Description
These Dark Chocolate-Cherry Ganache Bars are a rich and decadent treat, featuring a smooth, fudgy ganache infused with dried cherries. Perfectly balanced with bittersweet chocolate and a hint of vanilla, these bars are baked to a velvety finish, making them an ideal dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Ganache Base
- 1 cup bittersweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup dried cherries
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the ganache bars.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring it covers the sides for easy removal of the bars.
- Heat Cream: In a saucepan, gently heat the heavy cream over low heat until it just begins to simmer, taking care not to boil.
- Melt Chocolate: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the bittersweet chocolate chips until they melt completely and the mixture becomes smooth.
- Add Cocoa and Flavorings: Incorporate the unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt into the chocolate mixture, stirring thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Fold in Cherries: Gently fold the dried cherries into the ganache mixture, distributing them evenly.
- Pour and Smooth: Pour the ganache mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even surface.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the bars are set but still soft in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish before lifting them out using the parchment paper and cutting them into 16 servings.
Notes
- For a more intense cherry flavor, soak dried cherries in cherry juice or brandy for 30 minutes before folding into the ganache.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Ensure the cream is just simmering to avoid burning the chocolate when melting.
- You can substitute dried cherries with other dried fruits like raspberries or cranberries if desired.
