Chocolate, Cherry and Pecan = Matches Made in Heaven

Hiii everyone...I'm sure all of you are dying for another recipe since I didn't have one yesterday, right? Well your in luck because I have a great one today. These delicious Chocolate Cherry Pecan Squares could be the perfect addition to your Easter dessert spread too. What's that? Have you started planning your Easter menu yet? We Lawhon girls have! More on that later this week...

Anyway, back to these yummy squares, I made these for sweet friends who just had their first little one! These were very yummy, my co-workers got the leftovers and they were eaten all up very quickly. Enjoy!

Chocolate Cherry Pecan Squares via Une Vie Saine

Chocolate Cherry Pecan Squares

Adapted from the Natural Gourmet Institute

Yields 16 squares

Ingredients:

• For the crust:
•    1/2 cup room temperature unsalted butter
•    3/4 cup white sugar
•    1 teaspoon vanilla extract
•    1 cup all-purpose flour
• For the topping:
•    1 cup white sugar
•    1/4 cup all-purpose flour
•    1/8 teaspoon sea salt
•    2 teaspoons vanilla extract
•    2 eggs
•    1 cup roughly chopped pecans
•    1 cup dried cherries
•    1 cup chocolate chips (I used dark chocolate chips)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350*F. Generously grease a 9×9″ pan.
2. Using a stand or hand mixer, cream together the butter, sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy. Add the flour 1/4 cup at a time, and continue to mix until well combined.
3. Use your fingertips to press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan, then bake it for about 15 minutes, or until it’s just beginning to brown.
4. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, beat together the sugar, flour, sea salt, vanilla and eggs. Stir in the pecans, cherries and chocolate chips.
5. Pour the filling mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake it for about 25 minutes, or until the edges are brown and the center is firm. Allow to cool completely before cutting!