Chocolate Cherry Cordial Bars
Indulge in the rich, layered decadence of Chocolate Cherry Cordial Bars—a dessert that perfectly marries gooey chocolate brownie, luscious cherry preserves, and a velvety ganache topping. With just 20 minutes of prep time, this crowd-pleasing recipe is both elegant and surprisingly easy to make. The combination of semi-sweet chocolate and tart cherry preserves evokes the classic flavor of cherry cordials, while a maraschino cherry garnish adds a festive touch. Whether you're hosting a holiday gathering or treating yourself to a dessert that feels luxurious, these bars are guaranteed to impress. Plus, their make-ahead convenience makes them even more satisfying to serve!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.25 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cups unsalted butter
- 2 pieces large eggs
- 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 0.25 teaspoons salt
- 0.75 cups cherry preserves
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 0.25 cups heavy cream
- 12 pieces maraschino cherries (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter until smooth and let it cool slightly. Stir in the granulated sugar until combined.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, whisking until smooth.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a thick batter forms.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Allow the brownie layer to cool completely in the pan, about 20 minutes.
Spread an even layer of cherry preserves over the cooled brownie base.
In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and pour it over the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl.
Let the chocolate and cream sit for 2-3 minutes, then whisk until smooth and glossy to create a ganache.
Pour the ganache over the cherry layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Optional: Top each bar with a maraschino cherry for decoration.
Refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour or until the ganache is set.
Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice into 12 squares and serve.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3777 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 141.5 g | 181% | |
| Saturated Fat | 81.1 g | 406% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 556 mg | 185% | |
| Sodium | 767 mg | 33% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 661.0 g | 240% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 58.3 g | 208% | |
| Total Sugars | 430.4 g | ||
| Protein | 63.9 g | 128% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.0 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 238 mg | 18% | |
| Iron | 32.1 mg | 178% | |
| Potassium | 2158 mg | 46% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
