Pear Custard Bars

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350°. Cream butter and 1/3 cup sugar until light and fluffy; beat in vanilla. Gradually beat in flour. Stir in nuts.
• Press into a greased 8-in. square baking pan. Bake until light brown, about 20 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Increase oven setting to 375°.
• Cut pears into 1/8-in. slices; blot dry. Beat cream cheese until smooth; beat in 1/2 cup sugar and vanilla. Beat in egg just until blended. Spread over crust. Arrange pears in a single layer over top. Mix remaining and cinnamon; sprinkle over pears.
• Bake until center is almost set, 28-30 minutes (filling will firm upon cooling). Cool 45 minutes on a wire rack. Refrigerate, covered, at least 2 hours before cutting.