Pear Custard Bars

In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in the flour and vanilla until combined. Stir in the nuts.

Press into a greased 8-in. square baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 20 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack. Increase heat to 375 degrees F.

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-in. slices; arrange in a single layer over filling.

Combine sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over pears. Bake at 375 degrees F for 28-30 minutes (center will be soft set and will become firmer upon cooling). Cool on a wire rack for 45 minutes. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting. Store in the refrigerator.

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