Walnut Cherry Delights

Rich, buttery, and utterly irresistible, these Walnut Cherry Delights are a masterclass in sweet and savory fusion.

Soft, chewy, and studded with crunchy walnuts and sweet dried cherries, these bars are the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth or impress at your next gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 cup dried cherries

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).

Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.

Set aside.

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.

Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Stir in chopped walnuts and dried cherries.

Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.

Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown.

Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan.

Then, lift out of the pan using the parchment paper or foil and cut into bars.

Notes

To ensure the bars hold together well, make sure to not overmix the batter, especially when adding the flour mixture and walnuts.

The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the bars after 25 minutes and every 2-3 minutes thereafter.

If using walnuts that are not freshly chopped, give them a quick toast in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to revive their flavor and texture.

For a chewier texture, bake for 28-30 minutes, and for a crisper texture, bake for the full 35 minutes.

Nutrional Value

• Calories: 240
• Total Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 36g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 18g
• Protein: 3g