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    Home » Desserts

    Chocolate Cherry Dessert Bars

    Published: Aug 2, 2022 by Keri Hix

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    chocolate cherry dessert bars pinterest graphic on a white background
    pinterest graphic with 2 chocolate cherry dessert pars on a plate

    These Chocolate Cherry Dessert Bars are rich, gooey, and delectable. You won't be able to stop at just one! This simple cherry chocolate dessert uses canned cherry pie filling with chocolate cake mix. Add some almond butter for a delicious flavor and texture, and you have a beautiful, delicious dessert.

    portrait photo of 2 chocolate cherry dessert bars next to the dish of dessert bars
    Table of contents
    • Why this recipe works
    • Recipe ingredients
    • Step-by-step directions
    • Other recipes you might like
    • Recipe Faqs
    • How to store?
    • Recipe

    This recipe was adapted from a recipe found in a very old cookbook featuring sweetened condensed milk. I wanted an easy cherry pie filling dessert so I incorporated that with a simple chocolate cake mix hack to make the cookie/dessert bar base.

    For some other recipes featuring a box of chocolate cake mix, check out my Chocolate Espresso Bundt Cake and this Chocolate Mocha Poke Cake. Both recipes are super easy and delicious!

    Why this recipe works

    • The combination of cherry and chocolate - Cherry and chocolate go together like bread and butter. Amazing!
    • Simple recipe - beautiful presentation - This dessert is stunning with the colors from the chocolate cake, almond butter, and cherry pie filling. A perfect dessert to serve on Valentine's Day or any special get-together.
    • The almond butter - By using almond butter, you get something a little different that the usual peanut butter and chocolate recipes. The almond flavor goes very well with both chocolate and cherry.

    Recipe ingredients

    A labeled photo showing the ingredients for chocolate cherry cookie bars.

    Use your favorite brand for the canned cherry pie filling and chocolate cake mix.

    Note that this recipe calls for Sweetened Condensed Milk, not evaporated milk as you use in pumpkin pie.

    Step-by-step directions

    Cake mix crumble cookie base in blue bowl.

    1. In a mixing bowl, mix together the cake mix with the canola oil and egg. The mixture will be a bit crumbly. A handheld electric mixer works perfectly.

    Chocolate cookie base pressed into baking dish.

    2. Press about two-thirds of the mix into the bottom of a 13 x 9 baking dish that has been sprayed with non-stick spray. Set aside the rest of the mix for the topping.

    Almond butter filling being poured over cookie base.

    3. Mix together the sweetened condensed milk and the almond butter. Pour the batter onto the chocolate dessert bar base.

    Note: I just use the same mixing bowl for easier clean-up.

    Almond butter toping over chocolate cookie base.

    4. This batter is a bit thick, but if you work gently, you will be able to spread it okay without disturbing the base.

    Cherries poured over almond butter filling.

    5. Next, add the can of cherry pie filling. Isn't it pretty?

    Chocolate crumb topping over cherries in a baking dish.

    6. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate crumbs over the top of the cherry pie filling. Now it is time to bake.

    And here is the finished product. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.

    Finished dessert with chocolate cake mix and cherries on a gray plate.

    Other recipes you might like

    • Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
    • Chocolate Espresso Cinnamon Rolls
    • Raspberry Oatmeal Bars
    • Corn Flakes Apple Crunch

    Recipe Faqs

    Are sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk the same?

    No. The flavor, texture, and sweetness are entirely different. Sweetened condensed milk has added sugar, making it perfect for recipes like this.

    Do cherry and chocolate go together?

    Yes! This is why this recipe works so well. Think of cherry cordials available just about everywhere around the holiday season.

    What is the best brand of chocolate cake mix?

    There are probably some cake mixes that are better than the others, but I find that if you stick to your favorite brand you will be fine with this recipe. I usually buy according to what is on sale.

    How to store?

    I strongly recommend storing Chocolate Cherry Dessert Bars in the refrigerator.

    Find all my recipes on Pinterest at Cook This Again. Or, on Facebook at Cook This Again.

    Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟rating on the recipe card below & a review in the comments section further down the page.

    Recipe

    Overyhead photo of cherry dessert bars with a chocolate brownie base sitting on a plate

    Chocolate Cherry Dessert Bars

    This simple cherry chocolate dessert uses canned cherry pie filling with chocolate cake mix. Add some almond butter for a delicious flavor and texture, and you have a beautiful, delicious dessert.
    4 from 6 votes
    Print Rate
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 45 minutes
    Servings: 24 Squares
    Calories: 206kcal
    Author: Keri Hix

    Equipment

    • Hand Mixer

    Ingredients

    • 1 box Chocolate cake mix
    • ¼ cup Canola oil
    • 1 Egg
    • 1 can Sweetened condensed milk
    • ½ cup Almond butter
    • 1 can Cherry pie filling

    Instructions

    • Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
    • Using an electric mixer, mix together the cake mix, canola oil, and the egg in a medium-size bowl. The mixture will be crumbly.
    • Spray a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
    • Press about two-thirds of the dessert base into the baking dish. Reserve the remaining crumbles for the topping.
    • Using the electric mixer again, combine the sweetened condensed milk and the almond butter until well blended. Pour this mixture over the dessert base. Spread out the almond butter mixture gently to prevent the dessert base from lifting.
    • Next, add the cherry pie filling layer over the almond butter mixture.
    • Finally, use remaining crumble mixture over the cherries.
    • Bake the Chocolate Cherry Dessert Bars for 30 - 40 minutes until set. You will notice that the almond butter mixture should not jiggle around easily when it is done.
    • Cool completely before cutting into bars.
    • Store any leftover dessert bars in the refrigerator.

    Notes

     
    I like to use the same beaters and mixing bowl for the almond butter filling I used or the chocolate cookie base. This makes for easier clean-up. 
    Click here to add your own private notes.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 206kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 128mg | Potassium: 129mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 105IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 79mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @CookThisAgain or tag #cookthisagainmom!

    More Dessert Recipes

    • Sour Cream Lemon Pie
    • Rocky Road Bars (with Peanut Butter)
    • Valentine Treats for Kids
    • Kiss Crinkle Cookies
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    Hi! My name is Keri.

    I am the mom behind Cook This Again, Mom! and I love to cook! Well, most of the time I do.

    Welcome to my recipe blog!

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