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Chocolate Covered Cherry Bars

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Chocolate Covered Cherry Bars combine a rich cocoa crust, sweet maraschino cherries, creamy vanilla frosting, and a smooth chocolate glaze. They are an easy make-ahead dessert for holidays, parties, and special occasions.

Ingredients

  • ½ cup butter, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • About 36 maraschino cherries, approximately one 10-ounce jar, drained
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. Combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and flour in a mixing bowl until a soft dough forms.
  3. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
  4. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow the crust to cool slightly.
  5. Combine the melted butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl until smooth and creamy.
  6. Drain the maraschino cherries thoroughly. Cut them in half if desired or leave them whole.
  7. Arrange the cherries evenly over the baked crust.
  8. Carefully spread the frosting over the cherries in an even layer.
  9. Place the chocolate chips and remaining butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20- to 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until melted and smooth.
  10. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the frosted bars.
  11. Refrigerate until the chocolate is firm and the bars are fully set.
  12. Slice into 16 squares and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Drain the cherries thoroughly to prevent the frosting from becoming runny.
  • For clean slices, chill the bars completely and wipe the knife between cuts.
  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Use dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor, milk chocolate chips for a sweeter topping, or white chocolate chips for a different finish.
  • Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
  • A few drops of almond extract may be added to the frosting for a cherry-almond flavor.
  • For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yumfamilyrecipes.com/chocolate-covered-cherry-bars/