Vintage Retro Shirley Temple Bars

Serves: 12
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 16 minutes

Looking for a treat that combines the nostalgic sweetness of maraschino cherries with a fresh lime twist? These classic Shirly Temple Bars will do the trick! They are soft, sweet, and topped with a dreamy Grenadine frosting that will have you reaching for seconds. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a fun baking day at home, these bars are an irresistible twist on a classic.

Photo byGLP

Ingredients

For the Bars:

• 3/4 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons fresh lime zest
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

For the Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 tablespoons Grenadine syrup
• 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice
• 1-1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x9-inch baking pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and eggs until the mixture becomes light and smooth. Stir in the vanilla and lime zest.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, salt, and baking powder together until thoroughly combined.
4. Gradually fold the dry ingredients and the chopped maraschino cherries into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Spread the batter evenly into the greased baking pan and bake for 16-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Let the bars cool completely before adding the frosting.

Frosting:

1. In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until creamy.
2. Add the Grenadine syrup and cherry juice, then slowly mix in the powdered sugar until you reach your desired frosting consistency.
3. Once the bars are cool, spread the frosting evenly on top. Chill in the fridge until ready to serve.

Substitutions

• Lemon Zest can replace lime zest for a more subtle citrus flavor.
• Swap Grenadine syrup with pomegranate syrup for a tart variation.
• Use dried cherries if maraschino cherries are unavailable.

Storage

Store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them (without frosting) for up to 2 months. Frost once thawed for best results.

https://12tomatoes.com/shirley-temple-bars/