Delicious Peanut Butter Chocolate Cherry Bars: The Ultimate Sweet Treat

Prepare to fall in love with these irresistibly chewy and decadent Peanut Butter Chocolate Cherry Bars! This incredibly easy recipe perfectly marries the rich, creamy goodness of peanut butter with the luscious sweetness of cherries and the delightful indulgence of chocolate. Whether you’re a long-time fan of classic flavor combinations or seeking a new dessert to impress, these bars are guaranteed to become a household favorite. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, making them an ideal treat for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to festive celebrations.

If you’re searching for more sensational cherry desserts, you’re in for a treat! Explore a collection of 50 Delightful Cherry Desserts, indulge in this Easy Cherry Cheesecake Dessert, or savor the swirls of these Heavenly Cherry Cheesecake Swirl Brownies.

Why You’ll Absolutely Adore These Peanut Butter Chocolate Cherry Bars

Have you ever found yourself craving a dessert that hits all the right notes? A sweet treat that’s both comforting and exciting, familiar yet uniquely satisfying? These Peanut Butter Chocolate Cherry Bars are precisely that indulgence. They are designed to captivate your taste buds with their unparalleled flavor profile and delightful texture.

A Symphony of Flavors and Textures

What makes these bars truly special is the thoughtful combination of ingredients. Imagine a soft, chewy base infused with the unmistakable richness of peanut butter and warm brown sugar. Swirled throughout are generous chunks of both white and milk chocolate, offering creamy bursts of cocoa goodness. But the real star, adding a vibrant twist, is the addition of sweet, chewy candied cherries and a subtle hint of coconut. The result is a multi-layered sensory experience: the smoothness of the peanut butter and chocolate, the slight chewiness of the cherries, and the tender crumb of the bar. It’s a symphony of flavors that dances on your palate, ensuring every mouthful is as exciting as the last.

Effortless Baking for Every Skill Level

Beyond their incredible taste, these bars boast remarkable simplicity in their preparation. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is incredibly forgiving and straightforward. There’s no need for complicated techniques or extensive prep work. With minimal effort, you can create a dessert that tastes like it came from a gourmet bakery. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute gatherings, or when you simply want to whip up something special without the stress.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These bars are wonderfully versatile. They make an excellent afternoon snack, a delightful addition to a lunchbox, or a show-stopping dessert at your next potluck or party. Their vibrant appearance and unique flavor combination are sure to draw compliments. Plus, they travel well, making them an ideal choice for bake sales, picnics, or gifting to friends and family. Once you try them, you’ll understand why they’re quickly becoming a beloved treat for all.

All About the Cherries: Our Secret Ingredient

The success of these Peanut Butter Chocolate Cherry Bars largely hinges on the quality and type of cherries used. For this recipe, we’ve chosen to simplify things by using Paradise Red Candied Cherries. These delightful gems are a game-changer for bakers, eliminating extra steps and ensuring consistent results.

Why Candied Cherries?

Unlike fresh or frozen cherries, which often require draining or blotting to prevent excess moisture from affecting your baked goods, Paradise Red Candied Cherries are ready to use straight from the package. Their inherent sweetness and perfectly chewy texture integrate seamlessly into the batter, distributing flavor and vibrant color without making your bars soggy. These cherries, sometimes referred to as glace red cherries, are renowned for their brilliant hue and just-right sugar content, making them a fantastic addition to any candied recipe, providing both taste and aesthetic appeal. They maintain their shape and flavor beautifully through the baking process, ensuring that every bite includes that lovely cherry essence.

A Decorative and Flavorful Touch

Beyond their convenience, candied cherries add a festive touch to your baked goods. Their bright red color creates a striking visual contrast against the golden-brown peanut butter base and the dark and white chocolates. They elevate the overall presentation, making these bars as appealing to the eye as they are to the palate. Whether you chop them in half for smaller bursts of flavor or keep them whole for a more dramatic impact, these cherries are an essential component of this irresistible dessert.

Whether you’re a fan of classic flavor profiles or seeking a new and exciting treat, these bars are sure to satisfy your cravings. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to learn how to make an unforgettable batch of Peanut Butter Chocolate Cherry Bars!

Gather Your Ingredients for Peanut Butter Chocolate Cherry Bars

Creating these delightful bars requires a simple list of readily available ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the unique flavor and texture of this dessert. Here’s what you’ll need:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (maple syrup can be a delicious alternative!)
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Optional: ¼ cup shredded sweetened coconut
• ½ cup white chocolate bar chunks or chocolate chips
• ½ cup milk chocolate, dark, or semi-sweet bar chunks or chocolate chips
• ⅔ cup Paradise Candied Cherries, chopped in half or left whole (adjust quantity to your liking!)

Instructions: How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Cherry Bars

Follow these easy steps to create your perfect batch of Peanut Butter Chocolate Cherry Bars. Precision and care in each step will ensure a mouthwatering result.

1. Prepare Your Baking Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, ensuring you leave a generous overhang on the sides. This overhang will act as handles, making it incredibly easy to lift the cooled bars out of the pan. Lightly spray the lined pan with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Melt the Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl or a small saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter until it’s completely liquid. Allow it to cool slightly before proceeding.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the slightly cooled melted butter, brown sugar, and creamy peanut butter. Whisk these ingredients together until they are smooth and well-incorporated. The mixture should be thick and creamy. Then, beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined and the mixture is uniform.
4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Mix-ins: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet mixture. Mix with a spatula or wooden spoon until the flour is just combined and no dry streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough bars. Once the flour is incorporated, gently fold in the white chocolate chunks (or chips), milk/dark/semi-sweet chocolate chunks (or chips), shredded sweetened coconut (if using), and the chopped or whole Paradise Candied Cherries. Distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
5. Spread into Pan: Scoop the thick, delicious dough into your prepared 8-inch baking pan. Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the dough evenly across the bottom of the pan, making sure it reaches all the corners and forms a uniform layer. For an extra decorative touch and an added burst of flavor, sprinkle a few more chocolate chunks and cherries on top of the dough, then gently press them into the surface.
6. Bake to Perfection: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The bars are ready when the edges are lightly golden, and the center is set and no longer appears wet or jiggly. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack. It’s crucial to let the bars cool completely in the pan for at least 1 hour, or preferably longer, before attempting to cut them. This allows them to firm up, making clean cuts much easier.

Storing Your Peanut Butter Chocolate Cherry Bars

Proper storage is key to keeping your delicious bars fresh and enjoyable for longer. Once cooled, these bars are quite robust and easy to store.

• Room Temperature: Ensure the bars have completely cooled before cutting them into squares. Once cooled, arrange them in an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For optimal freshness and flavor, it’s best to enjoy them within 2-3 days of baking. Layering parchment paper between the bars can prevent them from sticking together.
• Refrigeration: If you prefer a firmer texture, or if your kitchen is particularly warm, you can store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Let them come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing Your Peanut Butter Chocolate Cherry Bars

These bars are excellent candidates for freezing, making them perfect for meal prep or having a sweet treat on hand whenever a craving strikes.

• Freezing Instructions: Allow the bars to cool completely and cut them into individual servings. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Label with the date. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
• Thawing Instructions: When ready to enjoy, simply remove the desired number of bars from the freezer. You can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours. For a quick treat, you can even microwave a single bar for 15-30 seconds until just softened.

More Delicious Variations to Try

While the classic Peanut Butter Chocolate Cherry Bars are phenomenal on their own, don’t hesitate to experiment with these exciting variations to customize them to your taste or what you have on hand.

• Nutty Crunch: Introduce an extra layer of texture by folding in ½ cup of your favorite chopped nuts. Organic pecans, crunchy roasted peanuts, or walnuts would complement the existing flavors beautifully, adding a satisfying crunch to each bite.
• Flavor Boosters: For a delightful twist, consider folding in a handful of additional ingredients. Options include rolled oats for a heartier bar, mini marshmallows for a gooey surprise, dried cranberries or blueberries for a different fruit note, or extra shredded coconut for a more tropical essence.
• Gluten-Free Option: Making these bars gluten-free is incredibly easy. Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure your blend contains xanthan gum, or add ½ teaspoon separately, to maintain the structure and chewiness of the bars. You could also replace some of the flour with gluten-free rolled oats.
• Alternative Nut Butters: If you want to explore different flavor profiles, substitute the creamy peanut butter with another rich nut butter. Almond butter offers a slightly sweeter, milder flavor, while cashew butter provides a buttery, less intense nut taste. For a gourmet touch, try a fresh-roasted pecan butter. Adjust sweetness if your chosen nut butter is unsweetened.
• Spice it Up: A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a touch of chili powder (for a “Mexican chocolate” feel) can add unexpected depth to the bars.
• Different Chocolates: Feel free to swap out the white and milk chocolate for all dark chocolate, or try butterscotch chips, or even peanut butter chips for an extra peanut-y punch!
• Zesty Flavor: Add 1 teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the batter for a bright, citrusy note that beautifully complements the cherry flavor.

These Peanut Butter Chocolate Cherry Bars are truly the bar of dreams – a perfect combination of comfort and indulgence. They are ideal for a delicious snack, a simple dessert, or a delightful treat to share. The unique twist of cherries elevates this classic peanut butter chocolate bar recipe into something truly special and unforgettable. Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth with these luscious bars, loaded with creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, sweet coconut, and vibrant candied cherries!

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More Cherry Delights You’ll Love

If you’re a cherry enthusiast, don’t stop here! Explore these other fantastic cherry-inspired recipes:

• Easy Cherry Cheesecake Cookie Cups
• Sour Cherry Cobbler Coffee Cake Recipe
• Cherry Vanilla Yogurt Muffins
• Chocolate Cherry Cream Cheese Brownies
• Cherry Chip Cookies
• Cherry Crumble Streusel Pie
• Cherry Cheesecake Poke Cake