In a hurry, but craving chocolate? These easy Triple Chocolate Cherry Pecan Bars can be made in about 30 minutes and are sure to please even the most discriminating chocolate aficionado. Starting with a cake mix eliminates the need to measure a lot of ingredients, but the addition of real butter insures a homemade taste. The decadent chocolate filling is reminiscent of a creamy truffle; no one will guess that these are quick and easy.

These bars can be made up to a week ahead, and can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They are perfect for taking on a picnic, or can be served at a backyard cookout with homemade ice cream. They’re not just for summer, though; these bars are great year round and are good enough that they can even be an addition to a holiday cookie tray.

48 bars

3/4 cup butter, (1 1/2 sticks)
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 18.25 ounce devil's food cake mix
2 cups oatmeal
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup dried cherries
1 cup chopped pecans

Topping
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup whipping cream

1. Preheat the oven to 350°.


2. Line an 11 x 17" jellyroll pan with parchment, or spray with non-stick spray.


3. Cream the butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla in a large mixing bowl until fluffy.
   
4. Stir in the cake mix and oatmeal, mixing until smooth.


5. Stir in the chocolate chips, dried cherries, and pecans.


6. Press the mixture evenly onto the prepared jellyroll pan.


7. Bake 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.


8. Remove from the oven, let cool on a cooling rack while preparing the topping.


9. Place the topping ingredients in a microwaveable container and microwave 2 minutes.


10. Let sit for a minute or two and stir thick and smooth.


11. Spread over the bars and refrigerate until the topping is set. /li>
    
12. Cut into 48 bars or squares.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 155 Calories from Fat 100
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 65% Protein 4% Carb. 31%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 11 g
Saturated Fat 6 g
Cholesterol 23 mg
Sodium 34 mg
Total Carbohydrate 12 g
Dietary Fiber 0 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 2 g

Vitamin A 4% Vitamin C 0% Calcium 0% Iron 3%