Cherry Walnut Squares

Name: Cherry Walnut Squares
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6-1/2 dozen.
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

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

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

Directions

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

1 each: 105 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 40mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 starch.

Originally published as Naughty but Nice White Chocolate Cherry Walnut Squares in Country Woman Christmas 2011

Reviews

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KristiJo

Dec 6, 2012

I used dried cranberries since I had no dried cherries, plus I used gluten free flour in the crust. It was delicious!! I'll definitely make it again