Treasure Chest Bars
Treasure Chest Bars are decadent, nutty, and cherry-studded dessert bars featuring chocolate, perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying as a sweet treat. Their rich flavor combination of nuts, cherries, and chocolate makes them a crowd-pleaser for all ages and occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 c. sifted flour ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 c. firmly packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 c. sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 c. butter ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1 tsp. vanilla ⓘ
- 3/4 c. milk ⓘ
- 1 c. salted mixed nuts ⓘ
- 1 c. maraschino cherry halves ⓘ
- 1 large Nestle chocolate candy bar or 6 oz. semi-sweet chocolate morsels ⓘ
Instructions
- Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
- Add brown sugar and sugar gradually to butter; cream thoroughly.
- Blend eggs and beat well after each addition; add vanilla.
- Beat until fluffy.
- Add dry ingredients alternately with milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
- Blend well after each addition.
- Stir in salted mixed nuts, maraschino cherry halves, and chocolate pieces or morsels.
- Spread batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool before cutting into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown butter instead of regular butter. You can substitute the salted mixed nuts with unsalted nuts or even use chocolate chips for a sweeter twist. If you prefer a lighter texture, try using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour. Ensure to cream the butter and sugars well to achieve a fluffy texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these bars as a delightful dessert or snack. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a fun twist, serve with a side of Baked Pears Dessert for an elegant finish to your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Treasure Chest Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, place a bar in the microwave for 10-15 seconds until warm, but avoid overheating to prevent drying them out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Treasure Chest Bars contains roughly 259 calories, with 3g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 18g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Treasure Chest Bars a day in advance. Once baked and cooled, store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh and delicious, making them a great option for parties or gatherings.
What can I use instead of maraschino cherries?
If you prefer not to use maraschino cherries, consider substituting them with dried cherries or cranberries for a different flavor profile. Fresh cherries can also work, but make sure to pit and chop them beforehand.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, Treasure Chest Bars freeze well. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).