Chocolate Cherry Bars

There’s something truly special about a batch of Chocolate Cherry Bars baking in the oven. I remember the first time I made these delicious treats; it was a rainy afternoon, and the house filled with the irresistible aroma of chocolate mingling with sweet cherries. As a kid, I always looked forward to my mom whipping up something special when the weather turned gray, and these bars quickly became a family favorite. The combination of rich chocolate and tart cherry is simply divine!

What Goes Into Chocolate Cherry Bars

The ingredients for Chocolate Cherry Bars are simple yet powerful. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating that perfect balance of flavors and texture. The star ingredients—chocolate cake mix and cherry pie filling—combine beautifully to give these bars their signature taste. Let’s break down what you need!

• 15.25 ounces Devil’s Food cake mix: This rich cake mix is the foundation of the bars, providing a deep chocolate flavor and moist texture.
• 21 ounces cherry pie filling: The sweet and tart cherry filling adds a burst of flavor and moisture that complements the chocolate perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon almond extract: This adds a subtle nutty depth to the bars, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• 2 eggs: Beaten eggs help bind the ingredients together and contribute to the rich texture of the bars.
• 2 cups sugar: Sweetness is key in any dessert, and this sugar helps balance the tartness of the cherries.
• 8 tablespoons butter: Melted butter gives the bars a rich, moist texture and enhances the flavor.
• ½ cup milk: Milk adds moisture and helps achieve the right consistency for the batter.
• 1 ¼ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: These are sprinkled on top of the bars and melted into the icing, providing an extra layer of chocolatey goodness.

Cooking Instructions for Chocolate Cherry Bars

Making Chocolate Cherry Bars is a breeze! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious treat ready in no time. Let’s dive into the process.

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your Chocolate Cherry Bars bake evenly.
2. Grease and flour a 15″ x 10″ jelly roll pan. This step is essential to prevent the bars from sticking and to make cutting them easier later on.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the Devil’s Food cake mix, cherry pie filling, almond extract, and beaten eggs. Use a stand mixer or an electric mixer to mix until everything is fully incorporated. You want a smooth batter without lumps.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. This helps ensure that all parts of the bars bake uniformly.
5. Place the pan in the oven and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 30 minutes. Start checking for doneness around the 20-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your bars are ready!
6. As soon as you take the bars out of the oven, prepare the icing. In a saucepan, combine sugar, butter, and milk. Bring it to a boil for one minute. This will create a rich, creamy icing.
7. After boiling, remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Mix until the chips are completely melted and the icing is smooth.
8. Spread the icing over the warm bars, allowing it to melt slightly into the batter for extra flavor. This step is crucial for getting that delicious chocolate topping.
9. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before attempting to cut them. It’s important for the icing to harden slightly, making it easier to slice.
10. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve! Enjoy your homemade Chocolate Cherry Bars as a delightful dessert or snack.

Substitutions and Tips

While the original recipe for Chocolate Cherry Bars is fantastic, here are some helpful tips and substitutions to consider.

• Storage: To store leftovers, make sure the bars are completely cooled to room temperature. Cover them tightly with the pan cover or wrap in plastic wrap or foil to keep them fresh.
• Freezing: These bars can be frozen for longer storage. Just cut them into squares and wrap each piece individually before placing them in a freezer bag.
• Pairing: These bars go wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the richness.
• Variations: Feel free to experiment with different pie fillings, like blueberry or raspberry, to create unique flavor combinations.
• Serving size: Adjust the size of the bars depending on your occasion. You can cut them smaller for gatherings or larger for a more indulgent treat.

Accompaniments for Chocolate Cherry Bars

When it comes to serving Chocolate Cherry Bars, there are endless possibilities to make them even more delightful.

• Pair with ice cream: Serve warm bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Perfect for gatherings: These bars are ideal for potlucks, birthdays, or any casual get-together; they’re easy to transport and share.
• A warm dessert: These bars can be served warm right out of the oven for a cozy treat on a chilly day.
• Seasonal touch: In the summer, pair them with fresh berries for a fruity contrast; in the winter, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon for warmth.
• Storing leftovers: Make sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, Chocolate Cherry Bars are a delightful treat that perfectly balances rich chocolate and sweet cherries. They’re easy to make and can brighten up any occasion, from casual family dinners to special celebrations. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and enjoy the delicious flavor and texture of these bars. You won’t regret it!

Chocolate Cherry Bars

The ultimate indulgence awaits with these Chocolate Cherry Bars. Rich, chocolaty, and bursting with sweet cherries, they’re perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings. Ideal for any occasion, these easy-to-make bars are sure to please everyone. Try them tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 16 servings

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 280

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 15.25 ounces Devil's Food cake mix
• 21 ounces cherry pie filling
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 eggs beaten
• 2 cups sugar
• 8 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup milk
• 1 ¼ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Oven
• Baking Sheet
• Frying Pan
• Wooden Spoon
• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your Chocolate Cherry Bars bake evenly.
2. Grease and flour a 15" x 10" jelly roll pan. This step is essential to prevent the bars from sticking and to make cutting them easier later on.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the Devil's Food cake mix, cherry pie filling, almond extract, and beaten eggs. Use a stand mixer or an electric mixer to mix until everything is fully incorporated. You want a smooth batter without lumps.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. This helps ensure that all parts of the bars bake uniformly.
5. Place the pan in the oven and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 30 minutes. Start checking for doneness around the 20-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your bars are ready!
6. As soon as you take the bars out of the oven, prepare the icing. In a saucepan, combine sugar, butter, and milk. Bring it to a boil for one minute. This will create a rich, creamy icing.
7. After boiling, remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Mix until the chips are completely melted and the icing is smooth.
8. Spread the icing over the warm bars, allowing it to melt slightly into the batter for extra flavor. This step is crucial for getting that delicious chocolate topping.
9. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before attempting to cut them. It’s important for the icing to harden slightly, making it easier to slice.
10. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve! Enjoy your homemade Chocolate Cherry Bars as a delightful dessert or snack.

Notes

To store leftovers, make sure the bars are completely cooled to room temperature. Cover them tightly with the pan cover or wrap in plastic wrap or foil to keep them fresh.

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Meet Juliet Sterling

Creating rich, complex flavors is my obsession, though I am just as passionate about capturing them through the lens. I develop recipes that taste like they simmered all day but are actually achievable for any home cook. I cooked and styled this dish to ensure the flavors are balanced and the presentation inspires you.