Chocolate Cherry Bars
Chocolate Cherry Bars combine rich chocolate fudge flavors with the sweet tartness of cherry pie filling, creating a delightful treat that's perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. With a hint of almond extract, these bars are sure to satisfy any dessert lover's cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- Using solid shortening or margarine (not oil), grease and flour a 15 x 10-inch pan.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding some chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter. If you don't have almond extract, vanilla extract works well as a substitute. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free cake mix instead of the fudge cake mix. This recipe is perfect for using up leftover cherry pie filling.
Serving Suggestions
These chocolate cherry bars are delightful on their own but can be enhanced with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate ganache. Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert combo. They also pair beautifully with a refreshing Strawberry-Yogurt Drink for a sweet treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chocolate cherry bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or warm them in an oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chocolate Cherry Bars contains roughly 178 calories, with 2g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 10g 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 use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Yes, fresh cherries can be used, but you'll need to add sugar and some cornstarch to thicken the mixture, as pie filling is sweet and thickened. About 2 cups of pitted and chopped fresh cherries mixed with 1/4 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cornstarch should work well.
How can I make these bars more chocolatey?
To amp up the chocolate flavor, add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter before baking. You can also top the bars with melted chocolate or chocolate frosting after they cool for an indulgent finish.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars can be made a day in advance. Just ensure they are cooled completely before storing them in an airtight container. They can be served cold or warmed slightly before serving for an even more decadent treat.
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).