Chocolate Walnut Bars

Recently, we were invited to go to a dinner event for an organization we're considering joining. Minutes before I headed out the door to get Trevor from school on the afternoon of the dinner, I found out that only the entree would be catered and the rest would be potluck. (We'd thought the whole thing was catered.) While I can't imagine anyone would have turned us away for not bringing a potluck contribution, I absolutely did not want to show up empty-handed.

I dug through the pantry for something I could make in a very short amount of time, with no grocery store visit needed. The previous time I needed a last-minute potluck item, I made Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars and they were a hit. While I did have a yellow cake mix on hand, I wondered how the recipe would work if I substituted a chocolate cake mix.

As I mixed up the batter, it didn't seem quite right, as it was extremely thick and stretchy. I added an extra 1/4 cup of water and that made a big difference. I put the batter into the pan and crossed my fingers.  

Fortunately, it came out of the oven looking and smelling delicious. I sprinkled chocolate chips all over the top of the hot cookies, then used a knife to spread the melted chocolate like frosting. I sprinkled chopped walnuts over the top.

When the chocolate had set, I cut the cookies into bars.

 

So how'd they taste? Really good! They had a nice chocolate flavor and a good texture. If I ever find myself needing another last-minute potluck item and I have chocolate cake mix on hand, I'd definitely make these again.

Chocolate Walnut Bars

                                   1 chocolate cake mix                                     1/2 c. water
                                   2 eggs                                                              1 package chocolate chips, divided
                                   1/4 c. brown sugar                                         1/2 c. chopped walnuts
                                   1/4 c. melted butter


Combine cake mix, eggs, brown sugar, butter and water. Mix at medium speed for 2 minutes. Batter will be thick. Stir in half of the chocolate chips. Spread batter in a greased 9x13" pan. Bake for 20 minutes at 375°. Remove from oven and sprinkle remaining chocolate chips on top. Return to oven for 2 minutes to melt chocolate. Remove from oven and use a knife to spread the melted chocolate evenly. Sprinkle with walnuts. Cool completely and cut into squares.