, egg and vanilla; mix until combined. Pour over crust. Cut pears into 1/8 inch slices; arrange in a single layer over filling. Combine sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over pears. Bake at 375 for 25-30 minutes (center will be soft set but will firm up while cooling). Cool on a wire rack for 45 minutes.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting. Store in the refrigerator. Makes 16 bars.