CANDY-TOPPED BARS

Candy-Topped Bars image

These yummy colorful bars from Renee Anderson of Franklin, Tennessee have a nutty shortbread crust and a sweet cream cheese filling.

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 55m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup cold butter
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg
2 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 to 1 cup M&M's minis

Steps:

In a large bowl, combine flour and brown sugar. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in pecans. Set aside 1/2 cup for topping. Press remaining crumb mixture into a greased 9-in. square pan. Bake at 350° for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly browned., In a bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar. Add egg, milk, lemon juice and vanilla; mix well. Pour over warm crust. Sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture. , Bake for 25-30 minutes or until set. Immediately sprinkle with M&M's. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars. Refrigerate leftovers.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 226 calories, Fat 16g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 45mg cholesterol, Sodium 107mg sodium, Carbohydrate 19g carbohydrate (12g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 3g protein.