Maraschino Cherry Bars

I had every intention of sharing this recipe for Maraschino Cherry Bars before Valentines day.  The pretty pink colors just make it perfect for that holiday.  Although I missed that deadline, I still want to share these yummy little bars.  It seems like when I bake I am always looking for something chocolate or citrus-y, so these are a nice little change from my norm.

I have to give credit where credit is due.  I got this recipe from my sister-in-law, and I haven't changed a thing.  However, as I have gotten older, my tolerance for really sweet things has diminished a bit, and as I was eating these I was thinking that next time I make these I will maybe try to tone down the sweetness factor by topping these with some sort of cherry glaze rather than the frosting.  If I do, I will let you know.  In the meantime, enjoy these cherry bars just as they are!

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Maraschino Cherry Bars

Crust:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/3 cup sugar

¾ cup butter

Filling:

2 eggs

1 cup brown sugar

1/3 cup flour

1 ½ tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

½ tsp vanilla

10 oz jar maraschino cherries, drained and chopped (reserve juice)

½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Frosting:

2 tbsp. butter

2 ½ cups powdered sugar

3-4 tbsp reserved cherry juice

3 tbsp flaked coconut

Method:

Combine crust ingredients.  Press into 9x13 pan.  Bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes.  Meanwhile, combine filling ingredients and mix well.  Pour over hot crust.  Bake an additional 20-25 minutes.  Allow to Cool.

To make frosting:  Combine butter, powdered sugar and enough reserved juice to make a spreadable consistency.  Spread frosting over cooled bars.  Sprinkle with coconut.  Once frosting has set, cut into bars.