Pear Custard Bars

This is one of my favorite desserts - the combination of fruit and cream cheese is always winning - but I especially love how in this recipe the pears pair (get it? pears pair!) with the custardy filling and the nutty crust.

This is a recipe repeat. For step by step instructions, visit the original post.

One year ago: Spicy Pasta with Sweet Potatoes
Two years ago: Baba Ghanoush

Find more great stuff at It's a Keeper, Full Plate Thursday, Bake with Bizzy, Sweet Treats Thursday, Food on Fridays, Foodie Friday, Sweet Tooth Friday, Friday Potluck, Fusion 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.