Chocolate Cherry Bliss Bars
Highlighted under: Sweet Dessert Recipes
Delight in the rich and indulgent flavors of Chocolate Cherry Bliss Bars, a perfect treat for any occasion.
These Chocolate Cherry Bliss Bars are a heavenly combination of rich chocolate and tart cherries, making them a perfect dessert for any chocolate lover. The bars are easy to make and will surely impress your family and friends!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with tart cherries
- Chewy texture with a delightful crunch from the nuts
- Perfect for sharing or enjoying as a personal treat
The Perfect Balance of Flavors
Chocolate Cherry Bliss Bars offer a harmonious blend of sweet and tart flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The rich chocolate base provides a decadent foundation, while the tartness of the cherries cuts through the sweetness, creating a balanced treat that is both indulgent and refreshing. This unique flavor combination makes these bars a standout dessert for any gathering or a comforting snack for yourself.
Each bite delivers an explosion of taste, with the dark chocolate chips adding richness and the cherries contributing a juicy burst of flavor. This delightful contrast is what makes these bars so addictive, ensuring that one piece will never be enough. Whether you're enjoying them at a picnic or serving them after dinner, these bars are sure to impress.
Texture That Delights
In addition to their amazing flavor, Chocolate Cherry Bliss Bars boast an incredible texture. The chewy base pairs perfectly with the crunch of walnuts, if included, providing a satisfying bite that keeps you coming back for more. The combination of soft cherries and melty chocolate chips adds layers of texture that elevate the experience of each mouthful.
These bars are versatile enough to be enjoyed at room temperature or chilled for a firmer bite. The chewy texture makes them easy to cut into perfect squares, making them ideal for sharing. Whether you choose to enjoy them alone or with friends, the delightful texture is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
A Treat for Any Occasion
Chocolate Cherry Bliss Bars are a fantastic choice for various occasions. Whether it's a birthday party, a holiday gathering, or just a casual get-together with friends, these bars are sure to be a hit. They are easy to make in large batches, so you can easily prepare enough to satisfy a crowd or enjoy them throughout the week.
Moreover, these bars can be customized to suit your preferences. Feel free to experiment with different nuts or even swap out the cherries for other fruits like raspberries or blueberries. This adaptability makes the recipe not only delicious but also versatile, ensuring that you'll always have a perfect treat for any event.
Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients before you start for a smooth baking experience!
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup cherries, pitted and chopped
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Make sure to sift the cocoa powder to avoid lumps in your batter.
Instructions
Follow these steps carefully to achieve the best results.
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking pan.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Fold in Cherries and Chocolate
Gently fold in the chopped cherries, dark chocolate chips, and walnuts if using.
Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Cut
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut into squares.
These bars are delicious served warm or at room temperature.
Tips for Success
To ensure your Chocolate Cherry Bliss Bars turn out perfectly, be sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Using a kitchen scale can help you achieve precise measurements, especially for the flour and cocoa powder. Additionally, make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming with the sugar, which helps create a light and airy texture in the bars.
When mixing the dry ingredients, whisk them thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the baking powder and cocoa powder. This step is crucial for achieving uniform rising and flavor throughout the bars. Lastly, monitor the baking time closely; ovens can vary, so checking for doneness a few minutes early can prevent overbaking.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Once baked and cooled, Chocolate Cherry Bliss Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag; they can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds.
For an extra touch when serving, dust the bars with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate. Pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream can elevate your dessert experience to new heights. These serving suggestions will impress your guests and make any occasion feel special.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the batter.
→ How should I store the bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
→ Can I substitute the butter?
You can substitute with coconut oil or a plant-based butter for a dairy-free option.
→ Are these bars gluten-free?
To make them gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Chocolate Cherry Bliss Bars
Delight in the rich and indulgent flavors of Chocolate Cherry Bliss Bars, a perfect treat for any occasion.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Sweet Dessert Recipes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 bars
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup cherries, pitted and chopped
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking pan.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Gently fold in the chopped cherries, dark chocolate chips, and walnuts if using.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut into squares.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 29g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 3g