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Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars Recipe

Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars Recipe

4.9 from 15 reviews

Delight in these chewy and flavorful Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars, a perfect blend of rich brown sugar, sweet cherries, and melty semi-sweet chocolate chips baked into a buttery blondie base. Easy to make and ideal for dessert or snack time, these bars offer a fruity twist on classic chocolate chip treats.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted, 1 stick)
  • 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)

Add-ins

  • 3/4 to 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup cherries (fresh or frozen)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray to ensure the bars release easily after baking.
  2. Melt Butter: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter for about 60 seconds until fully liquid.
  3. Combine Butter and Sugar: Add the packed brown sugar to the melted butter and stir until well combined.
  4. Add Egg and Vanilla: Stir in the egg and vanilla extract thoroughly. Then add the flour and salt, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing which can make the bars tough.
  5. Fold in Chocolate Chips and Cherries: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and cherries. For a chunkier texture, keep cherries whole rather than cutting them.
  6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula or offset knife. Bake for 27 to 32 minutes until the edges start to pull away from the pan and the center is set.
  7. Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 1 hour before slicing. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to one week. Bars can also be frozen for up to three months.

Notes

  • For best texture, avoid overmixing the batter after adding flour.
  • If using frozen cherries, thaw and drain excess juice before folding into the batter to prevent sogginess.
  • These bars are delicious served slightly warm or at room temperature.
  • Storage: Keep in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
  • Optional pinch of salt enhances the chocolate and cherry flavors but can be omitted if preferred.
  • Substitute vegan butter and egg replacer to make this recipe vegan-friendly.

Nutrition

Keywords: chocolate chip bars, cherry bars, blondies, dessert bars, easy dessert, chocolate cherry dessert