Maraschino Cherry Bars

Maraschino Cherry Bars are a delightfully sweet treat that brings a pop of color and nostalgic flavor to any dessert table. These vibrant pink bars are a perfect blend of buttery crust, chewy cherry-packed filling, and a smooth cherry-infused frosting topped with flaked coconut. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a potluck, or just a weekday indulgence, this recipe delivers in taste and visual appeal. Made with pantry staples and a jar of maraschino cherries, these bars are easy to prepare and loved by all ages. Get ready to impress your guests with these irresistible cherry dessert bars.

Why You’ll Love These Maraschino Cherry Bars

There’s something so comforting and festive about Maraschino Cherry Bars. The buttery crust provides a rich base, while the cherry and walnut-studded filling brings texture and flavor. The cherry juice-infused frosting adds a beautiful hue and a sweet finish, making these bars stand out on any dessert tray. They’re simple to make, easy to transport, and perfect for sharing. Plus, the optional walnuts offer a lovely crunch that contrasts beautifully with the chewy cherry bits.

Ingredients

Crust:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup butter

Filling:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (10 oz) jar maraschino cherries, drained and chopped (reserve the juice)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Frosting:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 3 to 4 tablespoons reserved cherry juice
• 3 tablespoons flaked coconut

Step-by-Step: How to Make Maraschino Cherry Bars

1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix together the flour and sugar. Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. Bake the Crust: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Leave the oven on.
4. Prepare the Filling: While the crust bakes, combine the eggs, brown sugar, flour, baking powder, salt, and vanilla in a mixing bowl. Stir until smooth. Fold in the chopped cherries and walnuts (if using).
5. Add Filling and Bake Again: Pour the cherry filling evenly over the hot crust. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until the center is set.
6. Cool Completely: Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
7. Make the Frosting: In a small bowl, combine the butter, powdered sugar, and enough reserved cherry juice to reach a spreadable consistency. Mix until smooth. If the frosting turns out too runny, gradually add more powdered sugar until it thickens to your desired texture.
8. Frost and Garnish: Spread the frosting over the cooled bars. Sprinkle with flaked coconut.
9. Cut into Bars: Once the frosting has set, slice into squares or rectangles and serve.

Helpful Tips

• Use a sharp knife to chop the maraschino cherries and walnuts finely for even distribution.
• Drain cherries well before chopping to avoid excess moisture in the bars.
• Let bars cool completely before frosting to prevent the icing from melting.
• Line your pan with parchment paper for easier removal and cleaner slicing.
• Store in the fridge for a firmer texture and longer shelf life.

Substitutions And Variations

• Nut-Free Option: Omit the walnuts if you need a nut-free dessert.
• Coconut-Free Frosting: Skip the flaked coconut if you’re not a fan or have allergies.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to replace the all-purpose flour in both the crust and filling.
• Chocolate Twist: Add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the filling for a chocolate-cherry combination.
• Zest It Up: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the filling for a citrusy brightness.

Storage Instructions

To extend freshness, store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to two months. To freeze, place the cut bars on a baking sheet in a single layer until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Nutritional Information

(Per serving, approximate based on 24 bars)

• Calories: 210
• Total Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 95mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 31g
• Sugars: 22g
• Protein: 2g

Serving Suggestions

Serve Maraschino Cherry Bars as part of a dessert buffet, alongside a cup of coffee or tea, or pack them in lunchboxes for a sweet midday treat. They’re also wonderful for baby showers, bridal showers, holiday parties, and potlucks. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maraschino Cherry Bars

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Fresh cherries have a different texture and moisture content, so they won’t produce the same sweet, chewy consistency. Stick with maraschino cherries for best results.

Do I need to use the coconut topping?
No, the flaked coconut is optional and can be omitted if you prefer a smoother finish or have dietary restrictions.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! These bars store well in the fridge or freezer and taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Why is my frosting too runny?
You might have added a bit too much cherry juice. To fix this, simply mix in a little extra powdered sugar until you reach the right consistency.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. For a larger crowd, double the ingredients and use a larger baking sheet, adjusting the bake time slightly to ensure doneness.

Final Thoughts

Thank you for trying out these Maraschino Cherry Bars! They’re a fun and flavorful dessert that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. With their vibrant color, sweet cherry flavor, and nostalgic charm, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your home. Whether you’re baking for a party or just a cozy weekend at home, they offer a simple yet impressive way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Happy baking, and thank you for being part of our food-loving community!

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Maraschino Cherry Bars

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• Author: lisa
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 24 bars 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Maraschino Cherry Bars are a sweet, nostalgic dessert made with a buttery crust, chewy cherry and walnut filling, and a cherry-frosted top. This easy, colorful recipe is perfect for holidays, potlucks, or a fun weekend bake. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/3 cup sugar

3/4 cup butter

Filling:

2 large eggs

1 cup brown sugar

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 (10 oz) jar maraschino cherries, drained and chopped (reserve the juice)

1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Frosting:

2 tablespoons butter

2 1/2 cups powdered sugar

3 to 4 tablespoons reserved cherry juice

3 tablespoons flaked coconut

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Instructions

• Preheat and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
• Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix together the flour and sugar. Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
• Bake the Crust: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Leave the oven on.
• Prepare the Filling: While the crust bakes, combine the eggs, brown sugar, flour, baking powder, salt, and vanilla in a mixing bowl. Stir until smooth. Fold in the chopped cherries and walnuts (if using).
• Add Filling and Bake Again: Pour the cherry filling evenly over the hot crust. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until the center is set.
• Cool Completely: Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
• Make the Frosting: In a small bowl, combine the butter, powdered sugar, and enough reserved cherry juice to reach a spreadable consistency. Mix until smooth. If the frosting turns out too runny, gradually add more powdered sugar until it thickens to your desired texture.
• Frost and Garnish: Spread the frosting over the cooled bars. Sprinkle with flaked coconut.
• Cut into Bars: Once the frosting has set, slice into squares or rectangles and serve.

Notes

For a nut-free version, skip the walnuts.

Use parchment paper for easy removal.

Bars taste even better the next day.

You can freeze these for up to 2 months.

Add citrus zest or mini chocolate chips for a twist.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Protein: 2g