Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars Recipe Easy Homemade Dessert

The smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cherry bars wafting through your kitchen is pure magic. These bars are everything you want in a dessert—gooey chocolate, bursts of sweet cherries, and a buttery, soft base that’s impossible to resist. I first tried my hand at these while experimenting with leftover cherries from a summer farmers’ market haul, and let me tell you, they’ve been a family favorite ever since!

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s simple to make but tastes like it came from a bakery, you’ve hit the jackpot. These chocolate chip cherry bars are perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to wow without too much fuss. Trust me, one bite of these and you’ll understand why I keep this recipe on repeat!

Not only are these bars absolutely delicious, but they’re also versatile. You can use fresh or frozen cherries, customize the sweetness, and even experiment with different chocolate varieties. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just dipping your toes into the world of homemade desserts, these chocolate chip cherry bars will make you feel like a pro.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe comes together in just one bowl, cutting down on cleanup time.
• Deliciously Unique: The combination of juicy cherries and melty chocolate chips is a match made in dessert heaven.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dessert or a treat for guests, these bars are always a hit.
• Customizable: You can swap out ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
• Kid-Approved: My kids can’t get enough of these, and honestly, neither can I!

What sets this recipe apart is the balance of flavors and textures. The cherries add a tart juiciness that perfectly complements the richness of the chocolate and the buttery base. Plus, they’re soft and chewy in the center with just the right amount of crispness on the edges. If you’re a fan of sweet treats that are a little out of the ordinary, you’re going to love these!

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple ingredients that you may already have in your pantry or fridge. Here’s what you’ll need:

• All-purpose flour: The base of the bars, giving them structure and softness.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness without overpowering the flavors.
• Brown sugar: For a hint of caramel-like richness.
• Unsalted butter: Softened to create that buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Large eggs: Help bind the batter and provide moisture.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
• Fresh or frozen cherries: Pitted and halved. If using frozen, thaw and drain them first.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melty bites of chocolate goodness in every bite.
• Baking powder: Gives the bars a slight lift.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

You can also mix and match ingredients based on your preferences. For instance, try dark chocolate chips for a more intense flavor or add a handful of chopped nuts for extra crunch.

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls: A large one for the batter and a small one for combining dry ingredients.
• Hand or stand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar a breeze.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: The perfect size for evenly baked bars.
• Parchment paper: For easy removal and cleanup.
• Spatula: To spread the batter evenly in the pan.

If you don’t have a hand or stand mixer, don’t worry—you can mix everything by hand with a sturdy whisk and some elbow grease. Just make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing!

Preparation Method

1. Preheat your oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy lifting later.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 cups (250g) of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup (225g) of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup (200g) of granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup (100g) of brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
4. Add the wet ingredients: Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, followed by 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
5. Combine the dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Fold in the mix-ins: Gently fold in 1 cup (150g) of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 cup (150g) of pitted, halved cherries.
7. Spread the batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth it out with a spatula.
8. Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
9. Cool and slice: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before lifting them out and slicing into squares.

Pro tip: If you’re using frozen cherries, make sure they’re well-drained to prevent the bars from becoming too wet.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Don’t overmix: Overmixing the batter can make the bars tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Use parchment paper: This makes it so much easier to lift the bars out of the pan for slicing.
• Check your cherries: If using fresh cherries, make sure they’re pitted properly. No one likes a surprise pit in their dessert!
• Let them cool: These bars firm up as they cool, so resist the urge to cut into them too soon.

If you’re like me and sometimes can’t wait, know that the bars will be messier but still absolutely delicious when warm!

Variations & Adaptations

• Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
• Dairy-free: Substitute the butter with vegan butter and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
• Seasonal twist: Swap cherries for raspberries or blueberries for a different flavor profile.
• Add-ins: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture.
• White chocolate chips: For a sweeter twist, replace the semi-sweet chips with white chocolate chips.

Feel free to get creative with the mix-ins. Coconut flakes, dried cherries, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top could be fun additions!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These chocolate chip cherry bars are best served slightly warm or at room temperature. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for an extra indulgent treat. They’re also lovely with a cup of coffee or tea!

To store, place the bars in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Per serving (1 bar, based on 12 bars):

• Calories: 250
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 1g

The cherries provide antioxidants and a natural sweetness, while the chocolate chips add a dose of happiness. This dessert is definitely a treat, but it’s one worth savoring!

Conclusion

If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that’s simple, delicious, and full of charm, these chocolate chip cherry bars are calling your name. With their rich flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture, they’re sure to become a staple in your baking rotation.

Feel free to get creative with the recipe and make it your own. I’d love to hear how yours turn out! Drop a comment below or share your version on social media. Don’t forget to tag me so I can see your creations!

Baking is such a joy, and these bars are the perfect way to share a little love with family and friends. Happy baking!

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries for this recipe?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the batter.

What type of chocolate chips work best?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips are ideal for balancing the cherries’ sweetness, but you can use dark or white chocolate if you prefer.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour.

How do I know when the bars are done?

The edges should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.

How should I store leftovers?

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

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