Cherry Walnut Shortbread Bars

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Cherry Walnut Shortbread Bars.

1. Step 1

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with heavy aluminum foil for easy removal.

2. Step 2

   In a mixing bowl, combine 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of softened butter, and 1/2 cup of white sugar. Mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, then press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.

3. Step 3

   Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until lightly golden.

4. Step 4

   In another bowl, blend together 1 cup of packed brown sugar, 2 eggs, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. Drain and chop the maraschino cherries, reserving the liquid, and fold them along with 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts into the egg mixture.

5. Step 5

   Pour the cherry and walnut mixture over the baked crust, spreading it evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the filling is set.

6. Step 6

   Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely.

7. Step 7

   To make the icing, combine 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar with 1 1/2 tablespoons of softened butter and enough reserved cherry liquid to achieve a spreadable consistency. Frost the cooled bars with the icing, then cut into squares once the icing has set.