Save Pin Chewy, buttery blondie bars swirled with maraschino cherries and a hint of cola, topped with a sweet cherry glaze. A playful twist on classic blondies that's perfect for parties or a fun dessert.
I tried these Cherry Cola Blondie Cookie Bars for a game night with friends and they were a surprise hit. Everyone commented on the nostalgic cherry cola taste and the bright burst of cherries in each bite.
Ingredients
- Blondie Base: 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted, 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar, packed, 1 large egg, 2 tsp vanilla extract, 1/4 cup (60 ml) cola (regular, not diet), 1 1/2 cups (190 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp salt
- Cherries: 3/4 cup (120 g) maraschino cherries, drained, chopped, 2 tbsp maraschino cherry juice (reserved from jar)
- Cherry Glaze: 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar, 2 tbsp maraschino cherry juice, 1–2 tsp cola (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Prepare Pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make Blondie Batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add egg, vanilla, and cola; whisk until fully combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients:
- Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt until just incorporated. Do not overmix.
- Incorporate Cherries:
- Fold in chopped maraschino cherries and 2 tbsp cherry juice.
- Bake:
- Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool:
- Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Make Cherry Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, cherry juice, and enough cola to reach a thick but pourable consistency.
- Finish & Serve:
- Drizzle glaze over cooled blondies. Allow glaze to set before cutting into bars.
Save Pin We brought these blondie bars to a family picnic, and the kids loved the vibrant color and gooey texture. The adults appreciated the subtle cola flavor that took them back to cherry cola floats from their childhood.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these bars chilled or at room temperature. For an indulgent treat, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of sparkling rosé.
Storage
Store leftover blondie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for several months.
Variations
Try adding white chocolate chips or substituting dried cherries for a more tart version. You can also use cherry cola instead of regular cola for an extra boost of cherry flavor.
Save Pin Finish with a generous drizzle of cherry glaze and enjoy these crowd-pleasing blondies. Their sweet cherry cola flavor makes every bite memorable!
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve chewy blondie texture?
Mix the batter just until the ingredients are incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense result. Use melted butter for softness.
- → Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?
Chopped fresh cherries work, but may add moisture. Pat them dry before adding, or use dried cherries for less sweetness.
- → What does cola add to the bars?
Cola brings subtle caramel and spice notes, enhancing the buttery blondie base and complementing the cherry flavor.
- → How do I know when the bars are baked?
Bake until edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- → What's the best way to glaze the bars?
Whisk powdered sugar with cherry juice and cola until thick but pourable. Drizzle over cooled bars and let set before serving.
- → Can I add chocolate chips?
Yes, folding in white chocolate chips with the cherries adds richness and complements the fruit flavors nicely.