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Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars | Soft, Chewy & Easy Dessert

Soft and chewy cherry dessert bars packed with juicy cherries and melty chocolate chips. These easy one-bowl bars have buttery brown sugar flavor and are perfect for parties, bake sales, holidays, or an everyday sweet treat.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 16 Bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cherry Bars
  • 1 cup unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup pitted cherries chopped and well drained
Optional Topping
  • ¼ cup extra chocolate chips
  • ¼ cup chopped cherries
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch or 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
  2. If using fresh cherries, remove the pits and chop them. If using frozen or jarred cherries, drain them thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
  4. Add the eggs and vanilla extract. Whisk until fully combined.
  5. Add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently mix with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  6. Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped cherries.
  7. Transfer the thick batter to the prepared pan and spread it evenly into the corners.
  8. Sprinkle additional chocolate chips and cherries over the top, if desired.
  9. Bake for 25–32 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set but still slightly soft.
  10. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
  11. Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes.
  12. Lift the bars out using the parchment paper and cut into 16 squares or rectangles.
  13. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

Notes

Drain cherries very well to prevent excess moisture from making the bars soggy.
Do not overmix the batter after adding the flour.
For soft and chewy bars, avoid overbaking.
Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting for cleaner slices.
Semi-sweet chocolate provides a nice balance with the sweet cherries.
Fresh, frozen, or well-drained jarred cherries can be used.
For an extra flavor boost, add ½ teaspoon almond extract.