Chocolate Cherry Bars(Student Favorite)
Chewy chocolate cherry bars with a fudge cake base and sweet cherry filling, perfect for students and parties, offering rich chocolate flavor complemented by fruity cherry notes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease a 15 x 10-inch jelly roll pan.
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, cherry pie filling, almond extract, and beaten eggs.
- Gently stir by hand until well mixed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding chopped dark chocolate or walnuts to the batter. If you don't have almond extract, vanilla extract can be used as a substitute. Make sure to mix gently to maintain the cherry chunks for a delightful texture. If you're looking for a healthier twist, try using a sugar-free cake mix and a no-sugar-added cherry pie filling.
Serving Suggestions
These chocolate cherry bars are delicious on their own but can be enhanced with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. They pair beautifully with Tropical Fruit Parfaits for a refreshing contrast. For an extra touch, drizzle a chocolate sauce over the bars before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chocolate cherry bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them, where they can last up to a week. To reheat, place individual bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chocolate Cherry Bars(Student Favorite) contains roughly 432 calories, with 3g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 28g 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, you can use fresh cherries; just make sure to pit and chop them first. You may need to add a bit of sugar to mimic the sweetness of the pie filling. Adjust the amount based on your taste preference and the natural sweetness of the cherries.
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
To make gluten-free chocolate cherry bars, substitute the Duncan Hines Butter Recipe Fudge Cake Mix with a gluten-free cake mix. Ensure that all other ingredients, including the cherry pie filling, are also gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the same delicious flavor without the gluten.
What should I do if the bars are too sticky?
If the bars turn out sticky, it may be due to underbaking. Ensure you bake them until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Additionally, allowing them to cool completely before cutting can help them firm up and reduce stickiness.
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).