Description
Black forest dream bars weave chocolate and cherry romance into a delightful dessert experience. Sweet layers of rich ganache and kirsch-soaked cherries create an irresistible indulgence you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 package chocolate chunk cookie mix
- 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 tub (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
Binding Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup oil
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup sugar
Measurement Equivalents:
- 1 package chocolate chunk cookie mix (approximately 15.25 ounces)
- 21 ounces (595 grams) cherry pie filling
- 8 ounces (227 grams) cream cheese
- 1/3 cup (79 milliliters) oil
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) sugar
- 8 ounces (227 grams) frozen whipped topping, thawed
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or a light grease coating.
- Mix the chocolate chunk cookie mix with oil and egg according to package instructions, then firmly press the dough into the prepared pan to create an even base layer.
- Bake the cookie foundation for 12-15 minutes until edges turn golden and center sets. Remove from oven and allow complete cooling.
- Whip cream cheese and sugar in a mixing bowl until silky and uniform, then gently incorporate the thawed whipped topping for a light, airy texture.
- Distribute cherry pie filling uniformly across the cooled cookie foundation, ensuring complete coverage.
- Carefully layer the cream cheese mixture over the cherry filling, using a spatula to create a smooth, even surface.
- Seal the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for minimum 2 hours, allowing the dessert to set and flavors to meld.
- Once chilled, slice into elegant bars, serving directly from the refrigerator for optimal texture and taste.
Notes
- Swap cookie mix with gluten-free alternative for dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone can enjoy this decadent dessert.
- Use low-fat cream cheese and sugar substitute to create a lighter version without compromising rich, indulgent flavors.
- Drain cherry pie filling slightly to prevent excess liquid from making the base soggy, maintaining perfect texture and structural integrity.
- Garnish with dark chocolate shavings or fresh cherries before serving to elevate visual appeal and add extra layers of flavor complexity.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 244 kcal
- Sugar: 21 g
- Sodium: 172 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 27 mg