Shirley Temple Bars
Sweet & nostalgic.

The popularity of mocktails is certainly on the rise. It seems every menu has a few non-alcoholic options these days, and they aren’t all the fruity kid drinks that we grew up with! While it’s nice to see these elevated options popping up, I think it’s also important to acknowledge the classic mocktail that paved the way: the Shirley Temple. There’s nothing quite as nostalgic as this vibrant pink drink.



While I don’t see ordering one for myself anytime soon, I thought a baked good with those classic flavors (and colors!) would make an excellent treat! And that is how these Shirley Temple Bars came to be. We’ve incorporated that beloved cherry and lime flavor, and even snuck in a splash of grenadine in the frosting. If you’re looking for a fruity and nostalgic treat, these bars are just the thing.



I’d say the texture is somewhere between cookie and cake with sweet bits of maraschino cherry in every bite. The rosy color of the cream cheese frosting is sure to get everyone’s attention… especially the kiddos. These bars would be a great option for a birthday party or girls night with their fun flavor and nod to the classics. Try them out the next time you need a dessert and I’m sure you’re going to love them!


Shirley Temple Bars
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
- 1 cup butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 teaspoons lime zest
- 2 1/4 cups flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
Frosting
- 4 oz package cream cheese
- ¼ cup butter, room temperature
- 3 tablespoons Grenadine syrup
- 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice
- 1-1 ½ cups powdered sugar
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 9x9-inch baking sheet.
- In a large bowl, beat together butter, sugar and eggs until smooth, then mix in vanilla and lime zest.
- In a small bowl, sift together the remaining dry ingredients until well combined.
- Slowly add dry ingredients and chopped cherries into the wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Transfer to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 16-18 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Allow bars to fully cool.
- Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter in a large bowl until smooth. Mix in remaining ingredients and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Spread frosting on cooled bars and chill until ready to serve.
Recipe adapted from 12tomatoes.com