The Back Street Deli Door County Cherry Bars

Yield: about 12 servings

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 cup frozen Door County Cherries*
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter an 8 inch square pan.
2. In bowl, combine 1 cup of the flour, the butter and powdered sugar. Beat until smooth. Pat into prepared pan with fingers.
3. Bake in preheated oven until golden brown, about 25 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, combine cherries with vanilla extract and toss. Set aside.
5. Beat eggs in bowl slightly. Gradually add sugar, beating until thick and light, 1 to 2 minutes.
6. In separate bowl, combine remaining 1/4 cup flour, the baking powder and salt.
7. With spoon, stir dry ingredients into egg mixture until well blended.
8. Stir in walnuts and marinated cherries.
9. Immediately spread top layer over bottom layer.
10. Bake for 25 minutes or until deep golden brown.
11. Cool in pan on rack.

Notes

* Do not thaw cherries. If Door County cherries are not available, frozen Bing cherries can be substituted. Do not use canned cherries in this recipe.

Attribution

The Back Street Deli, Eagle, Wisconsin