Chocolate Cherry Bars

Chocolate Cherry Bars Recipe from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 48 bars

Introduction

Chocolate Cherry Bars are a delicious and decadent dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and cherries in a convenient bar form. These bars are perfect for serving at parties, potlucks, or as a sweet treat for yourself.

History

The exact origins of Chocolate Cherry Bars are unknown, but they have been a popular dessert for many years. The combination of chocolate and cherries is a classic flavor pairing that has been enjoyed in various forms, including cakes, cookies, and bars.

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) of butter or margarine
0.75 cup of HERSHEY'S cocoa or HERSHEY'S Dutch Processed cocoa
2 cups of sugar
4 eggs
1.5 cups plus 0.33 cup of all-purpose flour, divided
0.33 cup of chopped almonds
1 can (14 oz or 397 g) of sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated milk)
0.5 tsp of almond extract
1 cup of HERSHEY'S MINI KISSES Semi-Sweet or milk chocolate Baking Pieces
1 cup of chopped maraschino cherries, drained

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Generously grease a 13x9x2 inch baking pan.
Melt the butter in a large saucepan over low heat; stir in the cocoa until smooth.
Remove from heat.
Add the sugar, 3 eggs, 1 and 0.5 cups of flour, and almonds; mix well.
Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, whisk together the remaining egg, remaining 0.33 cup of flour, sweetened condensed milk, and almond extract.
Pour the mixture over the baked layer and sprinkle baking pieces and cherries on top.
Return the pan to the oven.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until set and the edges are golden brown.
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Refrigerate until cold, for 6 hours or overnight. Then, cut into bars.
Cover and refrigerate any leftover bars.
This recipe yields about 48 bars.

Variations

Substitute the almonds with pecans or walnuts for a different flavor profile.
Use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate for a richer taste.
Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a sweet and salty contrast.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to generously grease the baking pan to prevent the bars from sticking.

- When melting the butter and cocoa, stir constantly to ensure a smooth mixture.

- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean and even slices.

- For a more intense almond flavor, you can add a splash of almond extract to the batter.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chocolate Cherry Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra decadent treat.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to bake the bars until set and the edges are golden brown to ensure they are fully cooked.

- Refrigerating the bars before cutting will make them easier to slice into neat squares.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have maraschino cherries, you can use fresh or frozen cherries instead.

- You can use regular chocolate chips instead of mini chocolate baking pieces.

Make Ahead Tips

Chocolate Cherry Bars can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the bars on a decorative platter and garnish with fresh cherries or a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Chocolate Cherry Bars with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or a scoop of cherry ice cream for a delicious pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Chocolate Cherry Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chocolate Cherry Bars contains approximately 180 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chocolate Cherry Bars contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chocolate Cherry Bars contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Chocolate Cherry Bars contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Chocolate Cherry Bars are not a significant source of essential vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Chocolate Cherry Bars contain dairy (butter, eggs, evaporated milk) and nuts (almonds). They may also contain soy and wheat.

Summary

Chocolate Cherry Bars are a sweet and indulgent dessert that is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats. They are best enjoyed in moderation as a special treat.

Summary

Chocolate Cherry Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the flavors of chocolate and cherries in a convenient bar form. With a rich and indulgent taste, these bars are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Enjoy them as a special treat or share them with friends and family at your next gathering.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Chocolate Cherry Bars. It was a warm summer day, and I was rummaging through an old recipe box that had belonged to my great-grandmother. As I sifted through the yellowed index cards and crumpled scraps of paper, my eyes landed on a faded, handwritten note that simply read: "Chocolate Cherry Bars."

Intrigued, I carefully unfolded the note and read the ingredients and instructions. The recipe called for a rich chocolate batter studded with sweet cherries and topped with a buttery crumble. It sounded absolutely divine, and I knew I had to give it a try.

I had always been drawn to baking ever since I was a young girl. My mother had taught me how to make her famous apple pie, and I had spent countless hours in the kitchen experimenting with different recipes and techniques. Baking was my passion, my creative outlet, and I reveled in the joy of creating delicious treats for my family and friends.

As I read through the recipe for Chocolate Cherry Bars, memories flooded back to me of all the times I had spent in the kitchen with my loved ones. I could almost smell the warm scent of freshly baked cookies wafting through the air, and I could hear my grandmother's laughter as she taught me how to roll out dough and crimp the edges of a pie crust.

But this recipe was different. It was new, exciting, and unfamiliar. It was a challenge, a mystery waiting to be unraveled. And I couldn't wait to dive in and discover the secrets hidden within its pages.

I gathered the ingredients and set to work, following the instructions with care and precision. I whipped up the chocolate batter, folding in the cherries with a gentle hand. The scent of cocoa and cherries filled the air, and I knew I was on the right track.

As the bars baked in the oven, I watched anxiously, the anticipation building with each passing minute. When they emerged golden brown and fragrant, I knew I had created something truly special. I couldn't wait to share them with my family and friends, to see the looks of delight on their faces as they took their first bite of my Chocolate Cherry Bars.

And when they did, the response was overwhelming. The bars were a hit, a triumph, a resounding success. My loved ones praised my skills and showered me with compliments, and I basked in the glow of their approval.

From that day on, Chocolate Cherry Bars became a staple in my baking repertoire. I made them for every special occasion, every gathering, every holiday. They became a symbol of love, of tradition, of the joy of sharing a delicious treat with those you hold dear.

Over the years, I shared the recipe with countless friends and family members, passing it down from generation to generation. I taught my children how to make them, and they in turn taught their children. And so the tradition continued, a thread connecting us all through the simple pleasure of a homemade dessert.

As I look back on that fateful day when I stumbled upon the recipe for Chocolate Cherry Bars, I can't help but feel grateful. Grateful for the joy it has brought me, the memories it has created, the connections it has forged. It may just be a recipe, but to me, it is so much more. It is a reminder of the power of food to bring us together, to nourish our bodies and our souls, to create moments of happiness and warmth.

And so I will continue to bake my Chocolate Cherry Bars with love and care, savoring each bite and each memory they bring. For as long as I can, I will share them with those I hold dear, passing on the tradition to the next generation and the next. And in doing so, I will keep alive the legacy of this beloved recipe, a treasure that has brought me so much joy and fulfillment.