Black Forest Buttermilk Bars

1 (18.25 ounce) box chocolate cake mix
3 eggs
4 ounces cream cheese
1/2 cup melted butter
1 (6 ounce) package mini chocolate chips
1 cup buttermilk
4 ounces cream cheese
1 cup confectioners' sugar
3 tablespoons cocoa
1 (14.5 ounce) can pie cherries, packed in water and drained

Measure out 1 cup heaping dry cake mix and set side.

In a large bowl, combine remaining cake mix, 1 egg, 4 ounces cream cheese and butter. Blend well. Spread batter into bottom of foil-lined 9 x 13-inch baking pan. Sprinkle with chocolate chips and press into batter. Bake at 350 degrees F for 15 minutes and set aside.

In medium bowl, cream 2 eggs, buttermilk, cream cheese, 1 cup confectioners' sugar and cocoa until well-blended. Slowly add reserved cake mix and beat on medium speed until mixture is smooth and thick (about 3 minutes).

Place drained cherries on paper towels and blot dry. Spread cherries evenly over baked crust. Top with batter and bake 45 to 50 minutes or until lightly browned on top. Cool completely and cut into bars.

Sprinkle confectioners' sugar over cooled bars, if desired.