Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars

Ultimate Guide to Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars

If you’re a fan of the perfect blend of sweet, tart, and chocolatey goodness, then these Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars by Averie Sunshine will quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. This recipe combines the richness of chocolate with the fresh, tangy burst of cherries, all nestled within a blondie base that’s guaranteed to turn out perfectly every time. Let’s dive into the details of what makes this recipe so special and how you can master it in your kitchen.

The Perfect Blondie Base

The foundation of these bars is a classic blondie base, known for its chewy, rich, and buttery flavor. The beauty of this blondie recipe lies in its simplicity and reliability. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dessert that’s not only delicious but also adaptable to various flavors and mix-ins. Averie Sunshine’s blondie base is a tried-and-true recipe that ensures a perfect outcome every time you bake it.

Key Ingredients:

Unsalted Butter: The base starts with ½ cup of melted unsalted butter, which adds richness and moisture to the blondies. Melting the butter in the microwave for about 60 seconds is all it takes to get started. Butter is the backbone of the blondie’s tender texture.
Light Brown Sugar: One cup of packed light brown sugar is the primary sweetener. Brown sugar adds a deeper flavor and a slight molasses-like richness that white sugar doesn’t offer. It also contributes to the moist and chewy texture that’s characteristic of blondies.
Egg and Vanilla Extract: A single large egg provides structure and binds the ingredients together, while two teaspoons of vanilla extract infuse the blondies with a warm, aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with the chocolate and cherries.
All-Purpose Flour and Salt: One cup of all-purpose flour is just enough to give the blondies their structure without making them too dense. A pinch of salt is optional, but it enhances the overall flavor, balancing the sweetness and bringing out the chocolate’s richness.

Chocolate and Cherry Combo

What truly sets these bars apart is the combination of semi-sweet chocolate chips and juicy cherries. The semi-sweet chocolate chips offer a slightly bitter contrast to the sweet blondie base, creating a balanced flavor profile that’s not overly sugary. Depending on your preference, you can add between ¾ to 1 cup of chocolate chips.

Cherries, whether fresh or frozen, bring a delightful tartness to the mix. You’ll need one cup of cherries, and Averie suggests not halving them, so you get big, chunky pieces in every bite. The cherries add a burst of freshness that pairs perfectly with the richness of the chocolate and the buttery blondie base.

Ingredient Alternatives:

While this recipe is written for cherries, it’s incredibly versatile. You can substitute or combine cherries with other fruits like plums, peaches, nectarines, raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, or blackberries. Each fruit will bring its own unique flavor and texture to the bars, making this recipe a wonderful base for experimentation.

Baking Instructions

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to make. With a total time of just one hour, including prep, baking, and cooling, you can whip up a batch of these bars with minimal effort.

Prepare Your Pan: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line an 8-by-8-inch baking pan with aluminum foil and spray it with cooking spray. This step ensures easy removal of the bars once they’re baked and cooled.
Mix the Ingredients: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Then, stir in the brown sugar until combined. Next, add the egg and vanilla extract, stirring until everything is well mixed. Add the flour and salt, and stir just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough blondies, so be gentle at this stage.
Fold in the Mix-Ins: Fold in the chocolate chips and cherries, then pour the batter into the prepared pan. Use a spatula or offset knife to smooth the top if necessary.
Bake to Perfection: Bake the bars for 27 to 32 minutes, or until the edges begin to pull away from the sides of the pan, and the center is set. The exact baking time may vary depending on the moisture content of the fruit and how gooey you prefer your blondies.
Cool and Serve: Once baked, allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least an hour before slicing and serving. This cooling time is crucial for the bars to set properly, making them easier to slice.

Serving and Storage Tips

These Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. They’re perfect for an afternoon snack, a casual dessert, or even as a treat to bring to gatherings. The bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you prefer to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months.

Pro Tips:

Cutting the Bars: For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it between slices. This will help you get neat, even bars without the chocolate smudging.
Serving Suggestions: Serve the bars as they are, or for an extra indulgent treat, warm them slightly and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Nutritional Information

These bars are rich and decadent, so they’re definitely a treat to be enjoyed in moderation. Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional information for one serving (based on the recipe making 9 servings):

Calories: 309 kcal
Carbohydrates: 43g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 48mg
Sodium: 76mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 30g

While these bars aren’t exactly low-calorie, they’re a delightful indulgence that’s worth every bite. The balance of flavors and textures makes them satisfying, so a small piece goes a long way in curbing your sweet tooth.

Tips for Customization

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. While the original recipe is delicious as is, there are plenty of ways you can customize it to suit your tastes or make use of what you have on hand.

1. Different Chocolate Varieties:

Dark Chocolate Chips: For a more intense chocolate flavor, swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips. The slight bitterness of dark chocolate pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the blondie base and the tartness of the cherries.
White Chocolate Chips: For a sweeter variation, try using white chocolate chips. The creamy sweetness of white chocolate complements the cherries, creating a more dessert-like bar.

2. Nutty Additions:

Chopped Nuts: Add some crunch to your bars by folding in ½ cup of chopped nuts such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds. Nuts not only add texture but also bring a depth of flavor that enhances the overall taste.
Nut Butter Swirl: Before baking, swirl in a few tablespoons of almond butter, peanut butter, or cashew butter on top of the batter. This adds a nutty richness that contrasts beautifully with the sweet and tart elements.

3. Fruity Variations:

Mixed Berry Medley: If you’re a fan of berries, use a mix of raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries in place of or in addition to the cherries. This creates a more complex fruity flavor with a variety of textures.
Stone Fruit Twist: Replace the cherries with diced plums, peaches, or nectarines for a summer-inspired version of the bars. The juicy, sweet-tart flavor of stone fruits pairs wonderfully with the blondie base and chocolate.

4. Flavor Enhancers:

Cinnamon or Nutmeg: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor that complements the cherries and chocolate.
Coconut Flakes: For a tropical twist, sprinkle ¼ cup of shredded coconut into the batter. The coconut adds a sweet, nutty flavor and a bit of chewiness.

5. Healthier Swaps:

Whole Wheat Flour: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly healthier version. The whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and a bit more fiber.
Coconut Sugar: Swap out the light brown sugar for coconut sugar, which has a lower glycemic index and adds a caramel-like flavor to the bars.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While this recipe is straightforward, there are a few common issues that bakers might encounter. Here’s how to troubleshoot them:

1. Blondies are too dry or crumbly:

Overmixing: Be careful not to overmix the batter once you add the flour. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, making the blondies tough and dry. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the baking time. The edges should be set, and the center should be just set but still slightly soft. Overbaking can lead to dry, crumbly bars.

2. Bars are too gooey:

Underbaking: If your bars are too gooey, they might need a few more minutes in the oven. However, keep in mind that the chocolate and fruit can make the toothpick test tricky, as it may not come out clean even when the bars are done.
Moisture Content of Fruit: The moisture content of the fruit can affect the texture. If you’re using very juicy fruit, consider extending the baking time by a few minutes or draining the fruit slightly before adding it to the batter.

3. Uneven baking:

Pan Size: Make sure you’re using an 8-by-8-inch pan as specified in the recipe. A larger pan will result in thinner bars that bake faster, while a smaller pan will yield thicker bars that take longer to bake.
Oven Hot Spots: If your bars are baking unevenly, your oven may have hot spots. Rotate the pan halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.

Conclusion

Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars are the perfect dessert for anyone who loves the combination of sweet and tart flavors with a rich, chocolatey undertone. With Averie Sunshine’s reliable blondie base, you’re sure to achieve perfect results every time. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with different mix-ins and flavors, these bars are a delicious and versatile treat that’s sure to impress. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a batch of these delightful bars that are as easy to make as they are to eat.