CHERRY CHEWBILEES

Cherry Chewbilees image

Provided by Donna Cease

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 12

CRUST INGREDIENTS
1 c walnut pieces, divided
1 1/4 c all-purpose flour
1/2 c firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 c butter flavor shortening
1/2 c flake coconut
FILLING INGREDIENTS
2 pkg 8 oz each cream cheese, softened
2/3 c granulated sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
1 can(s) 21 oz cherry pie filling

Steps:

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees, grease 13x9x2 inch pan with butter flavor shortening, set aside.
2. Chop 1/2 cup nuts coarsely for topping, set aside. Chop remaining nuts finely.
3. For Crust: combine flour and brown sugar, cut in shortening until fine crumbs form.
4. Add 1/2 cup finely chopped nuts and coconut and mix well. Set aside 1/2 cup for topping.
5. Press remaining crumbs into pan and bake 12-15 minutes, until edges are lightly browned.
6. For Filling: beat cream cheese, granulated sugar, eggs and vanilla in small bowl at medium speed of electric mixer until smooth. spread over hot baked crust. Return to oven and bake 15 minutes longer.
7. Spread cherry pie filling over cheese layer, combine reserved coarsely chopped nuts and reserved crumbs. Sprinkle evenly over cherries. return to oven and bake 15 minutes longer. Cool. Refrigerate several hours and cut into bars.