Easy Chocolate Bars
Chewy, chocolatey bars loaded with cherries, pecans, marshmallows, and semi-sweet chocolate chips, perfect for a sweet snack or dessert that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and melt oleo in a 15 1/2 x 10 1/2-inch jelly roll pan.
- Sprinkle and pat dry the German chocolate cake mix over the melted oleo.
- Sprinkle miniature marshmallows, semi-sweet chocolate chips, cherries, and pecan pieces over the cake mix.
- Drizzle the can of condensed milk evenly over the top of all ingredients.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter in place of oleo. You can also swap out the cherries for dried cranberries or raisins if you prefer a different fruit. If you're a fan of nuts, feel free to add walnuts or almonds instead of pecans. Ensure to pat the cake mix down well to create a solid base for the toppings.
Serving Suggestions
These chocolate bars can be served as a delightful dessert on their own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat. They also make a great addition to a dessert platter alongside other sweets like Emily'S Fudge. Consider serving them at gatherings or as a sweet snack during movie nights.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chocolate bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. To reheat, simply place a bar in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warmed, making it gooey and delicious again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Chocolate Bars contains roughly 1261 calories, with 17g protein, 187g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (110% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (95% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (53% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1098mg per serving (48% of the Daily Value).
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 chocolate bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare these chocolate bars a day in advance. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They actually taste even better after sitting for a few hours, as the flavors meld together beautifully.
What can I use instead of condensed milk?
If you need a substitute for condensed milk, you can make your own by simmering regular milk with sugar until it thickens, or use evaporated milk mixed with sugar. However, this may alter the sweetness and texture slightly, so adjust accordingly.
Can I freeze these chocolate bars?
Yes, these chocolate bars freeze well! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving for the best 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).