Can a dessert be both outrageously easy and wildly irresistible? If you’ve ever doubted that simplicity could yield flavor-packed results, let these Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars prove otherwise. This easy, one-bowl dessert melds melty chocolate, succulent cherries, and a tender blondie base into a deliciously harmonious treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These bars aren’t just a treat—they’re an experience. Here’s why readers rave about them:
- One-bowl magic: Less mess, less fuss, more time to enjoy.
- Versatile fruit blend: Use whatever berries or stone fruits you have on hand.
- Perfect texture: Chewy edges, soft centers, and bursts of melty chocolate.
- Crowd-pleaser: Ideal for potlucks, picnics, or a simple weeknight dessert.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
- 3/4 to 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup cherries (fresh or frozen, unhalved)
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars
- Preheat & Prep: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with aluminum foil and coat it with non-stick spray.
- Melt & Mix: Use a medium microwave-safe bowl to melt the butter, about 60 seconds.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the brown sugar until smooth, then add the egg and vanilla, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Mix in the flour and optional salt, being careful not to overmix.
- Fold & Fill: Gently fold in the chocolate chips and cherries. Pour the batter into the lined pan, spreading it evenly across the top.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 27-32 minutes. The edges should slightly pull away from the sides and the center should be set.
- Cool & Cut: Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 1 hour before slicing.
Helpful Tips
- Don’t overmix: Overmixing creates tough blondies. Stir just until combined.
- Leave cherries whole: Whole cherries provide bursts of flavor and keep the bars extra moist.
- Line your pan: Foil makes for easy cleanup and lifting.
- Cool completely: This helps the bars set for perfect slicing.
Substitutions And Variations
- Fruit swaps: Try blueberries, raspberries, peaches, or a mix.
- Add nuts: Walnuts or pecans add crunch.
- Chocolate variations: Use dark, milk, or white chocolate chips.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cherries? Yes, no need to thaw. Just fold them in as directed.
Why is my center gooey? The moisture from fruit and melted chocolate may cause a gooier center. It’s perfectly safe if the edges are set.
Can I double the recipe? Absolutely. Use a 9×13-inch pan and increase the baking time slightly.
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate: Keeps fresh for up to 1 week.
- Freeze: Freeze sliced bars in a single layer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before serving.
More Relevant Recipes
Conclusion
If you’re craving a quick and irresistible dessert, these Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars hit every sweet note. With their chewy texture, bold bursts of cherry, and rich chocolate chips, they’re sure to become a household favorite. Don’t forget to explore our other dessert bar recipes for more sweet inspiration!
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Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 9 bars 1x
Description
Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars are chewy, chocolate-studded treats with juicy cherries and a soft blondie base. Easy, one-bowl recipe—make it today!
Ingredients
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
3/4 to 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup cherries (fresh or frozen, unhalved)
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with foil and spray with non-stick spray.
-
Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl (about 60 seconds).
-
Stir in brown sugar until smooth. Add egg and vanilla, mix until combined.
-
Fold in flour and optional salt; do not overmix.
-
Gently stir in chocolate chips and whole cherries.
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Spread batter evenly in prepared pan.
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Bake for 27–32 minutes or until edges slightly pull away and center is set.
-
Cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Use whole cherries for extra bursts of juice.
You can swap in other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or peaches.
Don’t overmix the batter—mix just until combined for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes + 20 minutes (cooling)