Cherry Date Sparkle Bars

Festive cookie bars with a shortbread crust topped with red and green maraschino cherries, dates, coconut and pecans.

Recipe Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar - divided use
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour - divided use
2 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup whipping cream
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3/4 cup chopped dates
3/4 cup red and green maraschino cherry halves, well-drained
1/2 cup flaked coconut
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Cooking Directions:

1. Beat butter and 1/4 cup of the sugar until light and fluffy. Add 1 cup of the flour; mix well. Press into bottom of 9 inch square pan.
2. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
3. Beat eggs at medium speed on electric mixer until fluffy. Add remaining sugar, remaining flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing until well-blended. Blend in whipping cream and vanilla. Stir in remaining ingredients. Pour over crust.
4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes or until lightly browned and filling is set. Cool; cut into bars.

Makes 36 bars.

Recipe provided courtesy of Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, Inc.