Chocolate Cherry Squares

Have you ever been in the position when you have somebody drop by unexpectedly for supper and you want a quick and easy dessert that you can just whip up in no time at all that is not only super simple but actually gorgeously delish???



I have the perfect solution actually.   I kind of hesitate to show you this as it's really a bit of a cheat, and not really a recipe at all . . . but what the heck, here I go.



It's an incredibly easy and delicious dessert that I have been making for at least 20 years if not longer and it's one which is always well received . . . and one that you can have on the table and sitting in front of your guests in not much more than half an hour or so, just so long as you keep several things in your cupboard at the ready.

One tin of cherry pie filling. You can use the red or the dark.  They both work the same way.




 and one devils food cake mix.  (Don't judge me.)

 

With the addition of three large free range eggs, beaten lightly and 1 tsp of almond extract . . . you have a scrummy dessert which is fit for even the most discerning of guests.   They don't need to know it came from a box and in truth they'd would never be able to tell that it had.



Beaten together and poured into the pan and . . . Presto . . . Chango!   Just like magic you have a beautifully rich and moist chocolate cake, studded with cherries . . . there is a quick cooked icing you can pour over top which is also quite delicious.

 

But if you keep a tub of this in the cupboard that won't be a problem either . . . coz this works just fine.  And, after all you are in a hurry and there's no time to waste!  (I'll give you the recipe for the icing though, just in case . . . )



I can honestly say I've never had anybody (except the Toddster who hates chocolate passionately.   I know . . . it's just not human.) turn a piece of this down and in most cases if I offer them seconds . . . they're definitely up for it!  A little cheat once in a while doesn't hurt does it? 

 

*Chocolate Cherry Squares*
Makes one 13 by 9 inch single layer cake
Printable Recipe

Lickety split and it's done!   Delicious!

For the cake:
1 2-layer size devils food cake mix
1 tin of cherry pie filling
1 tsp almond extract
3 large free range eggs beaten

For the optional frosting:
190g of granulated sugar (1 cup)
80ml milk (1/3 cup)
5 TBS butter
180g of chocolate chips (1 cup)

Or 1 tub  of chocolate butter-cream frosting and a
handful of chocolate chips to scatter over top and
make it look good

Preheat the oven to 180*C.350*F gas mark 4.   Butter a 13 by 9 inch baking tin and lightly dust it with flour, tapping out any extra.  

Put all of the cake ingredients into a large bowl and stir with a wooden spoon until they are well blended.  Pour into the prepared pan.  Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, or until the top springs back when lightly touched and a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean.

Combine athe sugar, milk and butter for the frosting in a medium saucepan.  Bring to a boil.  Boil for one minute, stirring constantly.  Remove from the heat and stir in the chocolate chips, stirring until they are completely melted and the mixture is smooth.  Pour and spread this frosting over the warm cake.   Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares to serve.

If you are using a tub of icing, just let the cake cool to lukewarm and spread the icing over top and scatter with chocolate chips.