Aunt Emma'S Bars

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Cuisine: American

A sweet, chewy bar with chocolate, cherries, and walnuts, perfect for sharing at parties or as a delightful homemade treat for family and friends.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 (10 oz.) jar maraschino cherries, drained and cut up
  • 6 oz. package chocolate bits
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
  • 1 can condensed milk

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.
  2. Pour the mixture into a greased 9 x 13-inch pan.
  3. Bake in a 350°F oven for 30 minutes.
  4. Cut while warm and roll in sugar.

Tips & Substitutions

For a twist, consider adding coconut flakes or swapping walnuts with pecans for a different nutty flavor. If maraschino cherries aren't available, you can substitute with dried cherries soaked in a bit of cherry juice. Ensure your graham cracker crumbs are finely crushed for better texture. For a richer taste, use dark chocolate bits instead of semi-sweet.

Serving Suggestions

These bars are perfect for dessert platters and pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Consider serving them alongside coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat. For a festive touch, dust with powdered sugar before serving. They also make a great addition to potlucks or family gatherings, much like the beloved Banana Split Cake.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you'd like to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to two weeks. To reheat, simply warm individual pieces in the microwave for a few seconds or enjoy them cold, as the flavors meld nicely over time.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Aunt Emma'S Bars contains roughly 1169 calories, with 19g protein, 153g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (37% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (36% of the Daily Value), and calcium (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. It also contributes 10g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

1169 kcal 58% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 18.6g 37% DV
Total Fat 56.2g 72% DV
Carbs 153.2g 56% DV
Fiber 10.1g 36% DV
Sugar 135.6g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 156.7mg 7% DV
Potassium 586.4mg 12% DV
Cholesterol 43.8mg 15% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 90mcg 10% DV
Vitamin C 3.5mg 4% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 427.2mg 33% DV
Iron 4.2mg 23% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

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

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars are done when the edges are lightly golden and the center is set but still slightly soft. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs. Keep a close eye on them to avoid overbaking, which can lead to a dry texture.

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).

American recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →