Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars are a delightful treat that can take your dessert game to the next level. Imagine sinking your teeth into a chewy, gooey bar filled with rich chocolate and vibrant cherry flavors that dance on your taste buds. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, wrapping you in a warm embrace of sweetness, making it nearly impossible to resist.

These bars are not just a delicious indulgence; they also bring back fond memories of baking with my grandma during summer vacations. We would turn the kitchen into a flour-dusted wonderland, mixing, pouring, and laughing until our sides hurt. Whether for a casual family gathering or a festive celebration, these Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars promise to be the highlight of any occasion.

Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure; sift it for fluffiness.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the bars perfectly; adjust according to your sweetness preference.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor that’s simply irresistible.
• Baking Powder: Helps the bars rise; make sure it’s fresh for best results.
• Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors without overwhelming them.
• Unsalted Butter: Gives richness; be sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
• Eggs: Two large eggs will bind everything together beautifully.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash adds warmth and depth; use pure extract if possible.
• Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips provide gooey pockets of goodness throughout.
• Pitted Cherries: Fresh or frozen work great here; they add tartness that perfectly complements the sweetness.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

this recipe

How to Make Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a square baking pan (9×9 inches) with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined—this is where the magic begins.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Eggs

In another bowl, cream together softened butter and both sugars until light and fluffy. Then add in the eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract. Mix until everything is beautifully combined.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. You want everything unified but don’t overmix—no one likes tough bars!

Step 5: Fold in Treats

Gently fold in those luscious chocolate chips and pitted cherries into the batter. The more even distribution you achieve, the happier your taste buds will be!

Step 6: Bake Away

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top. A toothpick test should yield moist crumbs with minimal batter clinging on.

Once cooled slightly, cut into squares and serve warm or at room temperature. These Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars are perfect on their own but can be dressed up with some whipped cream or ice cream if you’re feeling fancy! Enjoy!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it’s warming up, mix your dry ingredients together, followed by creaming your butter and sugars. Fold in the cherries and chocolate chips last for even distribution. This sequence keeps everything efficient and yields perfect bars every time.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap fresh cherries with dried ones or even use blueberries for a twist. Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for an extra flavor burst! Experimenting with different chocolates can also give these bars a fun new dimension.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you want to enjoy them warm, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to bring back that gooey goodness.

Sharing these bars with my friends turned into a delightful gathering where everyone raved about their deliciousness, especially when I revealed my secret ingredient—extra cherries! They were gone faster than I could say “chocolate chip!”

FAQs:

What are Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars?

Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars are delicious, chewy dessert bars made with a combination of rich chocolate chips and sweet cherries. These bars feature a buttery base, enhanced by the tartness of cherries and the sweetness of chocolate. They are easy to prepare and perfect for sharing with family and friends at gatherings or as a delightful treat any time of the day.

How can I make Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars healthier?

To make Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars healthier, you can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to increase fiber content. Additionally, consider using less sugar or a natural sweetener like maple syrup. You can also use dark chocolate chips, which contain antioxidants. Incorporating more cherries will not only enhance flavor but also provide additional vitamins and nutrients.

Can I freeze Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars?

Yes, you can freeze Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars! After they have cooled completely, cut them into individual squares. Place them in an airtight container or wrap each bar in plastic wrap before putting them in the freezer. They will maintain their taste and texture for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the oven.

What can I substitute for eggs in Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars?

If you need an egg substitute for Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars, consider using mashed bananas or unsweetened applesauce. A quarter cup of either option replaces one egg effectively while adding moisture and sweetness to the bars. You can also use ground flaxseed mixed with water (one tablespoon of flaxseed with two tablespoons of water) as a binding agent for a vegan-friendly alternative.

Conclusion for Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars:

In summary, Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars are a delightful treat combining chocolate and cherries in a chewy dessert form. They are simple to make and can be easily customized to suit various dietary needs. By incorporating healthier substitutes, these bars become even more nutritious while maintaining their delicious taste. Whether enjoyed fresh or frozen, these bars make for a perfect snack or dessert option that everyone will love!

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Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars

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• Author: Adeline
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: About 12 servings 1x

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Description

Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars are a delectable fusion of rich chocolate and tart cherries, creating a chewy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. These bars evoke fond memories of baking while delivering an irresistible flavor experience. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature; they are sure to impress family and friends alike.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup pitted cherries (fresh or frozen)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugars until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time with vanilla extract; mix until combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined.
5. Fold in chocolate chips and cherries evenly.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar (66g)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: For variation, swap fresh cherries with blueberries or sprinkle sea salt on top before baking. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to five days or freeze for up to three months.