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Fudgy Black Forest Bars

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These easy Fudgy Black Forest Bars are loaded with chocolate chunks and puddles of cherry pie filling and finished with a shower of powdered sugar. #blackforest #chocolate #cherry #dessertfoodrecipes #desserts

These easy Fudgy Black Forest Bars are loaded with chocolate chunks and puddles of cherry pie filling and finished with a shower of powdered sugar.

A Fudgy Black Forest Bar sits on a black plate with a fork with additional bars in the background.

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Original content posted June 2018.  Updated April 2021.

Growing up, I had the same babysitter from birth until the summer before I entered fifth grade.  I didn’t really understand what a blessing that was until recently when I realized that our oldest daughter is now that very same age.

Shirley and her family where such an integral part of my life growing up and one of the things I remembered most were the homemade treats she would often make everyone, including these Fudgy Black Forest Bars.

Fudgy Black Forest Bars sit on a brown parchment square on a black background. Two bars are on black plates with forks and powdered sugar rests in a sifter.

A few weeks ago, while back in Missouri visiting my mom, I remembered that at some point I had asked for this Fudgy Black Forest Bars recipe.  Lucky for me, the recipe card was still in my mom’s recipe box.  No doubt in the same place since the last time I made it while I still lived at home.

I loved being able to introduce my own children to this decadent dessert that I enjoyed so much when I was younger.  They’re oohs and aahs as they took their first bite were no doubt similar to my own!

Fudgy Black Forest Bars sit on brown parchment on a dark background with powdered sugar in a sifter.

These Fudgy Black Forest Bars definitely have the rich chocolate flavor and moist, dense texture typical of fudge.  They’re like my One Bowl Chocolate Fudge Brownies, but even fudgier!

And those puddles of cherry pie filling?  They definitely take these bars over the top.  Fans of this delicious chocolate and cherry combination will also adore my Black Forest No Bake Cheesecake and Cherry Cola S’mores Brownies.

And I haven’t even mentioned the chocolate chunks, yet!

Powdered sugar is sifted onto Fudgy Black Forest Bars on brown parchment sitting on a dark background.

Black Forest Bar Cake

Dark chocolate chunks are stirred into the batter of this six ingredient Fudgy Black Forest Bars recipe to insure that each and every bite is as chocolate laden as possible.

They weren’t in the original recipe, but I just couldn’t resist.  And the moment I took my first bite?  Instant vindication!

Last, but certainly not least, these Fudgy Black Forest Bars are then showered with powdered sugar which not only makes them a complete showstopper on any dessert table, but it’s also quite entertaining to watch this dessert slowly absorb that delicious snow shower which only heightens their flavor.

How to Make Fudgy Black Forest Bars

[1]  In the bowl of an electric mixer, add butter and sugar.

[2]  Cream together on medium speed until light and fluffy.

[3]  Add vanilla and eggs to bowl.

[4]  Beat at medium speed for two minutes until combined.

[5]  Add cocoa and flour.

[6]  Mix together on medium speed until just combined.

[7]  Add chocolate chunks.

[8]  Stir together to combine.

[9]  Spoon batter into a greased 9×13 pan and smooth into an even layer.

[10]  Drop cherry pie filling onto chocolate mixture into even puddles.

Bake for 30-35 minutes at 350 degrees or until bars are just set.

[11]  Allow to cool completely before sifting powdered sugar over the top of bars.

Fudgy Black Forest Bars rest on brown parchment on a black background while one bar sits on a black plate.

If you’ve tried these Fudgy Black Forest Bars or any other recipe on Melanie Makes, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below.  I love hearing from you and respond to each and every comment!

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Fudgy Black Forest Bars | Melanie Makes
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4.3 from 10 votes

Fudgy Black Forest Bars

These Fudgy Black Forest Bars definitely have the rich chocolate flavor and moist, dense texture typical of fudge.  They're also the home of puddles of cherry pie filling and studded with dark chocolate chunks before being showered with powdered sugar.  The ultimate chocolate and cherry dessert combination.
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Total Time40 mins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 24
Calories: 182kcal
Author: Melanie Bauer | Melanie Makes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter softened
  • 1-1/2 cups sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 4 eggs
  • 1/2 cup cocoa
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 cup dark chocolate chunks
  • 1 21 ounce can cherry pie filling
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • In the bowl of an electric mixer, add butter and sugar and cream together until light and fluffy.
  • Add vanilla and eggs and beat at medium speed for two minutes.
  • Add cocoa and flour and mix together until just combined.
  • Stir in chocolate chunks.
  • Spoon batter into a greased 9x13 pan and smooth into an even layer.
  • Drop cherry pie filling onto chocolate mixture into even puddles.
  • Bake for 30-35 minutes or until bars are just set.
  • Allow to cool completely before sifting powdered sugar over the top of bars.

Nutrition

Calories: 182kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 79mg | Potassium: 91mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 280IU | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1.3mg

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Michelle says

    I had this recipe saved for a while and I was so excited to try it! Unfortunately, the bars came out bland and super dry! :( I should have known after mixing up the batter. It was way too fluffy to create a dense texture and definitely needed some type of liquid, probably melted chocolate instead of dry chocolate chunks and half the amount of flour. The cherries on top were the only saving grace. I wouldn't make this again!
    Reply

    • Melanie says

      Hi, Michelle - I'm in disbelief that your bars were dry as these are some of the most moist bars I've ever made. Usually the issue is they're so moist it's hard to cut the perfect piece. Feel free to e-mail me and we can troubleshoot what might've gone wrong!
      Reply

    • Melanie says

      Hi, Ralph - You're correct. There is no cream in this recipe, you're simply creaming the ingredients together in your mixer. :)
      Reply

    • Melanie says

      Hey, Maggie - You could likely make them the day before without issue, just wait to shower with powdered sugar until just before serving as the bars will absorb it in the meantime.
      Reply

    • Melanie says

      Hello, Mad - There is no cream in this recipe, you're simply creaming the ingredients together in your mixer. :)
      Reply

  6. Nancy Milligan says

    If I cut the recipe in half and bake in an 8 x8 pan, how should I adjust cooking time? Also, any tips for high altitude baking? Thanks!
    Reply

    • Nancy Milligan says

      Never mind, I made the recipe without adjustments and ir came out fine at 5280 altitude. The recipe tastes amazing!!! This is a keeper!
      Reply

      • Melanie says

        Hey, Nancy - Sorry I didn't get to your comment sooner! I'm also at 5280 so I'm glad it worked out the same for you as well. So glad you enjoyed it!
        Reply

  15. Kristen says

    Oh these have me drooling! I just love chocolate and cherries together and these brownies are perfectly fudgy!
    Reply

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