Valentine’s day is coming up and the two things I naturally associate with this day are the color red and chocolate. Every market has a bunch of prepared treats and card displays but I always prefer to celebrate with homemade goodies. In honor of the holiday, I decided to combine some chocolate chunks with dried cherries and stir them into a blondie mix. Cherries and chocolate are a classic combination and remind me of those cream-filled candies from when I was younger.
I made these with dried cherries but you could try dicing up some fresh cherries and I think it would yield similar and more fresh results. These bars are delicious on their own or they can be warmed and topped with a little whipped cream or ice cream. I have noticed that many markets now carry almond or coconut milk whipped cream!
YIELDS
8 bars
PREP TIME
COOK TIME
TOTAL TIME
- 1.5 tbsp ground flax seed
- 3 tbsp water
- 1/2 cup vegan butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 2/3 cup dried cherries
- 2/3 cup vegan chocolate chunks
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease an 8×8 baking sheet with a little oil.
2. Prepare your flax egg by mixing the ground flax with the water and set aside.
3. In a small pot over super low heat, melt the butter.
4. Add the butter, flax egg, brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon to a large bowl and mix together.
5. Add the flour and stir until mixed.
6. Fold in the cherries and the chocolate chips.
7. Pour into your prepared pan and bake for 25 minutes.
8. Remove from heat and let cool on a wire rack for about an hour before cutting and serving.
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Photo: Lauren Sacerdote
