Indulge in the rich, decadent flavors of Chocolate Covered Cherry Magic Bars, a no-bake dessert that perfectly captures the essence of a classic chocolate-covered cherry candy. This recipe is your shortcut to a crowd-pleasing treat that’s incredibly simple to make, offering a burst of sweet cherry and deep chocolate in every bite.
Key Ingredients for Chocolate Covered Cherry Magic Bars
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (from about 10-12 full graham crackers)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups chopped maraschino cherries, well-drained and patted dry
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup milk chocolate chips (optional, for added richness)
- ⅓ cup sweetened condensed milk
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla extract, if preferred)
- ¼ cup chopped roasted almonds or pecans (optional, for crunch)
How to Make Chocolate Covered Cherry Magic Bars
These Chocolate Covered Cherry Magic Bars are a dream for busy bakers, requiring no oven time and minimal effort for maximum deliciousness. With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and a chilling time of 2-3 hours, you’ll have a tray full of irresistible, satisfying bars ready to impress. The delightful combination of sweet cherries, rich chocolate, and a buttery crust creates a truly magical treat that’s both simple and crowd-pleasing.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly moistened and resemble wet sand. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of an 8×8 inch baking pan. You can use the bottom of a glass or a measuring cup to get a well-compacted layer.
- Distribute the Cherries: Evenly scatter the chopped and dried maraschino cherries over the graham cracker crust. Ensure they are spread out to provide a balanced cherry flavor in every bar.
- Add the Chocolate: Sprinkle both the semi-sweet chocolate chips and the milk chocolate chips (if using) over the layer of cherries. Distribute them as evenly as possible to ensure a good chocolate-to-cherry ratio.
- Drizzle the Magic: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and almond extract until well combined. This mixture forms the “magic” layer that holds everything together. Drizzle this mixture evenly over the chocolate chips and cherries, making sure to cover as much surface area as possible.
- Add Optional Nuts: If you’re using chopped nuts such as almonds or pecans, sprinkle them evenly over the top of the condensed milk mixture. This adds a delightful crunch and another layer of flavor.
- Chill to Set: Cover the baking pan with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or until the bars are firm and set. This chilling time is crucial for the bars to hold their shape when cut.
- Slice and Serve: Once the Chocolate Covered Cherry Magic Bars are fully set, remove them from the refrigerator. Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper (if you lined the pan with it, which is recommended for easy removal) or carefully cut them into squares directly in the pan. For clean cuts, run a sharp knife under hot water and wipe it dry between each cut.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Covered Cherry Magic Bars
You’ll adore these Chocolate Covered Cherry Magic Bars for their vibrant, nostalgic flavor profile that perfectly recreates the beloved taste of chocolate-covered cherries. Unlike painstakingly dipping individual cherries, this recipe offers a delightful shortcut, allowing you to achieve that classic flavor combination with minimal effort and cost. The sweet, tart burst of maraschino cherries mingling with creamy chocolate chips, all bound together by a sweet condensed milk drizzle and a buttery graham cracker crust, creates a truly irresistible treat that’s far more satisfying and often cheaper than store-bought candy.
These bars are a testament to simple, yet profound, dessert magic – a perfect make-ahead option for parties, potlucks, or just a quiet evening indulgence. Forget the fuss of complex baking; these no-bake bars deliver big on flavor without the commitment. Give these Chocolate Covered Cherry Magic Bars a try and prepare to be enchanted by their effortless charm and delightful taste!
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Properly stored, Chocolate Covered Cherry Magic Bars will stay fresh and delicious for up to one week. For best results, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you’ve cut them into individual portions, you can place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. The moisture from the cherries and condensed milk means they hold up well in the cold.
- Freezing: You can also freeze these magic bars for longer storage, up to 2-3 months. It’s best to freeze them before cutting them into individual pieces. Wrap the entire pan or cut bars tightly in plastic wrap, then a layer of aluminum foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container.
- Reheating/Serving from Frozen: To serve frozen bars, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or at room temperature for about 30 minutes. They don’t require reheating; they are best enjoyed chilled for a wonderfully firm texture. If you accidentally let them get too soft, a brief chill in the freezer can firm them back up.
Final Thoughts
These Chocolate Covered Cherry Magic Bars are an absolute delight, capturing classic flavors in a surprisingly simple, no-bake package. We encourage you to whip up a batch and experience this simple yet sensational dessert for yourself.
Chocolate Covered Cherry Magic Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly moistened and resemble wet sand. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of an 8×8 inch baking pan. You can use the bottom of a glass or a measuring cup to get a well-compacted layer.1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs, 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Evenly scatter the chopped and dried maraschino cherries over the graham cracker crust. Ensure they are spread out to provide a balanced cherry flavor in every bar.1.5 cups maraschino cherries
- Sprinkle both the semi-sweet chocolate chips and the milk chocolate chips (if using) over the layer of cherries. Distribute them as evenly as possible to ensure a good chocolate-to-cherry ratio.1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, 0.5 cup milk chocolate chips
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and almond extract until well combined. This mixture forms the “magic” layer that holds everything together. Drizzle this mixture evenly over the chocolate chips and cherries, making sure to cover as much surface area as possible.0.33 cup sweetened condensed milk, 0.5 teaspoon almond extract
- If you’re using chopped nuts such as almonds or pecans, sprinkle them evenly over the top of the condensed milk mixture. This adds a delightful crunch and another layer of flavor.0.25 cup roasted almonds or pecans
- Cover the baking pan with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or until the bars are firm and set. This chilling time is crucial for the bars to hold their shape when cut.
- Once the Chocolate Covered Cherry Magic Bars are fully set, remove them from the refrigerator. Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper (if you lined the pan with it, which is recommended for easy removal) or carefully cut them into squares directly in the pan. For clean cuts, run a sharp knife under hot water and wipe it dry between each cut.