Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars are the ultimate indulgence for anyone craving a sweet, chewy, and fruity dessert.
Hi, I’m Jack welcome to my kitchen! I know how frustrating it can be to bake bars that turn out dry or flat, especially when you want a treat that’s both simple and impressive. That’s why I developed this Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars recipe, combining juicy cherries with melty chocolate chips in a perfectly tender bar that’s sure to please.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through why these bars work, the best ingredient choices, step-by-step baking instructions, expert tips, flavor variations, serving ideas, and answers to frequently asked baking questions.
Why This Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars Recipe Works
- Rich and flavorful: Sweet cherries paired with chocolate create the perfect balance.
- Simple and convenient: Uses pantry staples and minimal prep.
- Versatile: Great for lunchboxes, parties, or weekend desserts.
- Crowd-pleasing: Chewy, soft texture with a beautiful cherry top.
Choosing the Right Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars
Best Cherries for This Recipe
Fresh cherries work best, but frozen cherries are a convenient substitute just thaw and drain before baking.
Chocolate Selection
Semi-sweet chocolate chips create melty pockets of sweetness, while dark chocolate adds depth.
Substitutions
- Swap cherries for raspberries or cranberries for a new twist.
- Use dairy-free chocolate for a vegan-friendly option.
Ingredients & Prep for Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars
Base Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1½ cups chocolate chips
- 1½ cups pitted cherries (fresh or thawed)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars
Pre-Cooking Prep for Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Layering Method for Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars
- Mix butter and brown sugar until creamy.
- Add eggs and vanilla, beat until smooth.
- Fold in flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gently fold in chocolate chips and cherries.
Baking & Doneness Check for Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars
- Spread batter evenly in the pan.
- Bake 35–40 minutes, until the edges are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Cooling & Serving for Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars
- Cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.
- Optional: drizzle with melted chocolate or dust with powdered sugar.
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Pro Tips for Perfect Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars
- Prevent dryness: Avoid overbaking; bars should remain chewy.
- Even distribution: Fold cherries gently to prevent them from sinking.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 3 days.
Flavor Variations for Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars
| Variation | How to Try It |
|---|---|
| Nutty Twist | Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch. |
| Chocolate Overload | Mix in white or milk chocolate chips. |
| Spiced Delight | Add cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth and aroma. |
Serving Suggestions for Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars
- Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for dessert.
- Pair with coffee, tea, or a chilled milkshake for a sweet treat.
FAQs About Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars
Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, just thaw and drain them well before mixing into the batter.
How do I prevent bars from sticking?
Line the pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Store cooled bars in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Conclusion
Try these Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars for a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s chewy, sweet, and bursting with cherries.
Print
Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars 1 Irresistible Chewy Dessert Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars are chewy, sweet, and filled with juicy cherries and melty chocolate perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups pitted cherries (fresh or thawed)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix butter and brown sugar until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla, beat until smooth.
3. Fold in flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold in chocolate chips and cherries.
4. Spread batter evenly in the pan. Bake 35–40 minutes until edges are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Cool completely before slicing into bars. Optionally, drizzle with melted chocolate or dust with powdered sugar.
Notes
For best results, use fresh cherries when in season. Store in an airtight container up to 3 days. Optionally add nuts for crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars, Cherry Dessert Bars, Chewy Chocolate Bars