Fudgy Black Forest Bars Recipe

Name: Fudgy Black Forest Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1 Cup salted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups white sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla; 4 large eggs; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup triple chocolate unsweetened baking cocoa; 1 large dark chocolate bar, smashed into chunks (about 1 cup); 1 large can of cherry pie or blackberry pie filling; confectioner’s sugar (optional)

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Chocolate Cherry Bars

Ingredients:

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 chunks)
1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling
1 tablespoon confectioners sugar (optional)

Directions:

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350F (180C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and white sugar using an electric mixer until creamy and well-combined.

Step 3: Add the vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture, then continue to beat until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Add the eggs one at a time, beating each egg completely into the batter before adding the next.

Step 5: Gradually stir in the flour and cocoa powder until fully combined and the mixture is smooth.

Step 6: Fold in the chopped chocolate chunks, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 7: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared 9x13-inch pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 8: Pour the cherry pie filling over the top of the batter, spreading it out evenly. Dont mix; just let it sit on top of the batter.

Step 9: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick near the center of the bars if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, theyre ready.

Step 10: If needed, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until fully cooked through. The center should be set and slightly firm.

Step 11: Once baked, remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan.

Step 12: After cooling, dust the bars with powdered sugar for an added touch (optional), then cut into squares or bars.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Calories: 593
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 124mg
Sodium: 189mg
Total Carbohydrates: 87g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Total Sugars: 46g
Protein: 7g
Vitamin C: 2mg
Calcium: 34mg
Iron: 4mg
Potassium: 190mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Fudgy Black Forest Bars Recipe

The History and Heritage of Fudgy Black Forest Bars

The Fudgy Black Forest Bars draw inspiration from the classic German Black Forest Cake, known locally as Schwarzwlder Kirschtorte. This decadent dessert originated in the Black Forest region of southwestern Germany, a region famous for its dense forests and cherry orchards. Traditional Black Forest Cake combines layers of chocolate sponge, whipped cream, and tart cherries soaked in kirsch, a cherry brandy, giving it a unique depth of flavor. Over time, bakers around the world have adapted the concept, transforming it into the more accessible and portable Fudgy Black Forest Bars.

Regional Variations and Nuances

While the original German cake is celebrated for its multi-layered structure and kirsch infusion, Fudgy Black Forest Bars are a more Americanized version. In the United States, the bars often replace the alcohol-soaked cherries with canned cherry pie filling, making it family-friendly while maintaining the signature chocolate-and-cherry pairing. In European countries, variations may include a lighter sponge and fresh sour cherries, whereas in Asia, some adaptations incorporate matcha or condensed milk for a twist on the classic taste.

What Sets It Apart from Similar Desserts

Fudgy Black Forest Bars occupy a unique space between brownies and cake. Unlike traditional brownies, they feature a cherry topping that introduces a bright tartness contrasting the deep chocolate flavor. Compared to layered Black Forest Cake, these bars are denser, richer, and more fudgy, often allowing the chocolate to dominate while the cherry layer adds a sweet-tart complement. This fusion of texturessoft, gooey chocolate with juicy cherriesis what distinguishes them from ordinary chocolate bars or cherry desserts.

Typical Serving Occasions

These bars are versatile and can be served in multiple settings. They are commonly found at casual gatherings, potlucks, and family dinners. Cafs often present them alongside coffee or tea as an indulgent treat. Additionally, they are a popular dessert choice for holidays and special occasions where the combination of chocolate and cherries is appreciated, such as Valentines Day, Christmas, and birthday celebrations. Their easy-to-cut, handheld format makes them ideal for buffet tables or picnic-style servings.

Interesting Facts and Culinary Trivia

The original Black Forest Cake owes its name not to chocolate but to the Black Forest regions famous cherry liqueur, kirschwasser.
The concept of turning a layered cake into a bar form likely arose from American bakers seeking simpler, quicker desserts with fewer steps and less cleanup.
Fudgy Black Forest Bars offer a balance of textures: the richness of melted chocolate, the tenderness of the base, and the juiciness of cherry topping.
The dessert can be modified easily for dietary needs, such as using gluten-free flour or vegan butter alternatives, without losing the characteristic flavors.
Though often enjoyed chilled, slightly warming the bars can enhance the aroma of chocolate and release the cherry juices, creating an even more indulgent experience.

Overall, Fudgy Black Forest Bars are a contemporary tribute to a historic German classic, blending tradition with convenience and resulting in a dessert beloved worldwide for its chocolate-cherry harmony and fudgy decadence.

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FAQ about Fudgy Black Forest Bars Recipe

Store the Fudgy Black Forest Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months; just make sure they are well wrapped to avoid freezer burn.

Yes! You can make these bars a day or two in advance. Just let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. The flavor may even improve as it sits.

Absolutely! You can substitute cherry pie filling with other fruit pie fillings like blueberry, raspberry, or blackberry for a different twist on the recipe.

Yes, you can use milk or white chocolate chunks instead of dark chocolate for a sweeter taste. You can also use chocolate chips if that's more convenient.

Check the bars after 40 minutes by inserting a toothpick near the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are done. If the toothpick comes out wet, bake for up to 10 more minutes.

Yes, you can double the recipe, but you may need to adjust the baking time depending on the size of the pan you use. If you're using a larger pan, check for doneness by the same toothpick test.

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular all-purpose flour to make this recipe gluten-free.

You can substitute the butter with margarine or a non-dairy butter substitute if you're looking for a dairy-free option. However, the texture and flavor may vary slightly.

To make these bars even more chocolaty, you can add more cocoa powder or use an extra bar of dark chocolate. You can also sprinkle some chocolate chips on top before baking.

Yes, you can serve these bars warm, especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Just let them cool for a few minutes before serving.