Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars are a delightful twist on classic blondies, combining the sweetness of brown sugar with juicy cherries and rich chocolate chips. They offer a perfect balance of chewy and chunky textures, ideal for an easy homemade treat.

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-by-8-inch pan with aluminum foil and spray it with cooking spray; set aside.
2. Step 2: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter for about 60 seconds until fully melted.
3. Step 3: Stir the brown sugar into the melted butter until well combined.
4. Step 4: Add the egg and vanilla extract, stirring to combine thoroughly.
5. Step 5: Add the flour and salt, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your blondies tender.
6. Step 6: Gently fold in the chocolate chips and cherries, keeping the cherries whole for a chunky texture.
7. Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top lightly with a spatula or offset knife if needed.
8. Step 8: Bake for 27 to 32 minutes, until the edges start to pull away from the pan and the center is set. Note that baking time may vary depending on the fruit moisture and your preferred gooeyness.
9. Step 9: Let the bars cool for at least one hour before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• Try mixing cherries with other fruits like plums, peaches, raspberries, or blueberries for different flavors.
• Do not overmix the batter to avoid tough blondies; gentle folding is best.
• If using frozen cherries, no need to thaw—add them straight into the batter.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or let come to room temperature before enjoying.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other fruits instead of cherries?

Yes, you can substitute or combine cherries with plums, peaches, nectarines, raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, or blackberries for a fresh twist on the bars.

Why might my bars turn out tough?

Overmixing the batter develops gluten and can make the bars tough. Stir gently and just until the ingredients are combined to keep them tender and chewy.

Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars Recipe

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These Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars are a delightful twist on classic blondies, combining the rich sweetness of brown sugar and melted butter with bursts of fresh or frozen cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Baked to golden perfection with a chewy texture and gooey center, these bars make a perfect treat for any occasion.

• Author: Nethan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (1 stick)
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt (optional)

Add-ins

• ¾ to 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup cherries, fresh or frozen

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-by-8-inch baking pan with aluminum foil and spray it lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set aside.
2. Melt Butter: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter by heating it for about 60 seconds, or until fully melted.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: Stir the brown sugar into the melted butter until well combined. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly to form a smooth batter.
4. Add Dry Ingredients: Incorporate the flour and optional salt into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix to avoid tough blondies.
5. Fold in Chocolate Chips and Cherries: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and the cherries (either fresh or frozen, whole cherries preferred for chunkiness). Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula or offset knife.
6. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 27 to 32 minutes. The edges should start to pull away from the pan, and the center should be set but can still be slightly gooey due to the cherries and chocolate. A toothpick inserted might not come out clean because of the moist fruit and chocolate chips.
7. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan for at least one hour before slicing to ensure they set properly. Serve and enjoy.
8. Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months.

Notes

• You can substitute or mix cherries with other fruits like plums, peaches, nectarines, raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries.
• Baking time may vary depending on the type and moisture content of the fruit you use, and also on how gooey you prefer your bars.
• Because of the juicy fruit and chocolate, a toothpick inserted in the center might not come out clean even when the bars are fully baked.

Keywords: Chocolate chip bars, cherry bars, blondies, baked dessert, chocolate cherry dessert