Dessert

Chocolate Covered Cherry Magic Bars Recipe

ByLily Monroe January 5, 2026January 5, 2026

Introduction

These Chocolate Covered Cherry Magic Bars combine rich cocoa, sweet cherries, and creamy condensed milk for a dessert that’s both indulgent and surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a special treat, they promise a delightful blend of flavors in every bite.

A tall stack of six thick, square brownies, each separated by a thin white parchment paper layer. The brownies are dark brown, filled with bright red cherries and small melted chocolate chips scattered on and inside each piece, giving a glossy, slightly sticky look. Around the bottom of the stack are more shiny red cherries and some loose chocolate chips, all set on a white marbled surface with a blurred dark brown background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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) and spray a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Step 2: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and cocoa powder until well combined.
Step 3: Melt the butter and 1/4 cup chocolate chips together in the microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
Step 4: Stir the melted chocolate and butter mixture, eggs, and vanilla into the dry ingredients until fully combined. Press this batter evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Step 5: Evenly distribute the halved cherries over the brownie base, then sprinkle with the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the top to cover.
Step 6: Bake for 28 to 30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. Let the bars set up overnight before cutting into squares and serving.

Tips & Variations

For an extra berry kick, substitute half the cherries with fresh raspberries or strawberries.
Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a richer flavor.
Make sure to drain the maraschino cherries well to avoid excess moisture in the bars.
Press the batter firmly into the pan to create an even base that holds the toppings well.

Storage

Store these magic bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to one week. Before serving refrigerated bars, let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes or warm slightly in the microwave for a soft, melty texture.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of two stacked dessert bars on small white paper squares. Each bar has a thick, dark brown chocolate base layer that looks crumbly, topped with a creamy white layer mixed with bright red cherry pieces and plenty of semi-melted chocolate chips scattered over the surface. The bars are shiny and moist, with the cherries adding a juicy texture and bright color. Around the stack, there are loose chocolate chips and whole red cherries on a white marbled surface. The focus is sharp on the top bar, highlighting the glossy mix of chocolate and cherries, while the background is softly blurred. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries can be used, but be sure to pit and drain them well before use. They may add extra moisture, so the texture could be slightly different.

Is there a substitute for sweetened condensed milk?

Sweetened condensed milk is essential for the creamy, sweet topping. A homemade mix of evaporated milk and sugar doesn’t replicate the same texture and sweetness, so it’s best to use the canned product.