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Valentine’s Black Forest Dream Bars

Valentine’s Black Forest Dream Bars
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Valentine’s Black Forest Dream Bars combine the beloved classic flavors of Black Forest cake—moist chocolate cake layers, tart cherries, and fluffy whipped cream—into convenient, handheld bars perfect for romantic celebrations, gifting, or cozy nights in. These bars offer a luscious and elegant dessert experience with rich chocolate, bright cherry bursts, and a creamy topping, all in a simple-to-make and customizable recipe.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free baking blend for gluten-free option)
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (or dairy-free butter alternative)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Filling and Topping

  • 1 cup fresh or well-drained jarred cherries
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
  • Powdered sugar (optional, for sweetening whipped cream)
  • Chocolate shavings or curls (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chocolate cake base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan. In a bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients including flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, blend the melted butter, vanilla extract, and eggs until smooth. Gradually combine the dry and wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
  2. Cool and assemble layering: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. Either cut the cake into even bars or leave it whole and layer directly in the pan. Spread a generous layer of fresh or jarred cherries evenly across the cake surface for consistent fruity bites.
  3. Whip the cream topping: Chill your mixing bowl and beaters, then beat the heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form. Sweeten lightly with powdered sugar if desired. Gently spread the whipped cream over the cherry layer to create a fluffy, cloud-like topping.
  4. Garnish and chill: Sprinkle chocolate shavings or curls over the whipped cream for an elegant finish if desired. Refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld and the whipped cream set firmly.

Notes

  • Use fresh, high-quality cherries for best flavor; well-drained jarred cherries are a good alternative.
  • Do not overmix the batter to maintain tender, moist cake layers.
  • Chill your mixing bowl and beaters to achieve perfectly whipped cream quickly.
  • Cut bars neatly with a knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry between slices.
  • Refrigerate bars to enhance flavor melding and make slicing easier.

Nutrition

Keywords: Black Forest dessert, chocolate cherry bars, Valentine’s Day dessert, handheld cake bars, cherry chocolate bars

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