The union of sweet, juicy cherries and rich chocolate chips takes the humble blondie to new heights of flavor and texture. Each square is a melt-in-your-mouth treat with a golden, buttery base that perfectly complements the pops of cherry and chunks of chocolate.
These blondies are quick to whip up and bake in under 40 minutes, making them ideal for last-minute guests, potlucks, or late-night cravings. Whether you’re using fresh cherries during peak season or frozen ones year-round, this dessert is a fail-proof way to impress your tastebuds and anyone lucky enough to share a batch.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 cup light brown sugar, packed
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1 large egg
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1 tablespoon vanilla extract
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
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3/4 cup cherries, pitted and halved (fresh or frozen, if frozen, thaw and drain)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.
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Add egg and vanilla extract, stirring until fully incorporated.
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Gently fold in the flour and salt until just combined, do not overmix.
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Stir in chocolate chips and halved cherries evenly throughout the batter.
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
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Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are fine).
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Allow to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before slicing into squares.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 260 kcal | Servings: 9 bars
Chocolate Chip and Cherry Blondies – A Timeless Treat with a Fruity Twist
Few desserts offer the irresistible combination of simplicity, nostalgia, and decadence the way blondies do. While brownies often steal the show with their deep, chocolaty richness, blondies bring something equally indulgent to the table with their caramel-like sweetness and soft, chewy texture. Add in the tart burst of juicy cherries and melty pockets of semi-sweet chocolate chips, and you’ve got yourself a dessert that’s truly unforgettable, Chocolate Chip and Cherry Blondies.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering, need a quick and satisfying dessert for the family, or just want something sweet with your afternoon coffee, this recipe fits the bill beautifully. The ingredients are straightforward, the method is uncomplicated, and the results? Totally swoon-worthy.
Let’s dive into what makes these bars a must-bake and why they’ve become a beloved addition to dessert trays everywhere.
What Are Blondies?
Blondies are often described as the “blonde” cousin of brownies, but they are much more than just a chocolate-less alternative. While brownies get their distinctive character from cocoa or melted chocolate, blondies rely on brown sugar and butter for their flavor base. The result is a rich, butterscotch-like profile with a chewy interior and lightly crisp edges.
The best blondies are dense, slightly gooey in the center, and deeply flavorful without being overly sweet. They’re the perfect canvas for a variety of mix-ins, from nuts and dried fruits to white or dark chocolate, toffee bits, or in this case, cherries and chocolate chips.
Why Add Cherries?
Cherries bring a vibrant flavor and visual appeal to this classic dessert. Their natural tartness perfectly offsets the sweetness of the brown sugar and the richness of the butter. When baked into the blondies, cherries soften and become jammy, releasing their juices into the batter, creating pockets of tangy sweetness that complement the chewy texture.
You can use fresh cherries when they’re in season (which adds a wonderful freshness and bite), or frozen and thawed cherries when they’re not. Just make sure to pat them dry to reduce extra moisture.
This combination also makes these blondies feel a little more special, like something you’d serve at a brunch table, bridal shower, or as an elevated dessert for guests who appreciate classic treats with a twist.
The Role of Chocolate Chips
Chocolate chips are a tried-and-true add-in for blondies, and for good reason. The contrast between the sweet, fudgy bar and the rich, melty chocolate is unbeatable. In this recipe, semi-sweet chips are ideal, offering just enough bitterness to counter the brown sugar and enhance the cherry flavor.
You could also experiment with dark chocolate chunks, white chocolate chips, or even ruby chocolate for an even fruitier, tangy finish. The key is to choose a chocolate that complements, not overpowers, the delicate sweetness of the blondie base.
Ingredient Breakdown and Flavor Harmony
Each component in this recipe plays an important role:
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Butter: Melted butter creates a denser, fudgier texture and contributes a rich, toasty flavor.
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Brown Sugar: Provides moisture and a deep caramel-like flavor that’s essential to the blondie profile.
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Egg and Vanilla: These bind the batter and bring a touch of warmth and depth.
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All-Purpose Flour: Offers just enough structure without making the bars cakey.
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Salt: A pinch balance all the sweetness and brings out the subtle flavor notes.
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Cherries and Chocolate Chips: The star duo that makes these blondies irresistible, creating a play between sweet, tart, creamy, and chewy.
This thoughtful balance of ingredients ensures that every bite delivers a complex mix of flavors and textures, crispy edges, gooey center, melty chocolate, and soft fruit. It’s an experience more than a dessert.
Customization Ideas
This recipe is highly versatile, making it perfect for experimenting or adjusting to dietary needs and personal preferences. Here are some fun ways to modify it:
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Make it Nutty: Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch and earthy undertone.
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Use White Chocolate: Swap chocolate chips for white chocolate to emphasize the cherry flavor.
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Brown Butter Base: Browning the butter before mixing adds a deeper nutty flavor for a gourmet touch.
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Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these bars celiac-friendly.
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Vegan Version: Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, use a flax egg, and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free.
Serving Suggestions
These blondies are best served at room temperature, where their textures shine. But don’t be afraid to elevate them with a few simple add-ons:
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Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
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Dust with powdered sugar for a classic look.
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Pair with whipped cream and extra fresh cherries for a summery dessert plate.
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Enjoy cold straight from the fridge for a fudgier texture and intense flavor.
They’re also fantastic for packing into lunchboxes, bringing to potlucks, or storing in the freezer for whenever a sweet craving hits.
Storage Tips
These bars keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Refrigerate to extend shelf life up to 5-6 days, though the texture will firm up slightly. For longer storage, freeze individual bars wrapped in parchment and placed in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.
A Crowd-Pleasing Classic with a Twist
One of the joys of baking is transforming simple ingredients into something greater than the sum of their parts. That’s exactly what happens with these Chocolate Chip and Cherry Blondies. You’re not just making dessert, you’re crafting a comforting, flavor-packed experience.
Blondies appeal to nearly every palate. They’re nostalgic and modern at the same time, sweet without being cloying, and infinitely adaptable. By adding cherries, you infuse a layer of sophistication and brightness that sets these bars apart from your everyday bake-sale fare.
Plus, they’re so easy to make! No stand mixer, no complicated techniques, just one bowl, a few minutes of stirring, and a half-hour in the oven. It’s the kind of dessert you can pull together last-minute and still impress.
Conclusion
Chocolate Chip and Cherry Blondies are more than just dessert bars; they’re a delicious reflection of how contrasting flavors and textures can come together in harmony. The chewy, golden base. The gooey, rich chocolate. The tangy burst of cherries. Each element enhances the other, delivering comfort, nostalgia, and indulgence in every bite.
Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because you deserve a treat, these blondies are guaranteed to satisfy. With simple ingredients and endless adaptability, they’re sure to become a favorite in your baking rotation.
So the next time you’re craving something a little special, reach for this recipe. One bite of these gooey, cherry-laced blondies, and you’ll know you made the right choice.