Cherry Shortbread Bars

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

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 45 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
• Calories: 228 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• ½ cup white sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup chopped walnuts
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 ½ tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 5 ounces maraschino cherries

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

Step 2

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a 9x13-inch pan with heavy aluminum foil.

Step 3

Mix flour, 1 cup butter, and white sugar together until mixture is crumbly. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan.

Step 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.

Step 5

Return to the oven and bake until set, about 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool.

Step 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.