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Chocolate Covered Cherry Magic Bars

Chocolate Covered Cherry Magic Bars - featured image

Chocolate Covered Cherry Magic Bars are a decadent layered dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy condensed milk, rich chocolate chips, and tangy cherries. These easy-to-make bars are perfect for gatherings, bake sales, or a cozy treat at home.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 1 cup dried tart cherries
  • 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, whipped for topping)
  • 1/4 cup slivered almonds
  • Pinch of flaky sea salt

Instructions

  1. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy lifting. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar. Stir until mixture resembles wet sand.
  3. Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan.
  4. Drizzle sweetened condensed milk evenly over the crust.
  5. Sprinkle semi-sweet and dark chocolate chips evenly over the condensed milk.
  6. Scatter dried tart cherries and chopped maraschino cherries over the chocolate layer.
  7. Sprinkle slivered almonds and a pinch of flaky sea salt on top. If using, dollop whipped cream in scattered swirls.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until edges are golden and center is set but slightly wobbly.
  9. Cool in the pan for at least 1 hour, then chill in the refrigerator for another hour for best slicing.
  10. Lift bars from the pan using the parchment overhang and slice into squares or rectangles with a sharp knife.

Notes

For gluten-free bars, use gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour. For nut-free, omit almonds or substitute toasted coconut. Chill bars before slicing for clean edges. Use quality chocolate chips for best flavor and texture. Bars can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: chocolate cherry bars, magic bars, layered dessert, easy dessert, holiday baking, potluck dessert, cherry chocolate recipe