Get ready to experience a mind-blowing dessert that combines the rich, velvety goodness of chocolate with the sweet-tart burst of cherries! These Chocolate Cherry Bars are not just a treat - they're a culinary adventure that will transform your ordinary baking routine into an extraordinary taste sensation. Perfect for chocolate lovers, cherry enthusiasts, and anyone looking to impress their friends and family with a show-stopping dessert that's surprisingly easy to make!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper, ensuring some overhang for easy removal.
- In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder. This will help remove any lumps and ensure a smooth, even mixture.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer. Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and combine thoroughly.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars tough.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Spoon the cherry pie filling over the first layer of batter, distributing it evenly across the surface.
- Carefully pour the remaining batter over the cherry filling, using a spatula to spread it gently and cover the cherries.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, which will take approximately 1-2 hours.
- Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan, then cut into 12 equal squares.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for extra decoration before serving.
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Don't Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated to keep your bars tender and light.
- Check for Doneness: A toothpick with a few moist crumbs is perfect - it means your bars will be deliciously fudgy, not dry.
- Cooling is Crucial: Let the bars cool completely before cutting to help them set and make clean, neat squares.
- Customize Your Topping: Try adding a drizzle of white chocolate, a sprinkle of sea salt, or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra pizzazz.
- Storage Tip: These bars keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.Pro Baking Hack: For extra moisture and flavor, consider using dark cocoa powder or adding a splash of almond extract to complement the cherry filling!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 246kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 40mg
