Old Fashioned Cherry Bars

2 cups flour

¼ cup icing sugar (powdered sugar)

1 cup butter

Top Layer:

1 ½ cups firmly packed brown sugar

2 cups glacé cherries, quartered

4 eggs

1 cup finely shredded dried coconut

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Pan: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Make the Crust: In a bowl, combine flour, icing sugar, and butter. Use your hands or a food processor to mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.

Bake the Crust: Bake for 20 minutes or until the edges begin to brown. Remove from the oven.

Prepare the Topping: In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, cherries, eggs, coconut, vanilla extract, and pecans (if using). Mix until well combined.

Bake Again: Spread the topping evenly over the crust and return to the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until set and lightly golden.

Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.