Name: Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars That Will Brighten Your Day!
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter; melted (1 stick); 1 cup light brown sugar; packed; 1 large egg; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; ¼ teaspoon salt; optional; ¾ to 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 cup cherries; fresh or frozen*

Indulging in the delightful world of baked treats, few desserts rival the irresistible charm of Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars. These scrumptious squares combine the rich, gooey goodness of chocolate with the vibrant tartness of cherries, creating an explosion of flavors in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a sweet snack, these bars are perfect for any occasion.

What makes these cherry-infused chocolate delights truly special is their versatility. Easily customizable, they can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making them ideal for sharing with friends or family. Plus, the simplicity of the recipe allows even novice bakers to create a masterpiece. So, let’s dive into the deliciousness of these Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars and discover how to whip up this delectable dessert!

Delicious Flavor Profile:

Indulging in Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars means savoring a delightful explosion of flavors that dance on your palate. Each bite combines rich, gooey chocolate chips with juicy cherries, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. The delectable combination of semi-sweet chocolate and tart cherries offers a comforting yet exciting taste experience.

As you take a bite, the soft, chewy texture of the bars provides a delightful contrast to the bursts of fresh cherry flavor. Additionally, the addition of vanilla enhances the overall taste, making these bars simply irresistible. Whether enjoyed as a snack or dessert, they present an ideal treat for any occasion.

For those who enjoy cherry in their baked goods, consider trying Old-Fashioned Cherry Bars, which expertly capture the essence of this fruity delight in a classic format. All in all, Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars are a must-try for anyone seeking a new, scrumptious dessert to adore!

Ingredients:

Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars are an irresistible sweet treat, perfect for any occasion. To whip up these delicious bars, gather the following ingredients:

½ cup unsalted butter, melted (1 stick)
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt (optional)
¾ to 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup cherries, fresh or frozen*

These delightful bars combine the rich flavor of chocolate with the tartness of cherries, creating a satisfying dessert. If you’re interested in exploring more cherry-inspired desserts, check out Old-Fashioned Cherry Bars for a classic treat that’ll surely delight your taste buds.

Make these Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars for a fun weekend baking project or share them at gatherings. They are sure to impress your friends and family alike!

How to Prepare Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars:

To create delightful chocolate chip cherry bars, begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a baking dish. In a mixing bowl, combine ½ cup of melted unsalted butter and 1 cup of packed light brown sugar. Mix well before adding 1 large egg and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.

Next, gently fold in 1 cup of all-purpose flour and ¼ teaspoon of salt if desired. The batter will have a thick consistency. Now, add in ¾ to 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips alongside 1 cup of fresh or frozen cherries, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

Pour the batter into the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow them to cool before slicing. These bars blend the rich sweetness of chocolate with juicy cherries, making them a delectable treat.

For more ideas, check out these irresistible old-fashioned cherry bars that you might enjoy! For additional baking inspiration, see this recipe for chocolate chip and cherry blondies over at Averie Cooks.

Baking Tips for Perfect Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars:

To achieve the best Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars, start with quality ingredients. Fresh, plump cherries elevate your bars and introduce a natural sweetness. Additionally, using semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips brings a rich flavor that balances well with the tartness of cherries. Make sure to chop the cherries evenly; this will help distribute their delightful juiciness throughout the batter.

Next, don’t overmix your batter. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just incorporated to maintain a tender texture. For an extra boost of flavor, consider adding a touch of almond extract, which pairs beautifully with cherries. Finally, watch your baking time closely. Overbaking can lead to dry bars, while underbaking can result in a gooey mess. Allow them to cool completely in the pan before cutting for clean edges.

For more cherry goodness, check out my Old-Fashioned Cherry Bars, which offer a delightful twist and are sure to please your taste buds!

Storage Tips for Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars:

To keep your delicious Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars fresh and tasty, proper storage is essential. First, allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut them into squares for easy access. Place the squares in an airtight container. If you want to keep them for longer, consider wrapping each bar individually in plastic wrap before putting them in the container. This prevents them from sticking together and helps maintain their moisture.

Store your chocolate cherry treats at room temperature if you plan to eat them within a week. For longer storage, refrigerate them. When chilled, they can last up to two weeks. If you’re looking for longer preservation, freeze the bars. They can be frozen for up to three months. To serve, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. For another delightful option featuring cherries, check out these irresistible Old-Fashioned Cherry Bars.

Variations on Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars:

Transforming chocolate chip cherry bars can lead to delightful results. For a twist, consider adding nuts or blending in some coconut for added texture. Alternatively, you might enjoy these no-bake chocolate cherry pie flavors, which beautifully complement the original bars. Each variation keeps the essence of this beloved treat while introducing new, exciting elements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What are Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars?

Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars are delectable dessert squares that blend the rich taste of chocolate chips with juicy cherries. Ideal for snacking or dessert, these bars offer a deliciously chewy texture complemented by bursts of fruit flavor, making them an irresistible treat.

Can I use fresh cherries in the recipe?

Absolutely! Fresh cherries can be used in place of canned or frozen ones. Just ensure they are pitted and chopped to distribute their flavor evenly throughout the bars.

How should I store leftover bars?

To keep your chocolate chip cherry creations fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Alternatively, you can refrigerate them for longer preservation.

Can I substitute the chocolate chips?

Certainly! If you prefer, you can swap the chocolate chips for white chocolate or even caramel bits. This can give a different flavor profile, adding an exciting twist to your cherry bars.

Are there any variations I can try?

Yes! For a unique twist, consider adding nuts, such as pecans or almonds, to enhance the texture. You could also explore incorporating spices like cinnamon or vanilla to elevate the taste.

What recipes are similar to Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars?

If you enjoy these bars, you might also like Old-Fashioned Cherry Bars that feature a similar cherry flavor, but with a more cake-like consistency. They provide another delightful way to enjoy cherries!

Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars That Will Brighten Your Day!

Total Time: 50
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delightfully chewy and rich, these Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars combine the sweetness of chocolate chips with the tartness of cherries for a perfect dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

½ cup unsalted butter

melted (1 stick)

1 cup light brown sugar

packed

1 large egg

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup all-purpose flour

¼ teaspoon salt

optional

¾ to 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup cherries

fresh or frozen*

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8 inch baking pan.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until fully combined.
In a separate bowl, mix the flour and salt. Gradually add this to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined.
Fold in the chocolate chips and cherries gently until evenly distributed.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the bars cool in the pan before slicing into squares and serving.