If you love the classic combination of chocolate and cherries, these 3-Ingredient Black Forest Bars are an easy dessert you will want to make again and again. Inspired by the flavors of Black Forest cake, these bars bring together rich chocolate, sweet cherries, and a soft, fudgy texture without requiring a long ingredient list.
They are perfect for busy days, bake sales, potlucks, holiday dessert tables, or whenever you need a simple homemade treat. With just three ingredients and a few easy steps, you can create a delicious chocolate-cherry dessert that looks and tastes special.
Why You’ll Love These Black Forest Bars
- Only three ingredients: Simple ingredients make this recipe budget-friendly and convenient.
- Chocolate and cherry combination: A delicious pairing inspired by classic Black Forest desserts.
- Easy preparation: No complicated techniques or special equipment needed.
- Great for sharing: Cut into squares for parties, potlucks, and family gatherings.
- Make-ahead friendly: Prepare them in advance and chill before slicing.
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) chocolate cake mix
- 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8-by-8-inch square baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang to make removing the bars easier.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, cherry pie filling, and eggs.
Stir until everything is evenly incorporated. The batter will be thick, and small pieces of cherry will remain throughout the mixture.
Step 3: Spread the Batter
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly into the corners.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for approximately 25–32 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted near the middle comes out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking if you want a soft, fudgy texture.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely. For cleaner slices, refrigerate for about 30 minutes before cutting into squares.
Serve and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Black Forest Bars
- Use a standard chocolate cake mix, not a brownie mix.
- Do not drain the cherry pie filling; the filling adds moisture and flavor.
- Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Check the center toward the end of baking because oven temperatures can vary.
- Let the bars cool completely before slicing to help them hold their shape.
- Use a sharp knife and wipe it between cuts for neat squares.
Easy Variations
Extra Chocolate Flavor: Fold in chocolate chips. This will make the recipe four ingredients.
Black Forest Cheesecake Bars: Add a cream cheese swirl before baking for a richer dessert.
Dark Chocolate Cherry Bars: Use a dark chocolate cake mix for a deeper chocolate flavor.
Festive Dessert Bars: Add a few maraschino cherries on top after baking for a colorful presentation.
What to Serve with Black Forest Bars
These chocolate cherry bars are delicious on their own, but they are even better served with:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Fresh whipped cream
- Fresh cherries or sliced strawberries
- A drizzle of melted chocolate
- A cup of coffee or cold milk
For a dessert inspired by traditional Black Forest cake, add a little whipped cream and a cherry on top of each square.
How to Store Black Forest Bars
Allow the bars to cool completely before storing.
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days if your kitchen is cool.
- Refrigerator: Keep covered for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap individual bars tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw frozen bars in the refrigerator before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use another flavor of cake mix?
Chocolate cake mix gives these bars their classic Black Forest-inspired flavor. Devil’s food cake mix also works well.
Do I need to drain the cherry pie filling?
No. Use the cherry pie filling directly from the can, including its thick syrup.
Can I use fresh cherries instead?
Cherry pie filling is recommended because it provides both sweetness and moisture. Fresh cherries would need additional preparation and may change the texture.
How do I know when the bars are done?
The center should look set, and a toothpick inserted near the middle should come out with a few moist crumbs rather than wet batter.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely. Bake them the day before, cool completely, and refrigerate. Slice just before serving.
Final Thoughts
These 3-Ingredient Black Forest Bars are proof that a delicious dessert does not need a complicated recipe. Chocolate cake mix, cherry pie filling, and eggs come together to create soft, sweet bars with all the flavors of a classic chocolate-cherry dessert.
Whether you’re preparing a treat for a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or an ordinary afternoon, these easy bars are a wonderful addition to your dessert collection.
Recipe Card
3-Ingredient Black Forest Bars
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 25–32 minutes
Cooling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: About 1 hour 42 minutes
Servings: 9 bars
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) chocolate cake mix
- 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line an 8-by-8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Combine the chocolate cake mix, cherry pie filling, and eggs in a large bowl.
- Stir until evenly combined.
- Spread the thick batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25–32 minutes, until the center is set.
- Cool completely before slicing into bars.
- Refrigerate briefly before cutting if you prefer cleaner edges.
Serving Suggestion: Serve with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or fresh cherries.
Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.