Shirley Temple Bars are a delightful and festive dessert that captures the nostalgic flavors of the classic Shirley Temple drink. These bars are packed with maraschino cherries and topped with a creamy, cherry-flavored frosting. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or a sweet treat anytime, these bars are sure to be a hit. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and learn how to make it step-by-step.
Ingredients
For the Bars:
- 3/4 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
- 1 cup butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons 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, room temperature
- 1/4 cup butter, room temperature
- 3 tablespoons Grenadine syrup
- 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bars
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and lime zest.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in Cherries:
- Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries.
- Bake:
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool:
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Frosting
- Cream Cheese and Butter:
- In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add Grenadine and Cherry Juice:
- Mix in the Grenadine syrup and maraschino cherry juice until well combined.
- Add Powdered Sugar:
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. Start with 1 cup and add more if needed.
Step 3: Frost the Bars
- Frost the Bars:
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars.
- Chill:
- Place the frosted bars in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set.
Step 4: Serve
- Cut and Serve:
- Once the frosting is set, cut the bars into squares and serve. Enjoy these sweet and festive Shirley Temple Bars!
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Cherries: Ensure the maraschino cherries are well-drained and chopped finely to distribute evenly in the batter.
- Frosting: Adjust the amount of powdered sugar to achieve your preferred frosting consistency. Add more for a thicker frosting and less for a thinner glaze.
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Variations
Chocolate Chip Shirley Temple Bars
- Add Chocolate Chips:
- Fold in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips into the batter for an extra layer of sweetness.
Citrus Shirley Temple Bars
- Add Citrus:
- Add 1 tablespoon of orange zest along with the lime zest for a citrusy twist.
Almond Shirley Temple Bars
- Add Almonds:
- Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped almonds into the batter for added crunch and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Desserts
- With Ice Cream:
- Serve the Shirley Temple Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
Parties
- Party Platter:
- Arrange the bars on a decorative platter for a beautiful and festive party dessert.
Afternoon Tea
- With Tea:
- Enjoy the bars with a cup of hot tea or iced tea for a sweet afternoon treat.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the bars a day in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator and frost them on the day of serving.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Q: Can I freeze these bars? A: Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and frost before serving.
Q: Can I use a different type of fruit? A: Yes, you can substitute maraschino cherries with other fruits like dried cranberries or chopped candied cherries.
Q: Can I use a different type of frosting? A: Yes, you can use a simple vanilla buttercream or a citrus glaze if you prefer a different flavor.
Shirley Temple Bars are a sweet and festive treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their moist, cherry-studded base and creamy, cherry-flavored frosting, these bars are sure to be a hit. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, Shirley Temple Bars are easy to make and always delicious. Enjoy making and sharing these delightful treats with your family and friends!