Cherry, Coconut and Cornflake Dream Bars-12 Weeks of Christmas Treats

With a topping chuck full of chopped candied cherries, coconut, cornflakes and nuts over a brown sugar shortbread-like crust, I like to call these Three C Bars.  I am told by "whomever they are" that Three C Bars would not be very search-engine friendly so hence the long title name.

This is week 8 of 2013’s 12 Weeks of Christmas Treats.  Thanksgiving is just over two week away.  The time is certainly flying.  I hope that you are checking out the links in this great party each week.  There are always wonderful recipes to add to your Christmas goodies.

This recipe is a bit different version of the ever-popular dream bar.  The cornflakes are an unusual addition and provide a bit of extra crunch to the topping.  The cherries make the bars look Christmas festive and can be red, green or a combination of both.  I used walnuts, but almonds, hazel nuts pecans are very good also.

An easy way to cut down on the amount of time that it takes to make the crust, is to cut the butter into fairly small cubes when you add it to the flour mixture.  This makes less effort with the pastry blender.  The cornflakes need to be folded into the egg mixture very carefully so that they aren't crushed.

These bars are a quick, easy and delicious addition the any holiday cookie platter.

Cherry, Coconut and Cornflake Dream Bars
1 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 c. brown sugar, firmly packed
1/4 c. butter or margarine
2 eggs at room temperature
1 c. brown sugar, firmly packed
1 t. vanilla
1/4 t. salt
1/2 c. chopped candied cherries
1 c. coconut
3/4 c. chopped nuts
1 c. cornflakes

Place flour and 1/2 c. brown sugar in a medium mixing bowl.  Cut butter or margarine into small chunks and add to the flour/sugar mixture.  Cut in with a pastry blend until the mixture looks like coarse cornmeal.  Pat evenly in a foil-lined 9x13-inch baking pan.  Bake at 350 degrees about 10-12 minutes or until golden.  (There may be some cracks in the crust.  It is OK.)  Meanwhile place eggs in a small mixing bowl and beat well.  Add the 1 c. brown sugar, 1/4 cup at a time, beating well after each addition.  Stir in vanilla and salt.  Add cherries, coconut and nuts  If crust is not yet finished baking, set egg mixture aside.  Remove crust from oven.  Allow crust to cool slightly.  Add cornflakes to egg mixture, folding in very gently.  Carefully spread egg mixture over the top of the slightly cooled crust.  Return to oven and bake an additional 25 minutes.  Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.  Lift from pan using the ends of the foil.  Cut into bars while still warm, pressing down with knife to be sure to cut through the crust.  Place bars on rack and cool completely.  Store tightly covered or in a zip top bag to keep the coconut and cherries soft.  Makes 36 bars.

Brenda from Meal Planning Magic continues to do a wonderful job of hosting this great holiday party.

If you would like to join us for the last few weeks, you can pop over here to sign up.

I am linking to these great parties:
Wednesday Whatits
Wonderful Wednesday
Your Whims Wednesday
Wow Me Wednesday at Ginger Snap Crafts
Wake Up Wednesday
Creative Munster Party
Whimsy Wednesday
Show and Share Wednesday
Wow Me Wednesday at Polka Dots On Parade

Be sure to check out the links below for other delicious treat ideas.