# Ingredient list:
→ Blondie Base
01 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
02 - 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
03 - 1 large egg
04 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
05 - 1/4 cup cola (regular, not diet)
06 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
07 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
08 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Cherries
09 - 3/4 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
10 - 2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice (reserved from jar)
→ Cherry Glaze
11 - 1 cup powdered sugar
12 - 2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
13 - 1 to 2 teaspoons cola (as needed for consistency)
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8x8-inch baking pan and line with parchment paper, allowing overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and cola, whisking until combined.
03 - Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
04 - Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and maraschino cherry juice until evenly distributed.
05 - Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
06 - Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
07 - Remove from oven and cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
08 - In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, cherry juice, and add cola gradually until a thick, pourable glaze is achieved.
09 - Drizzle glaze evenly over cooled blondies. Let the glaze set before cutting into bars.
