Get ready to bake up a batch of pure happiness with these incredible Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars! This recipe is your shortcut to a delightfully sweet and chewy bar packed with the classic combination of rich chocolate chips and tart cherries, perfect for any occasion.
Key Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (about 6 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup (about 6 oz) dried or chopped maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars
Whip up these delicious Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars in under 30 minutes of active prep time, making them incredibly easy to bake! The recipe yields wonderfully moist and chewy bars with a delightful texture, bursting with sweet chocolate and tangy cherry flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make lifting the bars out of the pan much easier. Grease the parchment paper lightly or use non-stick cooking spray.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which contributes to the bars’ tender texture. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed throughout the dry ingredients.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or by hand until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can lead to tough bars.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips and Cherries: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and the drained, patted-dry dried or chopped maraschino cherries. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Press Dough into Pan: Evenly spread the dough into the prepared 9×13 inch baking pan, pressing it down gently with a spatula or the back of a spoon to create an even layer.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached (not wet batter). The center should be set but still slightly soft.
- Cool Before Cutting: Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is a crucial step to allow the bars to set properly and prevent them from falling apart when cut.
- Cut and Serve: Once completely cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares or rectangles.
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars
You’ll adore these Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars for their exceptionally chewy texture and the delightful contrast between the sweet, melty chocolate chips and the slightly tart, juicy cherries. It’s a classic flavor combination that’s always a crowd-pleaser, offering a more homemade and budget-friendly alternative to store-bought baked goods. The burst of flavor from the cherries, combined with the rich chocolate, makes each bite an absolute joy.
Forget those overly sweet, crumbly cookies or expensive bakery treats; these bars deliver pure comfort and nostalgia at a fraction of the cost. They’re so simple to make, even beginner bakers can achieve impressive results, proving that delicious homemade desserts don’t need to be complicated. So, gather your ingredients and give these Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars a try – your taste buds (and your wallet) will thank you!
Storing and Reheating Tips
To keep your delicious Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars fresh and delightful, proper storage is key.
- Room Temperature Storage: Once completely cooled, store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight or near heat sources.
- Refrigerator Storage: For extended freshness, store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. They might become slightly firmer when chilled, but will soften at room temperature.
- Freezing for Later: To freeze your Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars for future enjoyment, ensure they are fully cooled. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Reheating for Optimal Taste: To reheat bars from the refrigerator, you can enjoy them as is, or gently warm them in a microwave for 10-15 seconds for a slightly gooey texture. For frozen bars, you can either thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or microwave them directly from frozen for 20-30 seconds, checking for warmth.
Final Thoughts
These Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars are a wonderfully comforting and undeniably delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their simple preparation and irresistible flavor, we encourage you to bake a batch and share the joy with your loved ones!
Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make lifting the bars out of the pan much easier. Grease the parchment paper lightly or use non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which contributes to the bars’ tender texture. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes.1 cup unsalted butter, 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed throughout the dry ingredients.2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or by hand until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can lead to tough bars.
- Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and the drained, patted-dry dried or chopped maraschino cherries. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 cup dried or chopped maraschino cherries
- Evenly spread the dough into the prepared 9×13 inch baking pan, pressing it down gently with a spatula or the back of a spoon to create an even layer.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached (not wet batter). The center should be set but still slightly soft.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is a crucial step to allow the bars to set properly and prevent them from falling apart when cut.
- Once completely cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares or rectangles.