CHERRY WALNUT SQUARES
I call these my naughty-but-nice bars. Packed with dried cherries, white chocolate chips and chopped walnuts, they’re very indulgent and oh so good!
—LISA SPEER PALM BEACH, FL
PREP: 25 MIN. • BAKE: 25 MIN. + COOLING • MAKES: 6 1/2 DOZEN
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
1. Preheat oven to 375°. In a large bowl, cream the butter, sugars and extract until light and fluffy. Combine the 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.