Baked Cherry and Chocolate Chip – Indulge in the delightful combination of cherries and chocolate. With our Baked Cherry and Chocolate Chip Bars. This dessert is perfect. For anyone who loves the rich taste of chocolate. Coupled with the fresh, tangy burst of cherries. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients. This treat. Will be the star of your next gathering.
The first time I made these bars. It was a chilly evening. And I wanted something sweet. Yet substantial. To cheer up my family. I remember pulling the warm pan out of the oven. And the comforting aroma filled the house. My husband. Who’s a big cherry fan. And my little one. Whose eyes light up. At the sight of chocolate. Both fell in love with it instantly. It’s been a family favorite ever since!
What makes this Baked Cherry and Chocolate Chip truly special?
These Baked Cherry and Chocolate Chip Bars. Are not only easy. And quick to prepare. But also versatile enough. To use either fresh or frozen cherries. They are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With a delicious blend of rich chocolate. And tangy cherries. That makes them perfect for any gathering. Or special occasion.
What You Need To Make This Baked Cherry and Chocolate Chip Recipe?
Butter: Choose salted for a hint of savory. Or unsalted to control the salt yourself. Either option ensures your bars. Are deliciously soft and rich.
Brown Sugar: Adds a caramel-like depth. That pairs well with chocolate and cherries. Be sure to pack it tightly. For the best flavor and texture.
Cherries: Fresh or frozen work perfectly. Fresh cherries need pitting. But add a burst of flavor. While frozen are convenient. And equally tasty.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chips provide a nice balance of sweet and bitter. Enhancing the cherries’ tartness. Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate. For new flavors.
Vanilla and Egg: Vanilla boosts the aroma and flavor. While the egg binds the mixture. Giving your bars the right consistency.
Flour and Optional Salt: Flour holds everything together. And a pinch of salt. Can make all the other flavors pop.
Steps To Make Baked Cherry and Chocolate Chip:
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Take an 8×8 pan, spray it with cooking spray or line it with foil and then spray the foil for easy removal.
Step 2: Cherry Prep: If you’re using fresh cherries, pitting them with a straw is a neat trick that’s surprisingly effective!
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients: Melt the butter and blend it well with the brown sugar. Crack in the egg and splash in the vanilla, mixing until smooth.
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Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in the flour and optional salt, mixing just until it’s incorporated. The key is not to overmix to keep the bars tender.
Step 5: Add the Goodies: Stir in the chocolate chips and cherries last to evenly distribute them without breaking them down too much.
Step 6: Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes. The bars are done when the edges pull away slightly from the pan, and the center is set but might still be a bit gooey from the cherries and chocolate.
Step 7: Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool in the pan, then cut into squares. They are stored wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week and are delicious when gently warmed in the microwave.
Tip:
For an extra glossy and flavorful topping. Lightly brush the top of the bars with a simple syrup. Or a bit of melted jam. About 5 minutes before they’re done baking. This not only adds a subtle sweetness. But also gives the bars a beautiful sheen. Making them look as irresistible. As they taste. Cherry or apricot jam works wonderfully. For this little trick!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate will give a richer. More intense chocolate flavor. That pairs wonderfully with the cherries.
What’s the best way to store these bars?
Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh. And delicious. For up to a week.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes. You can easily double the ingredients. And bake in a 9×13 pan. Just be sure to slightly increase the baking time by a few minutes. To accommodate the larger volume.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Baked Cherry and Chocolate Chip
Ingredients
- 1 stick 1/2 c butter (salted or unsalted)
- 1 c light brown sugar packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 large egg
- 1 c flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt optional
- 3/4 c semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 c cherries halved and pitted (fresh or frozen)
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray an 8x8 pan with cooking spray. Or line with foil and spray the foil. Pit and halve the cherries.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a bowl, melt the butter. Add brown sugar, egg, and vanilla, mixing. Until smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in flour and salt. Until just combined.
- Fold in Mix-Ins: Gently fold in the chocolate chips and cherries.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. And bake for 25-30 minutes. Until the edges start to pull away. From the sides of the pan.
- Cool: Allow the bars to cool before cutting. And serving. Enjoy warm for an extra treat!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
