Cherry Cheese Bars

Directions

1. 1
   Heat oven to 350°F.
2. 2
   Grease a 13x9x2-inch pan.
3. 3
   Coarsely chop 1/2 cup nuts for the topping. Set aside.
4. 4
   Finely chop remaining 1/2 cup nuts.
5. 5
   Combine flour and brown sugar. Cut in shortening until fine crumbs form. Add finely chopped nuts and coconut.
6. 6
   Remove 1/2 cup of this mixture and set aside.
7. 7
   Press remaining crumbs in bottom of pan. Bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly browned.
8. 8
   Beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla at medium speed until smooth. Spread over hot, baked crust. Return to oven and bake 15 minutes longer.
9. 9
   Spread cherry pie filling over cheese layer.
10. 10
    Combine reserved nuts and reserved crumbs. Sprinkle over cherries. Return to oven and bake 15 minutes more. Cool. Refrigerate several hours.