These Chocolate Cherry Bars are a decadent treat combining the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with the sweet and tart flavors of cherries. Perfect for holiday gatherings or simply indulging your sweet tooth, these bars are loaded with dark chocolate and juicy cherry bits. The dessert’s moist and dense consistency, complemented by a slightly crisp top, is a delightful contrast to the gooey chocolate-cherry interior. They are easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup dried cherries (or cherry pie filling for a richer texture)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the dark chocolate chips and dried cherries (or if using cherry pie filling, gently fold it in to create streaks of cherry within the batter).
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. If using dried cherries, you can scatter a few extra on top for decoration.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as these bars are best when slightly gooey in the middle.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Serve these Chocolate Cherry Bars on their own, or elevate them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. Enjoy the perfect harmony of chocolate and cherries in every bite!
