Decadent Cherry Peanut Chocolate Layer Bars

Ingredients

- 2 cups cherries, pitted and chopped
- 1 cup salted peanuts, roughly chopped
- 1 package (16 oz.) Betty Crocker frosting mix
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup margarine, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk
- 8 oz. chocolate bark, chopped
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.

2. Prepare the Base Layer
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Betty Crocker frosting mix, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and softened margarine. Mix well until a crumbly dough forms. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish to form an even base layer.

3. Bake the Base Layer
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven for 12 minutes. After baking, remove the dish and let it cool slightly.

4. Combine Cherries and Peanuts
In a separate bowl, mix the chopped cherries and salted peanuts. Spread this mixture evenly over the baked base layer.

5. Create the Filling
In another mixing bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and remaining 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. Pour this mixture evenly over the cherry and peanut layer.

6. Prepare Chocolate Topping
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chopped chocolate bark, chocolate chips, and vegetable oil. Heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth.

7. Assemble the Chocolate Layer
Pour the melted chocolate mixture evenly over the top of the layers in the baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth the surface.

8. Final Bake
Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 12 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool to room temperature.

9. Chill and Serve
Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set completely. Cut into bars and serve.

Preparation & Cooking Times

Preparation Time
PT20M
20 minutes

Cooking Time
PT24M
24 minutes

Total Time

PT1H44M
1 hour and 44 minutes

Type of Dish

Dessert

Keywords

- Cherry
- Peanut
- Chocolate
- Layer Bars
- Easy Dessert
- Baked Dessert
- Sweet Treat
- Frosting Mix
- Holiday Baking
- Oven Baked

Recipe Yield

Feeds 4 adults

Calories

Exact Total Calories: 2840

#CherryDelight #ChocolateLovers #HomemadeDessert #BakingFun #SweetTooth