Description
Valentine’s Black Forest Dream Bars combine rich fudgy chocolate brownie layers, sweet-tart cherry pie filling, and fluffy whipped cream topped with chocolate shavings. This handheld dessert captures the classic Black Forest cake flavors in an easy-to-make bar form, perfect for romantic occasions, parties, or cozy treats at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Base
- 1 box chocolate brownie mix (or homemade batter equivalent)
- Ingredients required by brownie mix (usually eggs, oil, and water)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cherry Layer
- 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
Whipped Cream Topping
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnish
- Chocolate shavings or chocolate chips (for sprinkling on top)
Instructions
- Prepare the Brownie Base: Mix your favorite brownie batter or boxed mix according to package instructions, adding 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to enhance flavor. Pour the batter evenly into a greased baking pan and bake until fully cooked but still moist, forming a rich, chocolatey foundation.
- Add the Cherry Layer: Once the brownie layer is completely cooled, spoon an even layer of sweetened cherry pie filling across the surface to add moistness and that signature tart pop.
- Whip the Cream: In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Gently spread the whipped cream evenly over the cherry layer creating the iconic dreamy topping.
- Garnish and Chill: Sprinkle chocolate shavings or chips over the whipped cream for a decorative crunch and extra chocolate richness. Refrigerate the bars for at least two hours to let the layers set beautifully and flavors meld together before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use high-quality chocolate or cocoa in your brownie mix for intense flavor.
- Don’t overbake brownies to keep them fudgy and moist.
- Chill thoroughly in the refrigerator so bars hold their shape when sliced.
- Use fresh heavy whipping cream instead of canned whipped topping for best texture and taste.
- Warm your knife under hot water and wipe dry before slicing bars for neat edges, wiping the knife between cuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Valentine's Day, Black Forest, Chocolate, Cherry, Dessert Bars, Whipped Cream, Romantic Dessert