Cherry Shortbread Bars

Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Servings: 24
Yield: 24 servings

Description

Maraschino cherries and nuts amp up these cherry shortbread bars, making them a dessert that's sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup white sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 ounces maraschino cherries
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons butter, softened

Directions

1 Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a 9x13-inch pan with heavy aluminum foil.
2 Mix flour, 1 cup butter, and white sugar together until mixture is crumbly. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3 Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
4 Blend brown sugar, eggs, salt, baking powder, and vanilla extract together in a bowl. Drain and chop cherries, reserving the liquid. Stir cherries and walnuts into the egg mixture. Place mixture on top of the baked crust.
5 Return to the oven and bake until set, about 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool.
6 Combine powdered sugar and 1 1/2 tablespoons butter with enough cherry liquid to spread easily. Frost cooled bars. Cut into squares after icing has set.