Cardamom Cheesecake Bars

Name: Cardamom Cheesecake Bars
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 16 bars.
Ingredients: 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup sugar; 2 teaspoons ground cardamom, divided; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten; 1/3 cup all-purpose flour; 1/3 cup quick-cooking oats; 1/3 cup packed brown sugar; 1/4 cup cold butter; 1/3 cup sliced almonds

Fans of cheesecake will love these bite-sized desserts. Crunchy and smooth, they're perfect for the holidays—or any other time.—Judi Oudekerk, Buffalo, Minnesota

Ingredients

3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
2 tablespoons butter, melted
2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons ground cardamom, divided
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup quick-cooking oats
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup cold butter
1/3 cup sliced almonds

Directions

In a small bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press onto the bottom of a greased 9-in. square baking pan. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, 1 teaspoon cardamom and vanilla until smooth. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Pour over crust.
In a small bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar and remaining cardamom. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Stir in almonds. Sprinkle over top.
Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until center is almost set and topping is golden brown. Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Cut into 16 bars.