These decadent Chocolate Covered Cherry Magic Bars combine the rich flavors of chocolate and cherries in an irresistible layered dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With a fudgy chocolate base, sweet maraschino cherries, and a luscious chocolate chip topping, these bars deliver the classic chocolate-covered cherry experience in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Chocolate Covered Cherry Magic Bars are the ultimate crowd-pleaser that brings together beloved flavors in one easy-to-make dessert. The magic happens in the layering – starting with a rich chocolate brownie base that provides the perfect foundation for juicy maraschino cherries and a gooey chocolate chip topping bound together with sweetened condensed milk. What makes this recipe truly special is how simple it is to prepare, requiring just basic mixing and layering techniques while delivering bakery-quality results every time.
The combination of textures creates an unforgettable eating experience – the dense, fudgy bottom layer contrasts beautifully with the sweet, tangy cherries and the creamy chocolate topping. These bars are perfect for potlucks, bake sales, holiday gatherings, or whenever you want to impress guests with minimal effort. Plus, they can be made ahead of time and actually improve in flavor as they sit, making them ideal for busy schedules.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, scooped and leveled (see note)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 stick butter (8 tablespoons)
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 eggs
- 10 oz jar of maraschino cherries, drained and cut in half
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated milk)
How to Make Chocolate Covered Cherry Magic Bars
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment paper with cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Base In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and cocoa powder until well combined. Melt the butter and 1/4 cup chocolate chips together in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth. Allow to cool slightly, then whisk in the vanilla and eggs until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients Pour the melted chocolate mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The batter will be thick and fudgy. Spread this mixture evenly into your prepared baking pan, pressing it down gently to create an even layer.
Step 4: Add the Cherry Layer Drain the maraschino cherries thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels. Cut each cherry in half and distribute them evenly over the chocolate base, pressing them lightly into the batter.
Step 5: Create the Magic Topping Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the cherries. Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the entire surface, making sure to cover as much area as possible for even distribution during baking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly but not wet. The top should look golden and the chocolate chips should be melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Cool Completely Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting. This is crucial for clean cuts and proper setting of the layers. For best results, refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Helpful Tips
When measuring flour, use the scoop and level method rather than scooping directly with the measuring cup to avoid dense bars. Make sure to drain the maraschino cherries thoroughly and pat them dry to prevent excess moisture from making the bars soggy.
For the cleanest cuts, use a sharp knife wiped clean between each cut, and consider chilling the bars for easier slicing. If you prefer less sweet bars, you can reduce the sugar in the base by 1/4 cup, though this will affect the texture slightly.
Room temperature eggs incorporate more easily into the batter, so take them out about 30 minutes before baking. When melting the butter and chocolate chips, be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the chocolate to seize.
Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 25-30 minutes
Cool Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 24 bars
Difficulty: Easy
Notes
The key to perfect Chocolate Covered Cherry Magic Bars lies in proper layering and patience during cooling. When scooping and leveling flour, avoid packing it down, as this can result in dense, heavy bars. Always use sweetened condensed milk rather than evaporated milk – they’re not interchangeable in this recipe.
If you can’t find maraschino cherries, you can substitute with dried cherries that have been soaked in warm water for 10 minutes, though the flavor profile will be different. For an adult version, you can soak the cherries in cherry brandy or rum for 30 minutes before adding them to the bars.
The bars will keep their shape better if you resist the urge to cut them while warm. The sweetened condensed milk needs time to set properly, and cutting too early will result in messy, gooey bars that don’t hold together well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries? A: While you can use fresh cherries, they should be pitted, chopped, and tossed with a tablespoon of sugar to draw out some moisture. However, maraschino cherries provide the classic flavor and bright color that makes these bars special.
Q: How do I know when the bars are done baking? A: The edges should be set and pulling slightly away from the sides of the pan, while the center should be slightly jiggly but not liquid. The top should look golden and bubbly.
Q: Can I make these bars gluten-free? A: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be slightly different, but the bars will still be delicious.
Q: Why are my bars falling apart when I cut them? A: This usually happens when the bars haven’t cooled completely or when they’ve been cut while still warm. Make sure to cool completely and consider refrigerating before cutting for the cleanest slices.
Storage Instructions
Store Chocolate Covered Cherry Magic Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The bars actually improve in flavor after the first day as the flavors meld together.
For longer storage, these bars freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
If you live in a particularly warm climate, refrigerated storage is recommended to prevent the chocolate from becoming too soft and the bars from losing their shape.
Conclusion
These Chocolate Covered Cherry Magic Bars prove that the best desserts often come from simple ingredients combined in thoughtful ways. The magic truly happens in the oven as the layers meld together to create a dessert that’s greater than the sum of its parts. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself to something indulgent, these bars deliver on both flavor and ease of preparation.
The beauty of this recipe lies not just in its delicious results, but in its reliability and adaptability. Once you master the basic technique, you’ll find yourself returning to these Chocolate Covered Cherry Magic Bars again and again, perhaps experimenting with different mix-ins or flavor combinations. They’re proof that magic can happen in your own kitchen, one layer at a time.