Ho Ho Bars
Ho Ho Bars are rich, chocolatey layered treats combining moist devil's food cake with a creamy vanilla and sugar topping. Topped with melted dark chocolate frosting, these bars offer a delightful balance of sweetness and texture, perfect for parties, potlucks, or indulgent snacking with friends and family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare the devil's food cake mix as directed on the package.
- Pour the batter into a greased 10 x 15-inch pan.
- Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 to 15 minutes.
- Let the cake cool completely.
- Combine sugar, softened margarine, shortening, evaporated milk, vanilla, and salt. Beat with an electric mixer until fluffy, about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Spread the vanilla sugar mixture evenly over the cooled cake.
- Heat the dark chocolate frosting in the microwave for 20 to 25 seconds until softened.
- Spread the melted frosting over the cream layer.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Ho Ho Bars, consider using a higher quality dark chocolate frosting or even making your own. If you prefer a lighter texture, substitute half of the shortening with unsweetened applesauce, which will also reduce the fat content. Make sure to let the cake cool completely before spreading the frosting to prevent it from melting.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delightful bars as a sweet treat after dinner or at parties. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a festive touch, consider serving them alongside Christmas Tree Cookies for a delightful dessert platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place individual bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to enjoy them warm, which enhances the chocolate flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ho Ho Bars contains roughly 130 calories, with 0g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 12g 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 a different cake mix for this recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with other cake mixes like chocolate or red velvet for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the texture and taste will vary slightly from the original recipe.
Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
You can reduce the sugar by using a sugar substitute or by cutting the amount of sugar in half. Additionally, consider using light margarine and reducing the shortening. For a vegan option, substitute the margarine and shortening with coconut oil.
How can I make these bars more festive for holidays?
For a festive twist, try adding sprinkles on top of the chocolate frosting or layering in crushed peppermint candies. You could also serve them with themed desserts like Easy Fruit Pie for a colorful dessert table.
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).