Name: Chocolate Covered Cherry Magic Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
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)

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

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.

Step 2: 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 until smooth. Let cool slightly, then whisk in the vanilla and eggs until fully incorporated.

Step 3: 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 in the prepared pan, pressing down gently to create an even layer.

Step 4: Drain the maraschino cherries thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels. Cut each cherry in half and distribute them evenly over the chocolate base, pressing lightly into the batter.

Step 5: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the cherries. Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the entire surface, covering as much area as possible for even distribution.

Step 6: 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 melted and bubbly.

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 properly set layers.

Tips & Variations

Make sure to drain and dry the maraschino cherries well to prevent excess moisture from making the bars soggy.

For a nutty twist, add chopped walnuts or pecans on top before drizzling the condensed milk.

If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup or use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat briefly in the microwave if you prefer them warm, but they are delicious served cold or at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze the bars wrapped tightly for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in the fridge before serving.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries can be used, but they will add more moisture, which may affect the texture. If using fresh cherries, pit and dry them thoroughly before adding, and consider reducing the amount of liquid in the recipe slightly.

Is it necessary to refrigerate the bars before serving?

Refrigerating the bars helps them set properly and makes them easier to cut cleanly. While you can serve them at room temperature once cooled, chilling for at least two hours is recommended for the best texture.