Fudgy Black Forest Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Decadent: The combination of dark chocolate and cocoa creates an intensely chocolaty experience.​
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, these bars are simple to make.​
• Perfect Balance: The tartness of the cherry pie filling cuts through the richness of the chocolate, offering a harmonious blend of flavors.​

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 cup salted butter, softened​
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar​
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs​
• 2 cups all-purpose flour​
• 1/2 cup unsweetened triple chocolate baking cocoa​
• 1 large dark chocolate bar, chopped into chunks (about 1 cup)​
• 1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling​
• 1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar (optional)​

Directions

1. Prepare the Batter:

   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.​
   • In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and white sugar with an electric mixer until creamy.​
   • Add the vanilla extract and mix well.​
   • Incorporate the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully mixed before adding the next.​

2. Combine Dry Ingredients:

   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and unsweetened cocoa powder.​
   • Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter-sugar-egg mixture, stirring until fully combined.​
   • Fold in the chopped dark chocolate chunks

3. Assemble the Bars:

   • Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.​
   • Pour the cherry pie filling over the top of the batter, smoothing it out to cover the surface.​

4. Bake:

   • Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.​
   • Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.​

5. Serve:

   • Once cooled, dust the top with confectioners’ sugar if desired.​
   • Cut into squares and serve.​

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 10 bars
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes​
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes​
• Total Time: 55 minutes​

Variations

• Nutty Addition: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added crunch.​
• Alternative Fruits: Try using blueberry or raspberry pie filling for a different flavor profile.​
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.​

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.​
• Reheating: These bars are delicious at room temperature but can be warmed in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if desired.​

FAQs

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?

Yes, you can use unsalted butter; simply add a pinch of salt to the batter to balance the flavors.​

What type of dark chocolate is best for this recipe?

A high-quality dark chocolate with 60-70% cocoa content works well, but you can adjust based on your preference.​

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container until serving.​

How do I know when the bars are fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bars are done.​

Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, wrap the cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.​

What can I use instead of cherry pie filling?

You can use homemade cherry compote or any other fruit pie filling of your choice.​

Are these bars suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, all ingredients used are suitable for a vegetarian diet.​

How should I serve these bars?

They can be enjoyed plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.​

Can I add liqueur to the batter for extra flavor?

Yes, adding a tablespoon of cherry liqueur can enhance the cherry flavor.​

What is the texture of these bars?

They have a fudgy, brownie-like texture with moistness from the cherry filling.​

Conclusion

Fudgy Black Forest Bars offer a rich and indulgent dessert experience, combining the classic flavors of chocolate and cherries in a convenient bar form. Whether for a special occasion or a simple weeknight treat, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests.

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