If you’re looking for a treat that combines rich chocolate, juicy cherries, and buttery sweetness all in one bite, this Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars Recipe is an absolute showstopper. It’s the perfect balance of chewy and fruity, with chocolate chips melting into every square, while the cherries add a fresh pop of color and tanginess. Whether you’re serving it as a snack, dessert, or for a special occasion, these bars bring warmth and comfort with every mouthful. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become a beloved favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars comes from such simple ingredients that each one plays a crucial role in the final flavor and texture. From the rich butter that gives the bars their tender crumb, to the fresh cherries that brighten each bite, you’ll be amazed how these pantry staples come together to create pure deliciousness.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, melted): Adds a delicate richness and helps bind the bars together with a tender crumb.
- Light brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Provides a subtle caramel undertone and moist texture thanks to its molasses content.
- Large egg (1): Acts as the binding agent, giving structure to the bars without making them cakey.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, sweet fragrance.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Gives these bars their soft but sturdy base, essential for the perfect bite.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon, optional): Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate and cherry flavors.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (¾ to 1 cup): Melts into gooey pockets of chocolate throughout the bars.
- Cherries (1 cup, fresh or frozen): Adds bursts of juicy tartness and lovely texture contrast.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and lining an 8-by-8-inch pan with aluminum foil. Spraying it lightly with cooking spray prevents sticking and makes it super easy to lift out your bars once they’re baked and cooled. This little prep step makes all the difference in clean, neat slices later on.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
Place your unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it until fully melted, usually about 60 seconds. This melted butter is the foundation of the batter, ensuring each bar is moist and tender.
Step 3: Combine Butter with Sugar and Flavors
Mix the packed light brown sugar into the melted butter until fully combined. Then beat in the egg and vanilla extract. These steps build the flavor base and help create the perfect texture—smooth and luscious without heaviness.
Step 4: Incorporate the Flour and Salt
Gently fold in the all-purpose flour along with the optional salt, stirring just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, or your bars might turn out dense instead of delightfully soft. The salt really does bring out the sweetness in a subtle way, so don’t skip it unless on a strict diet.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Cherries
This is the fun part. Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and cherries, being sure to leave some of the cherries chunky and intact. They provide gorgeous texture and those little moments of juicy surprise that make this recipe a standout.
Step 6: Transfer Batter to Pan
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the surface evenly using a spatula or offset knife. This step ensures your bars bake evenly and come out with nice, clean edges.
Step 7: Bake Until Perfect
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 27 to 32 minutes, watching carefully. The edges will start to pull away from the pan slightly, and the center will set but remain moist. Because of the chocolate and cherries, a toothpick might not come out completely clean, and that’s perfectly okay—it means these bars stay gooey and irresistible.
Step 8: Cool and Remove
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least an hour before attempting to slice. This rest time helps them firm up for neat squares. Then, lift them out with the foil and cut into generous 9 or 9 pieces.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate transforms these bars into a gourmet treat. Fresh cherries or a few extra chocolate chips sprinkled on top add charm and visual appeal for serving at brunch or a party.
Side Dishes
These bars pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, especially if served slightly warm. Even a simple cup of black coffee or rich hot chocolate complements the sweetness and deep flavors splendidly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these bars in a glass trifle bowl layered with whipped cream and cherry preserves for an elegant, no-bake dessert twist. Or wrap individual pieces in parchment for thoughtful grab-and-go gifts that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These bars stay fresh stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Keeping them in the fridge helps extend their life and maintain a firmer texture, perfect if you prefer your bars chilled.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars Recipe later, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked warmth and gooey texture, gently reheat bars in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a low oven wrapped in foil. This brings the chocolate back to melty perfection and softens the cherries beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use dried cherries instead of fresh or frozen?
Dried cherries can be used, but they’ll add more chewiness rather than juiciness. If you opt for dried, consider soaking them briefly in warm water to soften them before folding them into the batter.
What if I don’t have semi-sweet chocolate chips? Can I use another type?
Absolutely! Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips work wonderfully here. Each variation will subtly change the flavor profile—dark for richness, milk for creaminess, white for a sweeter twist.
Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for baking. Just be sure to check that it contains xanthan gum or a similar binding agent to maintain texture.
Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?
You sure can. Just double all the ingredients and bake in a 9-by-13-inch pan. You may need to increase the baking time slightly—keep an eye on those edges and test with a toothpick.
Why do the bars sometimes come out crumbly?
This can happen if the flour is overworked or if too much flour is added, so be mindful to mix just until combined. Using melted butter helps keep the bars moist and tender, so don’t substitute with cold butter.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the combination of chocolate and cherries in this Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars Recipe that just delights every time. From the first gooey bite to the last, these bars bring happiness and warmth, perfect for sharing or savoring alone. I encourage you to bake a batch soon—you’ll see why they become a treasured go-to quick dessert that everyone asks for again and again.
Print
Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars are soft, chewy, and bursting with sweet cherry and rich chocolate flavors. Perfect for a delightful dessert or snack, they combine the gooey texture of chocolate chips with juicy cherries in a buttery, brown sugar base. Easy to prepare and baked to perfection, these bars make a crowd-pleasing treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
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
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-by-8-inch baking pan with aluminum foil and lightly spray it with cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the bars.
- Melt Butter: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter by heating it for about 60 seconds until fully liquefied.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the packed light brown sugar to the melted butter and stir to combine thoroughly. Then add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and consistent.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and optional salt to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can result in tough bars.
- Fold in Chocolate and Cherries: Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and cherries carefully, leaving some big, chunky pieces of cherries intact to add texture and flavor.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface lightly with a spatula or offset knife to ensure even baking.
- Bake: Bake for 27 to 32 minutes until the edges slightly pull away from the pan sides and the center is set. Note that the baking time may vary depending on the fruit moisture and desired gooeyness. A toothpick inserted may not come out clean due to chocolate and cherries.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 1 hour before slicing. This step helps the bars set properly for clean cuts. Store in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for up to one week, or freeze for up to three months.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen cherries; if frozen, do not thaw to prevent excess moisture in the batter.
- Do not overmix the batter once flour is added to ensure tender bars.
- Be careful not to overbake to retain a chewy and moist texture.
- For easier removal, allow bars to cool completely before lifting them out using the foil liner.
- Customize by using different types of chocolate chips, such as dark or white chocolate.
