Delicious Chocolate Cherry Bars

These rich and indulgent Chocolate Cherry Bars are the perfect treat for satisfying your cravings or elevating any special occasion. With a moist, fudgy base, pops of juicy cherries, and a decadent chocolate finish, this dessert strikes the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. It’s a family favorite we always whip up for gatherings, and it quickly disappears from the table.

My love for this recipe started during a holiday baking marathon, and it’s been a staple in my dessert rotation ever since. Everyone loves the unexpected burst of flavor from the cherries.

Ingredients

• Granulated sugar: Creates a sweet base without overpowering the other flavors.
• All-purpose flour: Provides structure. Look for fresh, lump-free flour for best results.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Offers a rich chocolate flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa works well for a deeper taste.
• Salt: Balances out the sweetness. Opt for fine sea salt for even mixing.
• Baking powder: Ensures the bars rise evenly while baking.
• Shredded coconut: Adds a chewy texture and tropical flair. Use unsweetened for better flavor control.
• Chopped peanuts: Lend a slight crunch and nutty savoriness. Go for lightly salted or unsalted peanuts.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Give bursts of chocolate throughout. Reserve some to melt into the topping for a glossy look.
• Maraschino cherries: Are the star, providing fruity bursts. Pat them dry before adding to reduce excess moisture.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness. Melt it just until smooth for easy mixing.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate and cherry flavors. Always use pure vanilla if possible.
• Large eggs: Bring everything together. Use room-temperature eggs for a smoother batter.
• Sweetened condensed milk: Gives the bars a luscious, sweet, and creamy texture.

How to Make Chocolate Cherry Bars

Preheat the Oven:

Set the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish well and line it with parchment paper so the bars release easily after baking.

Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder until evenly combined.

Incorporate the Mix-ins:

Fold in the shredded coconut and chopped peanuts. Ensure they are evenly distributed so every bite has balanced flavors.

Prepare the Wet Mixture:

Combine melted butter, 0.25 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl. Mix until smooth.

Add Eggs:

Crack in the eggs, one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. This helps the batter achieve a smooth, lump-free consistency.

Combine Mixtures:

Mix half of the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, then stir in the remaining dry ingredients. Blend until fully incorporated but be careful not to overmix.

Assemble the Bars:

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Distribute halved maraschino cherries and the remaining chocolate chips over the batter. Gently pour the sweetened condensed milk over the surface, ensuring even coverage.

Bake:

Bake the bars for 25-30 minutes. Look for golden edges and a center that is just set. Avoid baking too long to keep them fudgy.

Cool and Serve:

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares. To make them extra special, drizzle melted chocolate on top just before serving.

I love how the maraschino cherries brighten up these bars both visually and flavor-wise. Every batch reminds me of the afternoons I spent baking with my grandmother during the holidays.

Storage Tips

These bars keep wonderfully when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Refrigeration helps them stay moist and fudgy while extending their shelf life. You can also freeze individual squares for a grab-and-go dessert option. Just thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have maraschino cherries, try dried cherries rehydrated in warm water or cherry preserves. For the nuts, you can swap peanuts for almonds or walnuts. Vegan butter and non-dairy condensed milk work well as substitutions for a plant-based version.

Take these chocolate cherry bars to your next event—it’s almost guaranteed someone will ask you for the recipe! Whether it’s the chewy coconut, the crunch from the peanuts, or the burst of cherry goodness in each bite, these bars deliver on every level.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?

Yes! Fresh cherries can be used, but ensure they are pitted and halved. The flavor will be less sweet compared to maraschino cherries.

→ How do I store chocolate cherry bars?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for extended freshness.

→ Can I substitute the peanuts in the recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute peanuts with chopped almonds, walnuts, or even omit them entirely for a nut-free version.

→ What other chocolate chips can I use?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips are ideal, but you can experiment with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips for unique flavors.

→ Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend for a gluten-free version. Ensure other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

→ Do I need to line the baking dish with parchment paper?

Yes, lining the dish with parchment ensures easy removal of the bars and prevents sticking.