Sweet Cherry Walnut Bliss Bars
Inspired by the charming landscapes of Door County, Wisconsin, these Sweet Cherry Walnut Bliss Bars are a delightful treat that captures the essence of summer in every bite. Made with luscious frozen cherries and a buttery, crumbly base, this recipe is a tribute to the region's abundant cherry harvest. Easy to prepare and perfect for picnics or dessert at home, these bars become even more indulgent when topped with white baking chips during the last moments of baking. Whether you choose Door County cherries or sweet Bing cherries, this dessert promises to delight your taste buds. Enjoy them warm or chilled – either way, your friends and family will be coming back for seconds!
N/A
Servings
180
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Flour
1 1/4 cups (divided)
Butter
1/2 cup (room temperature)
Confectioners' Sugar
3 tablespoons (sifted)
Frozen Cherries
1 cup (do not thaw)
Vanilla Extract
2 teaspoons (pure)
Large Eggs
2 (beaten slightly)
Granulated Sugar
2/3 cup (white)
Baking Powder
1/2 teaspoon (fresh)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (kosher or sea salt)
Walnuts
3/4 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8 x 8-inch square baking pan to prevent sticking.
2
For the bottom layer, in a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, room temperature butter, and confectioners' sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture until smooth and creamy.
3
Press the buttery mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan using your fingers. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
4
While the bottom layer is baking, prepare the top layer. In a small bowl, gently toss the frozen cherries with vanilla extract and set aside.
5
In a large bowl, slightly beat the eggs until fluffy. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue beating until the mixture is thick and light in color.
6
Stir in the remaining 1/4 cup of flour, baking powder, and salt into the egg mixture until just blended. Then carefully fold in the chopped walnuts and the cherry-vanilla mixture.
7
Once the bottom layer is done baking, remove it from the oven and immediately spread the cherry mixture evenly over the hot crust.
8
Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 25 minutes, or until the bars are deep golden brown on top.
9
Remove from the oven and let the bars cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15-20 minutes before slicing into 12 squares. For an extra treat, sprinkle white baking chips on top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
18g
Carbs
2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Sweet Cherry Walnut Bliss Bars?
Sweet Cherry Walnut Bliss Bars are a dessert treat inspired by Door County, Wisconsin, featuring a buttery crust, frozen cherries, and chopped walnuts.
What is the inspiration behind this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the charming landscapes and abundant cherry harvests of Door County, Wisconsin.
How many bars does this recipe make?
The recipe yields 12 squares when sliced from an 8 x 8-inch pan.
What size baking pan is required?
You should use an 8 x 8-inch square baking pan.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for baking these bars.
How should I prepare the baking pan?
Grease and flour the pan to prevent the bars from sticking.
What ingredients are in the bottom layer?
The bottom layer consists of 1 cup of flour, room temperature butter, and sifted confectioners' sugar.
How long does the bottom crust need to bake?
Bake the bottom crust for about 25 minutes or until it is golden brown.
Should I thaw the frozen cherries before using them?
No, do not thaw the frozen cherries; use them straight from the freezer.
What kind of cherries can I use?
You can use Door County cherries or sweet Bing cherries for this recipe.
How do I prepare the egg mixture for the top layer?
Beat the eggs until fluffy, then gradually add granulated sugar and continue beating until the mixture is thick and light in color.
What dry ingredients are added to the egg mixture?
Stir in the remaining 1/4 cup of flour, fresh baking powder, and salt.
When are the walnuts and cherries added?
Carefully fold the chopped walnuts and the cherry-vanilla mixture into the egg and flour mixture.
When should I spread the cherry mixture over the crust?
Spread the cherry mixture evenly over the bottom layer immediately after it comes out of the oven while the crust is still hot.
How long is the second baking period?
Bake the bars for an additional 25 minutes or until the top is deep golden brown.
Can I add any extra toppings to these bars?
Yes, you can sprinkle white baking chips on top during the last 5 minutes of baking for an extra treat.
How long should the bars cool before slicing?
Let the bars cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15-20 minutes before cutting them.
Can these bars be served chilled?
Yes, these bars can be enjoyed either warm or chilled.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 180 calories.
What is the fat content per bar?
Each bar contains approximately 12g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are approximately 18g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in each bar?
Each bar provides approximately 2g of protein.
What type of butter should be used?
Use 1/2 cup of butter at room temperature for the crust.
What is the total amount of flour used?
A total of 1 1/4 cups of flour is used, divided between the crust and the filling.
How much vanilla extract is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract.
How many walnuts are required?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of chopped walnuts.
What kind of salt is best for this recipe?
Kosher or sea salt is recommended for this recipe.
Is an electric mixer necessary?
An electric mixer is recommended to beat the bottom layer mixture until smooth and creamy.
What type of sugar is used for the top layer?
The top layer uses 2/3 cup of white granulated sugar.
What is the texture of the bottom crust?
The bottom crust is buttery and crumbly.