Cherry Chocolate Rum Squares
Cherry Chocolate Rum Squares are rich, moist bars featuring cherry filling, chocolate flavor, and a hint of rum, perfect for gatherings or a delightful dessert treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 15 x 10-inch jelly roll pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, egg, rum, and cherry fruit pie filling until well blended.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 20 to 30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before slicing into squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a dark rum instead of light rum. You can also substitute the cherry pie filling with any other fruit filling, such as blueberry or raspberry, for a different twist. If you prefer a denser texture, adding an extra egg can enhance moisture. Make sure to blend the ingredients until smooth for the best consistency.
Serving Suggestions
These squares are delightful on their own but can be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. Pair them with coffee or a dessert wine for a sophisticated touch. They also complement well with the flavors of Date Rocks, creating a festive dessert platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Cherry Chocolate Rum Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, simply microwave individual squares for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy them cold for a refreshing treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Chocolate Rum Squares contains roughly 20 calories, with 0g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
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
Can I make these squares ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the Cherry Chocolate Rum Squares a day in advance. Just allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh, and the flavors may even deepen overnight.
What can I do if I don't have rum on hand?
If you don't have rum, consider using a non-alcoholic rum flavoring or replace it with vanilla extract for a different flavor profile. Alternatively, fruit juices, like cherry or cranberry juice, can also work well, although they will change the overall taste.
How can I make these squares more chocolatey?
To enhance the chocolate flavor, you can add chocolate chips to the batter before baking. Dark chocolate chips would complement the cherry and rum flavors beautifully, creating a richer dessert experience.
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).