Cherry Cheese Bars

Cherry Cheese Bars

Crust:

1 c. walnuts, chopped
1 1/4 c. flour
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. shortening
1/2 c. coconut

Filling:

2 (8 ounce) pkg. cream cheese
2/3 c. sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling

Grease a 13x9" baking pan. Chop 1/2 c. nuts coarsley for topping and set aside. Chop remaining 1/2 c. very finely.

Crust: Combine flour and brown sugar. Cut in shortening. Add 1/2 c. chopped nuts and coconut. Remove 1/2 c. and set aside. Press remaining crumbs in bottom of a pan. Bake 12-15 minutes at 350 degrees.

Filling: Beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs and vanilla on medium speed. Spread over hot crust. Bake for 15 more minutes.

Spread cherry pie filling over cheese layer. Combine reserved nuts and crumbs. Sprinkle over cherries. Return to oven. Bake 15 minutes longer. Refrigerate to cool. Cut into bars.