Chocolate Covered Cherry Magic Bars Recipe
Deliciously rich Chocolate Covered Cherry Magic Bars combine a fudgy brownie base with sweet maraschino cherries, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and a luscious layer of sweetened condensed milk. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for chocolate lovers seeking a chocolaty, fruity treat with a creamy finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Dry 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
Wet Ingredients
- 1 stick butter (8 tablespoons)
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips (for melting with butter)
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated milk)
Toppings
- 10 oz jar maraschino cherries, drained and cut in half
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to ensure the dessert doesn’t stick.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and unsweetened cocoa powder. Stir until fully blended.
- Melt Butter and Chocolate: Melt together the butter and 1/4 cup chocolate chips in the microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth and fully combined.
- Combine Mixture: Add the melted chocolate and butter mixture, eggs, and vanilla extract into the dry ingredient bowl. Stir thoroughly until the batter is smooth and fully combined. Press this brownie batter evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Add Toppings: Evenly distribute the halved maraschino cherries over the brownie base, followed by sprinkling 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips on top. Finally, pour the 3/4 cup sweetened condensed milk evenly over all the toppings.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 28 to 30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the top is set.
- Cool and Set: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool and set overnight for best texture before cutting into squares and serving.
Notes
- Ensure the all-purpose flour is scooped and leveled for accurate measurement.
- Do not substitute sweetened condensed milk with evaporated milk; they have different consistencies and sweetness.
- Allowing the bars to set overnight enhances the texture and flavor.
- Use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts, to achieve clean serving squares.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Keywords: chocolate cherry magic bars, chocolate dessert, cherry dessert bars, fudgy chocolate bars, easy baked dessert, sweetened condensed milk dessert
