Chocolate Chip Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Bars
Chocolate Chip Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Bars are a delicious blend of sweet chocolate and tart cherries, perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes + 1 hour chill time
- Yield: 48 squares 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) margarine, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup SPLENDA® Naturals Sugar & Stevia Sweetener Blend
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 11.5 ounces dark chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup chopped maraschino cherries, juices drained
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
- Prepare a 9 x 13 casserole dish with parchment paper if desired. If not using any paper, no need to grease pan.
- In a large bowl, cream margarine and SPLENDA® Naturals Sugar & Stevia Sweetener Blend for 2 minutes.
- Beat in vanilla and almond extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt.
- With the blender on low, gradually add flour mixture. Wipe down the sides of the bowl with a spatula and beat until mixed.
- Slowly beat or stir in chocolate chips.
- Chop cherries and gently squeeze some of the juice out.
- Carefully beat in cherries.
- Use a spatula to evenly spread mixture into baking dish.
- Bake in oven for 30 minutes or until the top edges are golden brown.
- Allow dish to cool then chill in refrigerator for about an hour to allow it to set and make it easier to cut.
- Remove parchment paper from dish and cut into 48 squares.
- ALLOW SHORTBREAD BARS TO COME TO ROOM TEMPERATURE BEFORE EATING. THEY HAVE AN UNPLEASANT TASTE IF SERVED COLD.
Notes
- Butter may be used in place of margarine. However, I prefer margarine as it allows the shortbread flavor to develop.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg