No matter what time of year these easy Cherry Bars are always a crowd pleasing dessert recipe. Shortbread crust piled with chewy cherry and coconut filling. Maraschino cherries are used so it’s an easy recipe all year long.
This vintage recipe has stood the test of time for good reason. It’s easy to make and completely delicious.
Buttery shortbread on bottom, loads of juicy cherry filling and a crackling top that’s so satisfying.
Because it doesn’t use fresh cherries it’s perfect any time and especially popular around the holidays. It’s a wonderful cherry dessert recipe and the easiest way to make delicious cherry bars.
Cherry Bar Recipe
I originally found this recipe handwritten in a home recipe book from 1937.
We loved the flavors and texture as well as how easy it was to make.
While preparing to give it an update we did a bit of research and believe the original recipe may have been featured on a Gold Medal Flour box.
We were surprised to find the recipe in our background research to be almost the identical to this particular recipe from the home cook version.
Vintage Recipe Update
The owner of our version made a few changes. Instead of mixing the chopped maraschino cherries and stirring them into the batter, she placed them on top, allowing them to gently sink into the luscious filling while they bake.
We’ve made them both ways (photos shared here). The final consistency is pretty much the same but the sinking method definitely produces a prettier bar with more cherries showing.
These would be a great recipe any time delicious bars are called for! Perfect for cherry season or Christmas cookie platters.
These are not the same as cherry pie bars which use canned cherry pie filling.
Recipe Ingredients + Notes
Unsalted butter. You’ll need 1/2 cup of butter. Be sure to start the recipe with softened butter.
All Purpose Flour. Regular or gluten free measure-for-measure flour blend can be used. For the gluten-free version we love Bob’s Red Mill gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour. You’ll need 1 1/4 cups of flour divided between the curst and filling.
Cinnamon. Just a smidge of ground cinnamon is sprinkled on the baked crust before adding the filling. You won’t even taste it but it amplifies the cherry flavor.
Eggs. Use 2 eggs beaten.
Maraschino cherries and juice. The recipe uses 1/2 cup of chopped maraschino cherries and a tablespoon of juice from the bottle.
Baking powder. The rising agent in the cherry bars.
Vanilla extract. Gives familiar homey flavor.
Coconut. Use grated unsweetened coconut.
Walnuts. Finely chopped nuts. The original recipe calls for walnuts but pecans could be substituted too.
How to make Cherry Bars – Step-by-Step
STEP 1. Preparation
Pre heat oven to 350 degrees F. Use parchment paper to line the bottom of a 9-inch by 9-inch baking dish and spray with non-stick cooking spray (photos 1-2).
STEP 2. Make the shortbread crust
Cream butter in a medium bowl using a hand mixer or bowl of a stand mixer on medium speed.
Add 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 cup of the flour. Beat on low speed to fully combine (photo 3).
Spoon into the prepared pan and press down to cover the bottom of the pan (photos 4-5).
Bake for 10 minutes, remove and set aside.
STEP 3. Make the cherry bars
While the crust bakes, combine the remaining wet ingredients and dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
Combine the eggs, cherry juice, 1 cup sugar, 1/4 cup flour, baking powder and vanilla. Using a mixer with a (paddle attachment on a standing mixer) mix to combine all ingredients (photo 6).
Stir in the coconut and walnuts (photo 7). Do not over mix.
Sprinkle the cinnamon over the crust (photo 8). Spoon the filling over it (photo 9).
Sprinkle the cherries across the top of the batter (photo 10).
Place into the heated oven and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Do not over brown.
STEP 4. Cool
Allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 20 minutes minimum.
NOTE: once cooled to room temperature the pan can be covered with plastic wrap and fully chilled in the refrigerator before slicing for cleaner cuts on the bars.
Variation – Original Recipe
The original Gold Medal flour recipe mixes everything together; the nuts, cherries and coconut (photo 1) and pours that into the baked crust (photo 2).
Their recipe also does not include the sprinkle of cinnamon on top of the crust.
The bars are baked and cut the same as our recipe. Photos 3 and 4 above show what the bars look like if they are made in this way.
How to store
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
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Recipe
Cherry Bars
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour regular or measure-for-measure gluten free flour
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 eggs beaten
- 1 tablespoon juice from the maraschino cherries
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- ½ cup coconut use grated and unsweetened
- ¾ cup walnuts finely chopped
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries stems removed and chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the bottom of a 9 inch by 9 inch square pan. Spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- Put butter into a bowl of a mixer and beat on low to soften; about 1-2 minutes.
- Add 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 cup of flour to the butter. Mix on low to fully combine.
- Spoon mixture into the bottom of prepared pan and pat down to cover bottom of pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon.
- Place mixture in oven and bake for 10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- While shortbread crust is cooking, place eggs, maraschino cherry juice, 1 cup sugar, ¼ cup flour, baking powder, vanilla in the bowl of a mixer and mix on low to combine fully. Add in coconut and walnuts and mix on low just until mixed in. Do not over mix.
- Spoon mixture over the shortbread crust. Place cherries on top of the mixture. Place in the 350 degree oven and bake until set (when toothpick removed is clean, and top has browned) about 30 minutes. Do not over brown.
- Allow to cool on a rack for at least 20 minutes. Slice and serve. NOTE: the bars slice most cleanly if they've been chilled before slicing.
Notes
Nutrition
Originally published: February 14, 2012
Eliotseats says
Thanks for another great heirloom recipe. I covet your scrapbook.
Boulder Locavore says
Thank you! No need to covet; that's why I'm sharing the recipes so we can all enjoy them!
The Cozy Herbivore says
I am totally loving cherries right now, and how perfect are these for the Presidential holiday? What a great recipe!
And your polka-dotted knife is just too cute as well!
Boulder Locavore says
Thank you! I always think of cherries due to President's Day too. If you did not see it, check out the Cherry Pie I posted on President's Day. If you lover cherries, you'll be mad for this pie. I too love the little knife!
All That I'm Eating says
These look so good Toni, I've never seen maraschino cherries anywhere, I'll need to keep my eyes peeled! Also, I've given you the Liebster blog award.
Boulder Locavore says
I am sure they have Maraschino cherries in the UK. They typically are in cocktails. They have a distinct flavor that makes these bars really unique!
Jay @ LocalFood.me says
Gorgeous! I love that the recipe uses Maraschino cherries. And thanks for pointing out the Whole Foods option. First time I was in DC I spent an entire day weaving through the Smithsonian offerings. Perfect!
Boulder Locavore says
DC is such a great place and really so compact. Do try the Tillen Farms Maraschino Cherries. They really are identical in flavor to traditional maraschinos but I personally feel alot better about the ingredients!
Claudia says
I crave cherries every February 22nd (I am that old to remember two President Days and loving February because of it). And hate to wait for cherry season… maybe dried cherries… really good dried cherries?
Boulder Locavore says
Hi Claudia. Glad I'm not the only one with the Pavolvian relationship between cherries and President's Day! Another reader wondered about dried cherries. I'd try them. If they are really hard-dry maybe reconstitute them with some juice a bit first. Do let me know if you make them how it works!
Carolyn says
Love the connection here, with the story of Washington and his hatchet, and your lovely cherry bars!
Boulder Locavore says
Thank you Carolyn!
Katrina {In Katrina's Kitchen} says
So now I have a very distinct need to own a pink knife- with polka dots for sure!! ♥
Boulder Locavore says
It is a happy little knife, I agree.
authorjaneward says
I found some good quality maraschinos the other day so I must pick them up for this recipe. BTW, I wanted you to know I nominated you for 2 blogging awards in my latest post, if you want to check it out. My way of saying thanks for all the great reading over the past year or so!
Boulder Locavore says
Jane I'm so honored by what you wrote on your blog. Really touched; thank you!
Kristina says
I love your president's day inspiration! These sound delicious, I want to try to make my own maraschino cherries, I've never even thought to that, yum!
Boulder Locavore says
I hope you will make your maraschino cherries! They do taste different than those you'd buy in a more adult way!
Lisa @ Tarte du Jour says
Cherry dessert are definitely one of my favorites. When we spend our couple weeks each summer up in northern Michigan at the lake, I'm always trying to find new ways to enjoy the amazing Michigan cherries. Perhaps I can twist this recipe up and use fresh cherries instead of Marachino cherries? I think I'll try!!
Boulder Locavore says
You know Lisa I'm all about changing things up. I would absolutely try them. With your culinary prowess I'm sure they'll be delish!