Scrumptious Chocolate Layer Bars

 

Shared with us by Julie Stott, who clipped it from a newspaper or similar source. The recipe originated with Hershey’s Chocolates.

2 Cups (12-ounce package) semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 8-ounce package cream cheese

2/3 cup evaporated milk

1 cup chopped walnuts

1 teaspoon almond extract, divided

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 ½ cups sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

1 cup butter, softened

2 eggs

Combine chocolate chips, cream cheese and evaporated milk in medium saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until chips are melted and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat; stir in walnuts and ½ teaspoon almond extract. Blend well; set aside.

Combine remaining ingredients in large mixer bowl. Blend well with mixer until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press half of mixture into greased 13x9-inch pan; spread with chocolate mixture. Sprinkle rest of crumbs over filling. Bake at 375 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes or until golden brown. Cool; cut into bars. About 3 dozen bars.