Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease the bottom of a 9×13” in baking pan or dish. Set aside.

In the bowl of a mixer, combine flour, sugar and baking powder. Cut butter into small pieces and scatter into the bowl, along with eggs and almond extract. On low speed, combine together until a very crumbly mixture forms. Do not over mix.

Pour 2/3^rds of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan and spread evenly. Very lightly press down with your fingers, but don’t pack the mixture down. Set aside.

In a large microwave-safe bowl, add chocolate chips, softened cream cheese, and milk. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, stir, then microwave for an additional 30 seconds. Stir to combine into a smooth chocolate mixture. If the chocolate isn’t fully melted, microwave again in 20-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is smooth and fully mixed.

Once the chocolate and cream cheese mixture is melted, add almonds and stir to combine.

Pour chocolate almond mixture over bottom crust in the prepared pan. Use an offset spatula or spoon to spread to the edges.

Sprinkle remaining 1/3^rd of the crumb mixture evenly on top of the chocolate filling.

Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the edges of the bars and top are lightly golden brown.

Remove from the oven and cool completely before cutting into squares. (We did 4 rows x 6 rows for 24 pieces, but since these Chocolate Almond Crumb Bars are very rich, smaller squares would also work.)