Old Fashioned Cherry Bars
Indulge in these Old Fashioned Cherry Bars featuring a rich buttery base, sweet glacé cherries, and a delightful crunch from pecans, making them perfect for cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
For the base
- 1 cup butter Ideally unsalted for better flavor control.
- 2 cups flour Use all-purpose flour for best results.
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar Firmly packed for rich sweetness.
- 1/4 cup icing sugar Powdered sugar for texture.
For the filling
- 4 eggs Room temperature for better incorporation.
- 2 cups glacé cherries (cut in quarters) Choose high-quality cherries for best flavor.
- 1 cup dried coconut, fine cut Adds chewiness and tropical flavor.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract Essential for balancing flavors.
- 1 cup chopped pecans (optional) For added crunch and nutty flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Lightly grease a 9×13 baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, icing sugar, and butter. Use your hands to rub the butter into the flour and icing sugar until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until the bottom crust begins to brown around the edges.
Filling Preparation
- In another bowl, mix together the eggs, glacé cherries, dried coconut, vanilla extract, and pecans until well combined.
- Spread this mixture evenly over the baked crust.
Baking
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the top is set and slightly golden.
- Allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares or bars.
Notes
These cherry bars are best served slightly warm or at room temperature. Consider dusting with icing sugar and serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, or refrigerate for about a week.