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Valentine’s Black Forest Dream Bars

Valentine’s Black Forest Dream Bars

  • Author: Amelia
  • Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes (including chilling time)
  • Yield: 16 bars 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free cake mix used)

Description

Valentine’s Black Forest Dream Bars are a rich and indulgent dessert that layers moist chocolate cake, tart cherries, and fluffy whipped cream. Easy to make yet impressive in flavor and presentation, these bars capture the essence of a classic Black Forest cake in a convenient bar form, perfect for sharing or gifting on Valentine’s Day or any special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Base

  • 1 box chocolate cake mix (or gluten-free chocolate cake mix)
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder

Cherry Layer

  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups jarred or fresh tart cherries, drained if jarred

Toppings

  • 3/4 cup chocolate chips (dark or white chocolate chips for variation)
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chocolate Base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix with melted butter and cocoa powder to deepen the chocolate flavor. Spread the thick batter evenly in a greased baking pan to form the base layer. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  2. Add the Cherry Layer: Once the base has cooled slightly, evenly distribute your jarred or fresh cherries over the chocolate cake layer. Gently press the cherries into the batter without mixing them fully to keep them intact while melding into the cake.
  3. Sprinkle the Chocolate Chips: Generously scatter chocolate chips on top of the cherry layer. These will melt slightly in the next baking step, creating pockets of gooey chocolate throughout the bars.
  4. Bake and Cool: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes. After baking, allow the bars to cool completely to room temperature, ensuring they set perfectly before adding the whipped cream topping.
  5. Whip and Spread the Cream: Whip the heavy cream with sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the cooled bars. For a decorative touch, pipe the cream or smooth it with an offset spatula.
  6. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled bars for at least 2 hours to let flavors meld and the whipped cream set firmly. Slice into squares and serve.

Notes

  • Use high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips to elevate chocolate flavor.
  • Watch baking time carefully to avoid overbaking and keep bars moist.
  • Chill bars thoroughly before slicing to achieve clean, neat edges.
  • Fresh cherries, if in season, add more vibrant flavor and juiciness than jarred cherries.
  • Adjust sugar amount in whipped cream according to your sweetness preference.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: Black Forest Bars, Valentine’s Dessert, Chocolate Cherry Bars, Whipped Cream Bars, Gluten-Free Chocolate Dessert

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Find it online: https://savortrack.com/valentines-black-forest-dream-bars/