Description
These Valentine’s Black Forest Dream Bars combine the classic flavors of a black forest cake with a decadent, easy-to-make bar form. A rich chocolate base topped with a cherry filling and creamy whipped topping makes these bars the ultimate indulgence for your Valentine. Perfect for sharing with someone special!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chocolate Base:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cherry Layer:
- 1 cup canned cherry pie filling (or fresh cherries, pitted and chopped)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (optional, depending on sweetness of cherries)
For the Whipped Topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish (optional):
- Dark chocolate shavings or curls
- Maraschino cherries (for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Make the Chocolate Base: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add in the melted butter, milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined and smooth.
- Bake the Base: Pour the chocolate batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the base cool completely before adding the cherry layer.
- Prepare the Cherry Layer: Once the base has cooled, spread the cherry pie filling (or fresh cherries mixed with sugar) evenly over the top of the chocolate base.
- Make the Whipped Topping: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Assemble the Bars: Spread the whipped topping over the cherry layer, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- Garnish: Optional – sprinkle with dark chocolate shavings or curls and top with maraschino cherries for a festive touch.
- Chill & Serve: Refrigerate the bars for at least 1-2 hours to allow the layers to set. Slice into squares or bars and serve chilled.
Notes
- These bars can be made a day ahead for easy entertaining. Just make sure to keep them in the fridge until ready to serve.
- You can use a variety of fruit fillings, like raspberries or strawberries, if you’re not a fan of cherries.
- For a more indulgent treat, drizzle with a bit of chocolate ganache before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg