If you've ever wished for a nostalgic treat that hits all the right notes of soft, chewy, and a little crunchy with an irresistibly buttery base, then you are going to fall in love with this Cherry Wink Bars Recipe. These bars bring together the luscious chew of maraschino cherries and dates, the hearty crunch of cornflakes and pecans, and a hint of tropical sweetness from coconut, creating a bar that's as charming as it is delicious. Whether you're baking for a cozy afternoon snack or a festive gathering, this Cherry Wink Bars Recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser that's both comforting and exciting in every bite.
Ingredients You'll Need
Each ingredient in this Cherry Wink Bars Recipe has a special role that builds layers of flavor and texture, from the buttery richness to the sweet fruitiness and crunchy cornflake topping. Let’s dive into the list, keeping it straightforward yet packed with quality components that make these bars shine.
- Cooking spray: Helps to ensure your bars come out cleanly from the pan without sticking.
- ⅔ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature: Adds creamy richness and tender crumb to the bars.
- 1 ¼ cups white sugar: Sweetens the mixture and helps achieve a light texture when beaten with butter.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients while adding moisture and softness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall sweetness and adds depth of flavor.
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and holds everything together perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives the bars a gentle lift for just the right bite.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Aids in leavening and balances acidity from the cherries and dates.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Intensifies flavors and balances the sweetness.
- ½ cup chopped pecans: Adds a nutty crunch and wholesome flavor contrast.
- ½ cup chopped dried pitted dates: Contributes a natural caramel-like chewiness.
- ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut: Infuses a subtle tropical note and chewy texture.
- ½ cup chopped red maraschino cherries, plus 12 whole cherries, quartered and patted dry, divided: The star of the show, bringing bright, fruity bursts and a glossy finish.
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes cereal, divided: Creates that iconic crispy crust on the bottom and top for irresistible crunch.
How to Make Cherry Wink Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat Oven
Start off by gathering all your ingredients because this recipe flows smoothly when everything is at hand. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and generously coat a 9x13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Line the pan with parchment paper, letting the paper overhang on the long sides by about 2 inches — this overhang is your secret weapon for easy removal later.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the room temperature butter and white sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This typically takes around 2 minutes and is crucial for that tender texture. Then, add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract. This creates a rich, smooth base bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt together in a separate bowl. Having this blend ready allows for even distribution and prevents lumps, making your batter consistent and smooth.
Step 4: Mix the Dry with the Wet
Gradually add the whisked dry ingredients to your butter mixture and beat on medium speed just until combined. Overmixing can toughen the bars, so be gentle here. Then fold in the chopped pecans, chopped dates, shredded coconut, and half of the chopped maraschino cherries. This combination brings chewy, crunchy, and fruity elements right into the batter.
Step 5: Layer Cornflakes and Dough
Sprinkle half of the crushed cornflakes evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan; this will create that iconic golden, crisp crust underneath the bars. Next, dollop your dough over the cornflakes and press evenly using wet hands to form a layer about half an inch thick. It’s important to wet your hands so the dough doesn’t stick while pressing.
Step 6: Add Topping and Bake
Top your pressed dough layer evenly with the remaining crushed cornflakes and gently press them down for adhesion. Then artfully scatter the quartered maraschino cherries on top, giving the bars their signature wink of color and flavor. Bake in your preheated oven for 28 to 30 minutes, until the edges turn lightly golden and the center looks set but not dry.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Let your Cherry Wink Bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for 90 minutes to 2 hours. Cooling thoroughly allows the bars to firm up, making slicing easier without crumbling. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the whole block out and cut into 8 generous bars about 3 ¼ by 4 ½ inches each.
How to Serve Cherry Wink Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Cherry Wink Bars even more inviting, consider garnishing them with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate. Fresh cherries or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes bring extra flair to presentation and flavor. These small touches elevate the bars from charming to spectacular delight.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert pairing. For a breakfast twist, serve alongside your favorite yogurt or fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness. The nutty, chewy characteristics of the Cherry Wink Bars contrast beautifully with lighter, fresher sides.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow guests, arrange the bars on a decorative platter with colorful berries and mint leaves around the edges. You could also cut them into smaller bite-sized squares for a party tray or stack them between layers of edible parchment in a gift box for a thoughtful homemade present. The Cherry Wink Bars Recipe lends itself well to creative styling, making each occasion special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store your Cherry Wink Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Placing parchment paper between layers helps prevent them from sticking together, preserving their delightful texture and flavor without drying out.
Freezing
These bars freeze wonderfully. Wrap individual bars or the whole block tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil or a freezer bag, and they’ll keep for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight to retain moisture and chewiness.
Reheating
If you'd like to serve your Cherry Wink Bars warm, pop a bar or two in the microwave for about 15 seconds or heat briefly in a low oven. Warming enhances their buttery aroma and softens the chew of cherries and dates, making every bite feel freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I substitute ingredients in the Cherry Wink Bars Recipe?
Absolutely! While the signature cherries, dates, pecans, and coconut create the unique flavor, you can swap pecans for walnuts or almonds, and dates for raisins or dried apricots. Just keep the moisture and sweetness in balance to maintain the chewy texture.
Why are cornflakes used in this recipe?
Cornflakes create a beautiful golden crust on the bottom and a crispy topping, adding contrast to the soft, buttery bars. If you don’t have cornflakes, crushed rice cereal can be a good alternative.
How do I ensure the bars don’t turn out too dry?
Make sure not to overbake; the bars should still look slightly puffed and moist in the middle when you take them out. Cooling them fully in the pan helps them set properly without drying out.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour. Keep an eye on baking time as gluten-free flours sometimes bake faster.
Are Cherry Wink Bars suitable for gifting?
Definitely! These bars package beautifully and their colorful cherries make them visually appealing. Just wrap them in parchment paper or cellophane and tie with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Cherry Wink Bars Recipe that makes it feel like a celebration in every bite. From its buttery foundation and nostalgic mix-ins to that perfect crunch from cornflakes, these bars will quickly become a favorite treat to bake and share. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do because once you try this recipe, it’s sure to bring a bright wink of joy to your dessert table again and again.
Print
Cherry Wink Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 2 hrs 25 mins
- Yield: 8 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cherry Wink Bars offer a nostalgic treat with a soft and buttery texture, complemented by a golden, crisp cornflake crust. These bars combine the sweet chewiness of maraschino cherries and dates with the nutty richness of pecans and shredded coconut, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures perfect for any dessert lover.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- ⅔ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 ¼ cups white sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Add-ins
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup chopped dried pitted dates
- ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut
- ½ cup chopped red maraschino cherries
- 12 whole maraschino cherries, quartered and patted dry, divided
Toppings and Others
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes cereal, divided
- Cooking spray
- Parchment paper (for lining pan)
Instructions
- Prepare Pan and Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Coat a 9x13-inch baking pan with cooking spray and line with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on the long sides to facilitate easy removal of the bars after baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the room temperature butter and white sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes. This step ensures a tender and airy texture for the bars.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated. Then, beat in the vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the butter mixture and beat on medium speed until just combined, about 1 minute, avoiding overmixing for tender bars.
- Fold in Add-ins: Gently fold in chopped pecans, chopped dried dates, shredded coconut, and chopped maraschino cherries until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Layer Cornflakes and Dough: Evenly sprinkle half of the crushed cornflakes over the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Using wet hands to prevent sticking, dollop the dough on top of the cornflakes and gently press into an even layer about ½ to ¾ inch thick.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of crushed cornflakes evenly over the top of the dough and press lightly to help them adhere. Distribute the quartered maraschino cherries across the top evenly.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 28 to 30 minutes, until the edges are set, the center no longer appears wet, the bars are lightly golden, and slightly puffed.
- Cool and Cut: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for 1 hour and 30 minutes up to 2 hours. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out, then cut into 8 bars measuring approximately 3 ¼ by 4 ½ inches each.
Notes
- For best results, make sure the butter is softened to room temperature before beginning.
- Using wet hands to press the dough helps prevent sticking and creates an even layer.
- If parchment paper is unavailable, grease the pan generously to prevent sticking.
- Cool bars completely before cutting to ensure clean slices.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for optimum freshness.
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