There’s something magical about biting into a rich, fudgy chocolate bar, especially when it’s packed with tart cherries that burst with flavor. The aroma wafts through your kitchen like a joyful Christmas carol, wrapping you in warm nostalgia and sweet anticipation. These Christmas Chocolate Cherry Bars are not just a dessert; they are a celebration of the season, perfect for gatherings or cozy nights by the fire.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>How to Make Christmas Chocolate Cherry Bars</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I make these bars ahead of time?
- What type of chocolate is best for this recipe?
- Are there any substitutions for cherries?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Imagine the delightful contrast of smooth chocolate and tangy cherries dancing on your palate, creating a flavor experience that sings holiday cheer. They’re ideal for impressing guests or satisfying late-night cravings while binge-watching festive movies. Trust me; once you sink your teeth into these bars, you’ll be dreaming of them long after the holidays end.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These bars are incredibly easy to whip up and will impress at any holiday gathering
- The balance of rich chocolate and tart cherry creates a flavor explosion
- Their festive appearance makes them a showstopper on any dessert table
- They are versatile enough to enjoy year-round but shine brightest during the holidays
I remember the first time I made these bars for my family. My cousin took one bite and exclaimed they were like “Christmas in a chewy chocolate hug.” I still can’t quite decide if he was being poetic or just really hungry.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Dark Chocolate: Aim for high-quality chocolate with at least 60% cocoa for a rich flavor that balances perfectly with the cherries.
Sweet Cherries: Fresh or frozen work well—just make sure they’re pitted to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
All-Purpose Flour: This gives structure to your bars; sift it for lighter texture and better mixing.
Granulated Sugar: A classic sweetener that enhances the chocolate without overpowering it.
Baking Powder: Essential for giving your bars that perfect rise and chewy texture.
Eggs: They bind everything together—choose large eggs for best results!
Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor; opt for pure vanilla extract if possible for an authentic taste.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Christmas Chocolate Cherry Bars
Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Pan: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray to ensure easy removal later.
Melt Chocolate and Combine Ingredients: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate until smooth, stirring every 30 seconds. Let it cool slightly before mixing in sugar and eggs until well combined.
Add Dry Ingredients and Cherries: Gently fold in flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined. Stir in those luscious sweet cherries until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Pour Batter into Pan and Bake: Pour your delicious mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean—remember some fudge is okay!
Cool and Cut Into Bars: Once baked, allow them to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. The longer you wait, the more intense those flavors become!
These Christmas Chocolate Cherry Bars are sure to be a hit this holiday season! Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or let them sit overnight for even richer flavors—the choice is yours!
You Must Know
- These Christmas Chocolate Cherry Bars are a delightful treat that brings the festive spirit to life
- Their rich chocolate flavor and chewy cherry bits create a perfect balance, making them an irresistible holiday dessert
- They’re easy to whip up, ensuring you can spend more time with family
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by melting the butter and chocolate together for a rich base, then mix in sugar and eggs before folding in flour and cherries. This sequence ensures even blending and prevents clumping.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out cherries for cranberries or add nuts for extra crunch. A dash of almond extract can elevate the flavors, creating a unique twist on traditional bars.
Storing & Reheating
Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For a warm treat, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds before serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the ultimate fudgy texture, avoid overmixing once you add flour
- Always use high-quality chocolate for richer flavor
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting to maintain their shape and prevent crumbling
The first time I made these bars, my friends devoured them within minutes! They kept asking for the recipe, which made me feel like I was secretly running a bakery from my kitchen.
FAQ
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, they store well; just keep them sealed to maintain freshness.
What type of chocolate is best for this recipe?
Use high-quality dark chocolate for rich flavor; semi-sweet also works well.
Are there any substitutions for cherries?
Cranberries or even dried apricots can be delightful alternatives in this recipe.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
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Christmas Chocolate Cherry Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the festive delight of Christmas Chocolate Cherry Bars, where rich, fudgy chocolate meets the tartness of juicy cherries. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights, these bars offer a mouthwatering flavor contrast that will leave you craving more. Easy to make and visually stunning, they’re a must-have treat this season.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dark chocolate (60% cocoa or higher)
- 1 cup sweet cherries (fresh or frozen, pitted)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate until smooth, stirring every 30 seconds. Let it cool slightly.
- Mix in sugar and eggs until fully combined.
- Fold in flour, baking powder, and salt until just blended, then gently stir in the cherries.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.
- Allow cooling completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (45g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
