Jump to Recipe Print Recipe“Did you know that a simple combination of chocolate and cherries can bring back the nostalgia of childhood dessert tables? These Chocolate Covered Cherry Magic Bars are not just a trip down memory lane; they’re a quick and easy no-bake treat that you can whip up in less than an hour. Packed with rich chocolate flavor and bursts of fruity sweetness, they’re perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or impressing guests at your next gathering. Whether you choose classic maraschino cherries or opt for fresh ones for an extra zing, this dessert will surprise and delight anyone who tries it. Ready to add some magic to your dessert repertoire?” Why Are These Magic Bars Unique? Irresistible Flavor: The fusion of rich chocolate and sweet cherries creates a decadent treat that will have everyone coming back for more. Quick & Easy: Made in just 45 minutes, these bars are perfect for a last-minute dessert or a cozy weeknight indulgence. No-Bake Convenience: With a minimal baking phase, you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying delicious bites. Versatile Variations: Feel free to substitute fresh cherries for a tart twist or even tweak the chocolate chips for a delightful flavor change! Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for potlucks or family gatherings, these bars will surely impress with their delightful taste—perfect for fans of both classic and modern desserts! To explore more delightful desserts, check out my recipes for Blueberry Cheesecake Bars or the delectable Chocolate Croissant Bake that are sure to impress! Chocolate Covered Cherry Magic Bars Ingredients Discover the delightful components that make these bars worthwhile! For the Base All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; measure precisely by scooping and leveling for the best results. Sugar – Adds the perfect touch of sweetness. Salt – Enhances flavor balance for a richer taste. Baking Powder – Ensures the bars rise slightly for a lighter texture. Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Adds a deep, rich chocolate flavor. Butter – Binds ingredients together and adds moisture; melt for easy mixing. For the Filling Chocolate Chips – Create delightful pockets of melted goodness; semi-sweet is recommended for balanced sweetness. Vanilla Extract – Elevates the overall flavor profile. Eggs – Binds all ingredients together and adds delicious richness; whip well until combined. Sweetened Condensed Milk – Contributes creamy texture and richness; you can also substitute with coconut milk for a dairy-free version. For the Topping Maraschino Cherries – Deliver juicy bursts of flavor; swap in fresh cherries for a delightful tart twist. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chocolate Covered Cherry Magic Bars Step 1: Preheat Your Oven Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, prepare a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure that your Chocolate Covered Cherry Magic Bars come out easily after baking. This initial setup is essential for achieving that perfect golden crust. Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and unsweetened cocoa powder. This essential step helps to evenly distribute the dry ingredients, which contributes to the texture of your bars. You’re aiming for a uniform mixture that smells like rich chocolate goodness! Step 3: Create the Crust Mixture Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl, then pour it into your dry ingredients. Stir the mixture until it becomes crumbly. Press this crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the greased baking dish, ensuring even coverage. This forms the delicious, fudgy base for your Chocolate Covered Cherry Magic Bars. Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the crust you just pressed down. This will create delightful pockets of melted chocolate throughout the bars. Make sure to distribute them well for that signature chocolaty goodness in every bite! Step 5: Mix Wet Ingredients In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla extract, and sweetened condensed milk until the mixture is smooth and combined. This creamy blend is what holds your Chocolate Covered Cherry Magic Bars together, adding richness and moisture. Step 6: Assemble the Bars Pour the egg mixture evenly over the crust and chocolate chips in the baking dish. Gently press halved maraschino cherries on top, lightly submerging them into the mixture. This not only looks appealing but ensures that bursts of sweet cherry flavor will be throughout the bars when baked. Step 7: Bake Place the assembled bars into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking! Step 8: Cool & Slice Once baked, remove the Chocolate Covered Cherry Magic Bars from the oven and let them cool in the dish for a bit. For best results, transfer them to the fridge and chill for about an hour. This helps firm them up, making it easier to cut them into squares for serving. Expert Tips for Chocolate Covered Cherry Magic Bars Measure Accurately: Precision is key for dry ingredients like flour. Use the scooping and leveling method to avoid a dense texture. Chill Before Cutting: For clean, even slices, cool the bars completely in the refrigerator after baking. This makes cutting much easier! Choose Cherries Wisely: If you’re using fresh cherries, ensure they are pitted and sliced evenly. This helps distribute their flavor throughout the bars. Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter, for perfectly baked Chocolate Covered Cherry Magic Bars. Store Properly: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate them for a week to maintain freshness. What to Serve with Chocolate Covered Cherry Magic Bars Indulging in these treat bars offers a sweet escape, perfectly pairing flavors and textures for a delightful dessert spread. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream provides a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate bars and enhances their fudgy texture. The coolness complements the warm flavors, creating a blissful experience. Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream adds a fluffy texture that balances the density of the bars. You can serve it on the side for dipping or dollop it right on top for a beautiful presentation. Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries bring a tartness that cuts through the sweetness of the bars, brightening the dish and providing a fresh element that invigorates the palate. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over the bars takes indulgence to another level. It makes every bite more luscious, especially for chocolate lovers looking to satisfy their cravings. Cold Brew Coffee: A glass of cold brew coffee offers a bold contrast to the desserts. The bitterness of the coffee enhances the sweetness of the bars, making it a perfect companion for afternoon snacks or dessert after dinner. Milkshakes: Creamy milkshakes, whether chocolate or cherry-flavored, offer a nostalgic pairing with the bars. They create a fun, indulgent treat that evokes childhood memories and delights guests of all ages. Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites can add a creamy, tangy element that complements the fruity flavors of the bars. Their richness pairs beautifully, leading to delicious mouthfuls full of contrasting textures. Sparkling Water: A refreshing glass of sparkling water with a wedge of lime or lemon cleanses the palate, making every bite of the bars taste even better. It’s a light and refreshing accompaniment that balances the dessert’s sweetness. Make Ahead Options These Chocolate Covered Cherry Magic Bars are a fantastic treat for meal prep! You can prepare the crust up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the dry ingredients and pressing them into the baking dish. Simply cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. The chocolate chips can also be added then, keeping them fresh and delicious. When you’re ready to enjoy, whisk together the wet ingredients and assemble the bars with cherries before baking. For the best quality, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This approach saves you time and gives you all the indulgent flavor with less hassle on busy weeknights! Chocolate Covered Cherry Magic Bars Variations Feel free to make these Chocolate Covered Cherry Magic Bars your own by trying out some of these mouthwatering substitutions and variations! Fresh Cherries: Swap maraschino cherries for fresh cherries to add a bright, tart flavor and a burst of freshness. Coconut Milk: For a dairy-free alternative, replace sweetened condensed milk with coconut milk mixed with a bit of sugar for sweetness. The coconut adds a delicious, tropical twist! Dark Chocolate Chips: Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a richer, more intense chocolate experience that’s perfect for dark chocolate lovers. Nutty Addition: Stir in chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds into the crust mixture for a delightful crunch and added texture. This not only enhances flavor but also adds a wholesome crunch! Mint Chocolate Twist: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the wet ingredients for a refreshing minty flavor that complements the chocolate and cherries beautifully. Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper into the dry ingredients for a surprising subtle heat that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness. Layered Delight: For a more indulgent option, drizzle melted chocolate or caramel over the top after cooling for an extra layer of sweetness that will truly make these bars unforgettable. Pairing Ideas: These bars are delightful served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or paired with a dollop of whipped cream, bringing a perfect balance to the rich chocolate goodness. For another sweet treat, check out my Chocolate Croissant Bake that would be a hit at any gathering! How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Covered Cherry Magic Bars Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature to maintain their soft and chewy texture. Fridge: Keep in the refrigerator for up to a week. This helps enhance the flavors, and keeps them fresh for dessert enjoyment. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the bars for up to 3 months, ensuring they are wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the fridge before serving. Reheating: If you enjoy them warm, gently reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, allowing the chocolate to melt slightly for an indulgent experience. Chocolate Covered Cherry Magic Bars Recipe FAQs What type of cherries should I use for the bars? Absolutely! You can use maraschino cherries for their sweet, bright flavor or fresh cherries if you prefer a tart twist. If using fresh cherries, ensure they are pitted and sliced evenly to distribute their delightful flavor throughout the magic bars. How should I store Chocolate Covered Cherry Magic Bars? For the best taste, store your bars in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week—this can also enhance the flavors. Can I freeze Chocolate Covered Cherry Magic Bars? Yes, you can freeze these delicious bars! Tightly wrap them in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving for the best texture and flavor. What should I do if my bars are too crumbly? If your bars turn out crumbly, it may be due to too much flour or not enough moisture. To troubleshoot, you can try reducing the flour next time or adding a bit more melted butter or sweetened condensed milk to achieve the right consistency. Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results! Are Chocolate Covered Cherry Magic Bars suitable for a vegetarian diet? Yes, these bars are vegetarian-friendly! However, if you’re catering to a vegan audience, simply substitute the eggs with a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg) and use coconut milk instead of sweetened condensed milk. This way, everyone can enjoy these magical treats! Chocolate Covered Cherry Magic Bars That Wow in 45 Minutes These Chocolate Covered Cherry Magic Bars are an easy no-bake treat combining the nostalgia of chocolate and cherries. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsCooling Time 1 hour hrTotal Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins Servings: 16 barsCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 210 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Base1 cup All-Purpose Flour Provides structure; measure precisely by scooping and leveling for the best results.1/2 cup Sugar Adds the perfect touch of sweetness.1/4 teaspoon Salt Enhances flavor balance for a richer taste.1 teaspoon Baking Powder Ensures the bars rise slightly for a lighter texture.1/3 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder Adds a deep, rich chocolate flavor.1/2 cup Butter Binds ingredients together and adds moisture; melt for easy mixing.For the Filling1 cup Chocolate Chips Semi-sweet is recommended for balanced sweetness.1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Elevates the overall flavor profile.2 large Eggs Whip well until combined.1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk Contributes creamy texture and richness; substitute with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.For the Topping1 cup Maraschino Cherries Deliver juicy bursts of flavor; swap in fresh cherries for a delightful tart twist. Equipment 9x13-inch baking dishMixing bowlsWhiskMicrowave-safe bowl Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and unsweetened cocoa powder.Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl, then pour it into your dry ingredients. Stir until crumbly and press into the bottom of the greased baking dish.Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the crust.In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla extract, and sweetened condensed milk until smooth.Pour the egg mixture evenly over the crust and chocolate chips. Gently press halved maraschino cherries on top.Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until edges are set and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.Cool in the dish, then refrigerate for about an hour before slicing into squares. Nutrition Serving: 1barCalories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 90mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 300IUCalcium: 40mgIron: 1.5mg NotesFor clean, even slices, cool bars completely in the refrigerator after baking. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for a week. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
