Chewy Cherry Bars

Ingredients

• CRUST:
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup butter
• FILLING:
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup coconut
• 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and coarsely chopped (two 10-ounce or one 16-ounce jar)
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• ICING:
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk

Directions

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Makes about 4 dozen bars

1. For crust, combine flour, oats, brown sugar and baking soda in mixing bowl. Cut in butter until crumbly. Press into 13 x 9-inch cake pan. Bake at 350°F 10 minutes.

2. For filling, beat eggs, brown sugar and extract together thoroughly. Combine flour and baking powder. Stir into egg mixture. Mix well. Stir in coconut, cherries and nuts. Spread evenly over crust. Bake at 350°F 25 minutes, or until lightly browned. Cool completely.

3. To make icing, beat all ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Drizzle over bars.