CHERRY WALNUT SQUARES

Cherry Walnut Squares image

I call these my "naughty but nice" bars. Packed with dried cherries, white chocolate chips and chopped walnuts, they're indulgent and oh-so-good! -Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 50m

Yield 6-1/2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

3/4 cup butter, softened
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons plus 1-1/2 teaspoons sugar
1/8 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
FILLING:
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
3/4 cup butter, cubed
1/4 cup light corn syrup
2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
1/4 teaspoon salt
2-3/4 cups chopped walnuts, divided
1 cup dried cherries, chopped
2-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3/4 cup white baking chips

Steps:

Preheat oven to 375°. In a large bowl, cream the butter, sugars and extract until light and fluffy. Combine flour and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Press onto the bottom of an ungreased 13x9-in. baking pan. Bake 8-10 minutes or until edges begin to brown., Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, cream and salt. Bring to boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat; cook and stir 4 minutes or until slightly thickened., Remove from the heat. Stir in 2-1/2 cups walnuts, cherries and vanilla; spread over crust. Bake 15-20 minutes or until bubbly. Sprinkle with baking chips and remaining walnuts; lightly press into filling. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 105 calories, Fat 7g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 10mg cholesterol, Sodium 40mg sodium, Carbohydrate 10g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 1g protein.