Introduction to Chocolate Cherry Bars Delight
Myself, I completely understand how challenging it can be to whip up a dessert that pleases everyone without taking up too much time. Enter my Chocolate Cherry Bars Delight! These heavenly bars are as easy as they are delicious, combining rich chocolate and juicy cherries into a chewy treat that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Perfect for an after-school snack or a sweet ending to a family dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. Let’s dive into this delightful dessert that’s both a crowd-pleaser and a time-saver!
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Cherry Bars Delight
What’s not to love about these Chocolate Cherry Bars Delight? They are incredibly easy to make, taking just about 50 minutes from start to finish. The chewy texture combined with the sweet cherries and rich chocolate is pure bliss in every bite.
Whether you’re short on time or looking to impress, this dessert ticks all the boxes. Plus, they make great snacks for the kids or a sweet treat for a gathering!
Ingredients for Chocolate Cherry Bars Delight
Before we embark on this sweet journey, let’s gather our ingredients! Here’s what you need to whip up these delightful bars:
- Granulated sugar: Adds the perfect sweetness and helps achieve that delicious chewy texture.
- All-purpose flour: The base of our bars, giving structure to the soft, chewy goodness.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: This is where the rich chocolate flavor comes from, without adding extra sweetness.
- Salt: A pinch is crucial! It enhances flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Baking powder: This little leavening agent ensures our bars rise to fluffy perfection.
- Shredded coconut: Adds a delightful texture and a subtle tropical flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
- Chopped peanuts: For extra crunch and nutty flavor. You can substitute with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- Unsalted butter: The heart of this recipe, it brings moisture and richness. Make sure it’s melted for easy mixing!
- Vanilla extract: A splash of this magical ingredient elevates the flavors to a whole new level.
- Large eggs: Essential for binding all the components together, giving the bars their moist consistency.
- Sweetened condensed milk: This creamy addition keeps our bars moist and adds a sweet richness that’s simply irresistible.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Pure chocolate bliss! Feel free to use dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
- Maraschino cherries: The star of the show! Their sweetness and juiciness make these bars sing. Opt for pitted cherries for convenience.
For those who want exact quantities, don’t worry! They’re listed at the bottom of the article and are available for printing. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get ready to create these heavenly Chocolate Cherry Bars Delight together!
How to Make Chocolate Cherry Bars Delight
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get our hands dirty! Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your Chocolate Cherry Bars Delight. Trust me, it’s easier than it looks!
Preheat the Oven and Prepare Pan
First, let’s warm up that oven! Preheat it to 350°F. While it’s heating, grab your deep 9×9-inch baking dish. Grease it generously with butter or non-stick spray. Then, line it with parchment paper, allowing some overhang. This will make it a breeze to lift the bars out later. You’re off to a great start!
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Ensure everything is blended well. This is your dry mix, and it’s the foundation of our chewy bars. So, get in there and make it uniform!
Prepare the Wet Mixture
Now, let’s create our luxurious wet mixture. In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, a quarter cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips, and the vanilla extract. Stir until the chocolate melts fully and the blend is smooth. You’ll want this to be silky, as it adds richness to our bars!
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Next up, it’s time to bring it all together! Pour half of your dry mixture into the bowl with the wet ingredients. Mix thoroughly until combined. Then add the rest of the dry mix. Stir gently until you have a smooth, cohesive batter. Remember, don’t overmix; just until it’s well combined will do!
Add Cherries and Chocolate
This is the fun part! Fold in the halved maraschino cherries and the remaining cup of chocolate chips. Ensure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. You want those luscious cherries to surprise you in every bite, mixing sweetness with chocolatey goodness.
Bake the Bars
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to all corners. Bake in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are golden brown and the center isn’t jiggly. Your kitchen will smell heavenly during this time, trust me!
Cool and Cut
Once baked, it’s important to let the bars cool completely. I recommend letting them sit overnight. This helps the flavors meld beautifully! When ready to cut, lift them out using the parchment paper, slice into squares, and enjoy the delightful Chocolate Cherry Bars!
Tips for Success
- Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Don’t skip the parchment paper; it’s a lifesaver for easy removal.
- Be careful not to overmix your batter; it can make the bars tough.
- Letting the bars rest overnight amplifies the flavors—trust me!
- Use a sharp knife to cut for clean, beautiful squares.
Equipment Needed
- 9×9-inch baking dish: A square or rectangular dish works too—just adjust the baking time!
- Mixing bowls: Use medium and large bowls for mixing wet and dry ingredients.
- Whisk and spatula: These help ensure a good mix and for spreading batter.
- Parchment paper: This is a game changer for easy removal; foil can work as well.
Variations of Chocolate Cherry Bars Delight
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. This keeps the bars just as chewy and delightful!
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil in place of butter and dairy-free chocolate chips for a creamy treat without the dairy.
- No Added Sugar: Opt for unsweetened applesauce or a sugar alternative for those watching their sugar intake.
- Nut-Free: Simply leave out the chopped peanuts or use sunflower seeds for a similar crunchy texture.
- Flavor Twists: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor in your bars.
- Mix-Ins: Experiment with different fruits like raspberries or strawberries for a fresh twist, or throw in some nuts for added crunch!
Serving Suggestions for Chocolate Cherry Bars Delight
- Iced Coffee: Pair these bars with a refreshing iced coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a heavenly dessert.
- Fresh Berries: A side of fresh strawberries or raspberries adds a fruity contrast.
- Presentation: Sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an elegant finish before serving.
FAQs about Chocolate Cherry Bars Delight
Wondering about a few details before diving into your Chocolate Cherry Bars Delight? I’ve got you covered! Here are some frequently asked questions to help you out:
How should I store the Chocolate Cherry Bars?
Once cooled, store your bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months!
Can I substitute ingredients for dietary needs?
Absolutely! For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour. Swap out the butter for coconut oil to make them dairy-free, or try sugar alternatives for a no-added-sugar option.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Your bars are ready when the edges turn golden brown, and the center isn’t jiggly. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean. Trust your senses; it’s all about that heavenly smell!
What can I serve alongside these bars?
Pair them with iced coffee or vanilla ice cream for a delicious experience. Fresh berries on the side also provide a tasty contrast to the rich bars!
Can I use different fruits in the recipe?
Of course! Feel free to experiment with other fruits like raspberries or peaches. Just keep in mind that different fruits may alter the overall flavor and moisture level.
Final Thoughts
Making Chocolate Cherry Bars Delight is more than just baking; it’s about creating moments of joy and togetherness. Each bite delivers a delightful burst of chocolate and cherry goodness that brings smiles to faces. I love how these bars serve as a sweet treat for family gatherings or a cozy night in.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is a fabulous way to indulge your sweet tooth without a fuss. So, gather your loved ones, share the joy, and enjoy every flavorful morsel together—trust me, it’ll become your new favorite dessert in no time!
Print
Chocolate Cherry Bars Delight
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and cherries in a chewy bar format.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.33 cup shredded coconut
- 0.33 cup chopped peanuts
- 0.5 cup (1 stick / 8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 0.75 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1.25 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided
- 10 oz jar maraschino cherries, drained and halved
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350°F. Grease a deep 9×9-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder until evenly blended.
- Stir shredded coconut and chopped peanuts into the dry mixture until distributed evenly. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, combine melted butter, 0.25 cup of the semi-sweet chocolate chips, and vanilla extract. Stir until the chocolate chips have melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time into the chocolate-butter mixture, mixing thoroughly after each addition to achieve a uniform texture.
- Add half of the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix well. Then add the remaining dry ingredients and stir until all components are fully combined into a cohesive batter.
- Press the batter evenly into the prepared 9×9-inch pan, ensuring it reaches all corners and is level on top.
- Evenly distribute the halved maraschino cherries and the remaining 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips over the surface of the batter.
- Gently pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cherries and chocolate chips, covering the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the edges are golden and the center is set without jiggling.
- Allow the bars to cool completely, preferably overnight, before cutting into desired square servings.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.
- These bars can be served warm or at room temperature.
- They are even better after resting overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
