Cherry Nut Bar
A rich cherry nut bar featuring chocolate, nuts, and maraschino cherries, with a moist crumb and sweet frosting, perfect for snack times or dessert lovers seeking bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the sugar and butter until smooth. Add vanilla and coconut flavorings and eggs. Beat until fluffy.
- Add dry ingredients alternately with milk. Beat after each addition.
- Stir in nuts, cherries, and chocolate chips.
- Turn into a well-greased and floured 15 x 10 x 1-inch pan.
- Bake in a 325° F oven for 25 to 30 minutes.
- Frost while warm with your favorite powdered sugar frosting.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate chips instead of regular ones. You can substitute half of the butter with applesauce for a lighter version. If you don’t have maraschino cherries, fresh or frozen cherries can be used, just ensure they are pitted and chopped. Make sure to cream the butter and sugar well for a fluffy texture, which is key for this Cherry Nut Bar.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Cherry Nut Bars warm, drizzled with a simple powdered sugar frosting for extra sweetness. They pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a fun twist, serve alongside a cup of Coffee Frappe - Party Punch for a delightful dessert experience. Perfect for parties and gatherings, they are sure to impress!
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Cherry Nut Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. If you want to freeze them, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Nut Bar contains roughly 466 calories, with 4g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 870mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different nuts in this recipe?
Yes, you can use any type of nuts you prefer, such as walnuts or pecans. Just chop them up and fold them into the batter as directed. This will give your Cherry Nut Bars a unique flavor while still maintaining the delightful texture.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to bake them fresh before serving. Alternatively, you can bake them ahead of time and store them as instructed, frosting them just before serving.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).