Chewy Cherry Bars

Yield: about 4 dozen bars

Ingredients

Crust

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup quick-cooking or old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup butter, softened

Filling

• 2 eggs
• 1 cup lightly packed brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons all- purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup coconut
• 2 (10 ounce) jars maraschino cherries, drained and coarsely chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Icing (optional)

• 1/3 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 4 tablespoons milk

Instructions

1. For the crust, combine flour, oats, brown sugar and baking soda in mixing bowl. Cut in butter until crumbly. Press into a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.
2. Bake in a preheated 350 degrees F oven for 10 minutes.
3. For the filling, beat eggs, brown sugar and vanilla extract together thoroughly.
4. Combine flour and baking powder; stir into egg mixture, mixing well. Stir in coconut, maraschino cherries and pecans. Spread evenly over crust.
5. Bake in a preheated 350 degree F oven for 25 minutes, or until lightly browned.
6. Let cool completely.
7. If desired, prepare the icing by combining butter, vanilla extract, powdered sugar and milk. Beat until smooth and creamy. Spread over bars.

Attribution

Recipe and photo used with permission from: National Cherry Growers Foundation