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!
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
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