Chocolate Covered Cherry Magic Bars Recipe

Introduction

Chocolate Covered Cherry Magic Bars are a decadent treat that perfectly balances rich cocoa, sweet cherries, and gooey condensed milk. These layered bars offer a delightful mix of textures and flavors that are sure to impress at any gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour, scooped and leveled
• 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)

Instructions

1. Step 1: 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.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and cocoa powder until well combined. Melt the butter and 1/4 cup chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each until smooth. Let cool slightly, then whisk in the vanilla and eggs until fully incorporated.
3. Step 3: Pour the melted chocolate mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The batter will be thick and fudgy. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared pan, pressing down gently to create an even layer.
4. Step 4: Drain the maraschino cherries and pat them dry with paper towels. Cut them in half and distribute evenly over the chocolate base, pressing lightly into the batter.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips over the cherries. Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the entire surface.
6. Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly but not wet. The top should be golden and the chocolate chips melted and bubbly.
7. Step 7: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting. For best results, refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to ensure clean cuts and proper setting.

Tips & Variations

• Use the scoop and level method when measuring flour to avoid dense bars.
• Drain and dry the maraschino cherries thoroughly to prevent soggy bars.
• For clean cuts, use a sharp knife wiped between slices and chill the bars before slicing.
• Reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup for less sweetness, noting this may slightly affect texture.
• Use room temperature eggs for easier incorporation into the batter.
• Be careful not to overheat butter and chocolate when melting to avoid seizing.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage; thaw in the fridge before serving. Reheat briefly in the microwave or enjoy chilled for a fudgier texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I substitute fresh cherries for maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries can be used, but they have higher moisture content. Make sure to dry them well to avoid sogginess, and consider reducing or skipping the condensed milk to balance moisture.

Why do the bars need to cool completely before cutting?

Cooling allows the layers to set firmly, preventing the bars from falling apart and ensuring clean, neat slices.

Chocolate Covered Cherry Magic Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 86 reviews

• Author: Zoe
• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x

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Description

Decadent Chocolate Covered Cherry Magic Bars featuring a fudgy chocolate base, maraschino cherry layer, and a luscious sweetened condensed milk topping studded with semi-sweet chocolate chips. These bars combine rich cocoa flavors with bursts of fruity cherry sweetness for an irresistible dessert perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour, scooped and leveled
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Wet Ingredients

• 1 stick butter (8 tablespoons)
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 eggs

Additional Toppings

• 10 oz jar of maraschino cherries, drained and halved
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated milk)

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Instructions

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 to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Chocolate Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and cocoa powder until fully combined. Melt the butter and 1/4 cup chocolate chips together in the microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth. Let it cool slightly, then whisk in the vanilla extract and eggs until fully incorporated.
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 it evenly into the prepared baking pan, pressing down gently to create a smooth, even layer.
4. Add the Cherry Layer: Drain the maraschino cherries thoroughly and pat dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture. Cut each cherry in half and distribute evenly over the chocolate base, pressing lightly to embed them into the batter.
5. Create the Magic Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the cherries. Then drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the entire surface, covering as much area as possible to ensure even melting and baking.
6. Bake to Perfection: Bake the bars for 25-30 minutes, until the edges are set and the center remains slightly jiggly but not wet. The tops should appear golden, and the chocolate chips will be melted and bubbly.
7. Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool fully in the pan for clean cuts and proper layer setting. For best results, refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Use the scoop and level method when measuring flour to avoid dense texture.
• Drain and pat dry maraschino cherries thoroughly to prevent soggy bars.
• For the cleanest cuts, use a sharp knife wiped clean between slices and chill bars before slicing.
• Reduce sugar in the base by 1/4 cup if you prefer less sweetness, noting this may slightly affect texture.
• Use room temperature eggs for easier incorporation into the batter.
• Be cautious when melting butter and chocolate chips to avoid overheating and seizing the chocolate.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: chocolate cherry magic bars, cherry chocolate dessert, fudgy chocolate bars, maraschino cherry bars, baked chocolate bars, sweetened condensed milk bars