Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars Recipe

If you are searching for a dessert that perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors with a delightful chewy texture, look no further than these incredible Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars. This recipe combines the rich warmth of melted butter and brown sugar with the burst of juicy cherries and the melty goodness of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Every bite promises a luscious harmony of flavors that’s just the right mix of familiar and unexpected. Whether you’re baking for a casual treat or a crowd-pleasing dessert, these bars bring a charming twist to classic blondies you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars is refreshingly simple, yet each component plays a crucial role in creating its perfect texture and flavor. From the buttery base to the bright cherries and decadent chocolate, every element adds its own magic to the final bars.

• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Melting the butter ensures a tender, moist texture in the bars.
• Light brown sugar (1 cup): Packed brown sugar gives a deep caramel note that enhances richness.
• Large egg (1): Acts as a binder, holding all ingredients together for the perfect chewy bite.
• Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
• All-purpose flour (1 cup): Provides structure without making the bars too dense.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor complexity.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips (3/4 to 1 cup): Melt into pockets of rich chocolate that complement the cherries beautifully.
• Cherries (1 cup): Fresh or frozen, these provide bursts of juicy tartness and a lovely pop of color.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining an 8-by-8-inch pan with aluminum foil. Spraying it lightly with cooking spray will make removal a breeze and keep your bars intact. This simple step sets the stage for an easy bake and even cooking.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

Place the butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for about 60 seconds until fully melted. The warm butter blends seamlessly with sugar and other ingredients, ensuring your bars stay moist and soft.

Step 3: Combine Sugar and Butter

Stir the light brown sugar into the melted butter until everything is nicely integrated. This mixture forms the sweet, slightly chewy base that’s so inviting in blondies.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Whisk in the egg and vanilla extract. These essentials add richness and bring the flavors together with a lovely aroma that will have your kitchen smelling heavenly.

Step 5: Mix in Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in the all-purpose flour and optional salt, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix here, as that can make the bars tough instead of tender and chewy.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Cherries

This is the fun part! Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips along with whole cherries. Leaving the cherries chunky rather than halving them gives the bars a pleasant texture and juicy bursts in every bite.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing it with a spatula or knife as needed. Bake for 27 to 32 minutes, until the edges start to pull away slightly and the center feels set but still soft. This timing ensures bars that are moist and chewy, not dry.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool for at least one hour before slicing. This chilling time helps them set perfectly, so your cuts are clean and the texture holds together beautifully.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars

Garnishes

To amp up the presentation and flavor, consider sprinkling powdered sugar over the top or adding a drizzle of melted white chocolate. A dollop of whipped cream on the side also pairs wonderfully with these bars, highlighting their rich and fruity profile.

Side Dishes

These bars shine as a standalone treat, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a light berry compote takes them to another level. The creamy or tart accompaniments balance the sweetness and make for a truly indulgent dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or special occasions, cut the Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a festive platter with fresh cherries and chocolate shavings. They also make fantastic sandwich bars when paired with marshmallow fluff or cream cheese frosting between two squares.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for up to one week. This keeps them fresh and tasty without drying out, making them perfect for quick snacks or unexpected guests.

Freezing

If you want to keep the magic going longer, wrap the bars tightly and freeze them for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature, and they’ll taste just as fresh as when you baked them.

Reheating

To enjoy warm bars, pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or heat in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for around 5 minutes. This brings back that gooey, melty texture that makes the Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars so irresistible.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen cherries work great in Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars. Just make sure to thaw and drain them slightly to avoid excess moisture in the batter.

What type of chocolate chips should I use?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips are ideal because their slight bitterness balances the sweetness of the bars and the tartness of the cherries perfectly. However, feel free to experiment with dark or milk chocolate based on your taste.

Can I substitute the butter with oil?

Butter is preferred for its rich flavor and texture, but if you need an alternative, use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil. Keep the quantity the same, but note that the texture may be a bit different.

How do I prevent my bars from becoming tough?

The key is not to overmix once the flour is added. Stir just until combined to keep your bars tender and chewy rather than dense or tough.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum or add a binding agent to achieve the right texture.

Final Thoughts

Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars are truly a gem in the world of homemade treats, combining simple ingredients into a dessert that feels both familiar and special. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or friends, these bars are sure to become a beloved recipe you return to time and again. So go ahead, grab those chocolate chips and cherries, and treat yourself to this delightfully chewy, fruity, and chocolaty masterpiece.

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