Chocolate Chip Cadbury Egg Bars Recipe

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If you’re craving an indulgent, festive treat that feels like a celebration in every bite, the Chocolate Chip Cadbury Egg Bars Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining the gooey richness of Cadbury creme eggs, the crunch of pastel M&M’s, and the melty goodness of chocolate chips baked into a buttery, soft bar, this recipe elevates a simple dessert to irresistible heights. Whether for an Easter gathering or a cozy weekend dessert, these bars bring both comfort and excitement to your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients might seem straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and color in your Chocolate Chip Cadbury Egg Bars Recipe. From the creamy butter to the colorful pastel M&M’s, each element works together to make each bite delightful.

• 1/2 cup butter: Provides a rich, moist base and buttery flavor that makes the bars tender.
• 1 cup brown sugar: Adds deep sweetness with a hint of molasses for chewiness and color.
• 1 egg: Binds ingredients and contributes to the chewy texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla: Enhances overall flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
• 1 cup flour: The structure-giving ingredient that keeps the bars soft but not crumbly.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Gives a gentle rise to keep things from becoming too dense.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and heightens other flavors.
• 1/8 teaspoon baking soda: Works with baking powder to create just the right texture.
• 1 1/4 cups chocolate chips (save 1/4 cup for topping): Adds melty pockets of rich chocolate throughout.
• 2 boxes Cadbury creme eggs (halved for topping): The star ingredient that creates those signature gooey creme surprises.
• 1 1/4 cups pastel M&M’s (save 1/4 cup for topping): Brings fun color and a satisfying crunch to every bite.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Cadbury Egg Bars Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit — this ensures your oven is ready and will bake your bars evenly. Grease a 9×9-inch pan to prevent sticking and make clean-up easier. Setting your stage properly is key for perfect bars.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

Place the butter in a microwave-safe bowl and melt it carefully until it’s just liquid. Allow it to cool slightly to avoid cooking the egg when you mix it in later. Butter gives your bars their signature moist and tender crumb.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

Combine the cooled butter with brown sugar, vanilla extract, and the egg. Mix well until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This wet base will hold everything together and create that deliciously soft bite you want.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. These dry ingredients ensure your bars have the right rise and texture without becoming too dense or tough.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Into Wet

Add the dry ingredients gradually to the wet mixture, mixing as you go. This slow addition helps avoid overmixing, keeping the bars tender rather than tough. The batter should be thick but smooth.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips and M&M’s

Gently fold in most of your chocolate chips and pastel M&M’s, reserving about a quarter cup of each for topping. This way, you get melty swirls and vibrant pops of color inside your bars as well as that enticing finish on top.

Step 7: Bake and Add Toppings

Pour the batter into your greased pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips, M&M’s, and halved Cadbury creme eggs evenly over the surface. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes. The bars are done when the edges are golden and the center feels set but still soft.

Step 8: Cool and Cut

Remove your bars from the oven and set aside to cool completely in the pan. Cooling allows the bars to firm up just enough so they cut cleanly without crumbling, letting you enjoy perfect squares of chocolaty, creamy goodness.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cadbury Egg Bars Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra-special touch, dust the bars lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle them with a melted white chocolate glaze. You can also add a few extra M&M’s or mini Cadbury creme eggs on top right before serving to make your bars visually irresistible and even more festive.

Side Dishes

These bars are sweet and rich enough to stand alone, but if you want to create a complete dessert experience, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh berries or a cup of hot coffee also make a lovely pairing to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your Chocolate Chip Cadbury Egg Bars Recipe into bite-sized squares for a party platter or serve stacked with layers of whipped cream and fresh fruit for a decadent dessert parfait. Wrapping individual bars in festive parchment paper makes them perfect for gifting or Easter baskets.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them soft and fresh. If your kitchen is particularly warm, keeping them in the fridge will help maintain their shape, though they may firm up a bit.

Freezing

You can freeze these bars for longer storage. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen bars will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Reheating

To enjoy warm bars that melt the chocolate just right, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or reheat in a warm oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes. Be careful not to overheat so they stay soft and gooey, not dry.

FAQs

Can I substitute the Cadbury creme eggs with another candy?

Absolutely! Mini chocolate eggs or even chopped caramel-filled chocolates can be fun substitutes, though Cadbury creme eggs give this recipe its signature gooey center, making them especially delicious.

What if I don’t have pastel M&M’s? Can I use regular ones?

Yes, regular M&M’s work just as well. The pastel colors are perfect for a festive look, but the chocolate and candy shell crunch are what truly matter for texture and flavor.

Can these bars be made gluten-free?

Definitely! Simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend and make sure your baking powder is gluten-free. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.

What’s the best way to cut these bars without crumbling?

Wait until the bars are completely cool, then use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts. This helps get clean edges and prevents the gooey parts from sticking to the knife.

Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?

Yes, doubling the ingredients works great. Use a 9×13-inch pan for baking and adjust the baking time slightly, checking for doneness around 30-35 minutes.

Final Thoughts

If you want to impress your friends or just treat yourself, the Chocolate Chip Cadbury Egg Bars Recipe is a wonderful choice that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Rich, chewy, colorful, and packed with gooey pockets of chocolate and creme, these bars are destined to become a sweet favorite in your recipe collection. Don’t wait to dive in and share this charming delight with those you love.

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