FROSTED CHERRY NUT BARS

Frosted Cherry Nut Bars image

Cherries, nuts and chocolate chips peek out of these bars, making them impossible for folks to stop at trying just one. With their pretty look, they're especially nice to have on hand during the holidays.

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 50m

Yield about 6 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 17

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup milk
1 cup mixed nuts, coarsely chopped
1 cup halved maraschino cherries
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
FROSTING:
1/4 cup butter
2 cups confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk and mix well. Stir in nuts, cherries and chocolate chips. , Spread into a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Bake at 325° for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. , Meanwhile, In a small heavy saucepan, cook butter over medium heat for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown. Pour into a large, bowl; beat in the confectioners' sugar, milk and vanilla. Frost warm bars. Cool on a wire rack before cutting.,

Nutrition Facts : Calories 85 calories, Fat 4g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 11mg cholesterol, Sodium 63mg sodium, Carbohydrate 12g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 1g protein.