Imagine a dessert that combines the rich, velvety allure of chocolate with the vibrant, sweet-tart burst of cherries - a heavenly creation that promises to transform your ordinary dessert experience into an extraordinary culinary adventure. These Chocolate Cherry Mousse Bars are not just a treat; they're a luxurious escape that will transport you to a world of pure indulgence, perfect for impressing guests or satisfying your most intense sweet cravings.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup chocolate cookies, crushed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup cherry puree
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup chocolate shavings for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.
- In a medium bowl, combine the crushed chocolate cookies with melted butter. Mix thoroughly until the crumbs are completely moistened.
- Press the cookie mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a compact base layer. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to set.
- In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, using an electric mixer on medium-high speed.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cherry puree with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cherry mixture, being careful to maintain the cream's light and airy texture.
- Carefully spread the cherry mousse mixture evenly over the chilled cookie crust, ensuring a smooth top surface.
- Refrigerate the bars for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the mousse to set completely.
- Before serving, sprinkle chocolate shavings over the top of the mousse for garnish.
- Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan, then cut into 12 equal rectangles.
- Serve chilled and store any remaining bars in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips
- For the most intense flavor, use high-quality dark chocolate cookies when making the crust.
- Ensure your heavy cream is very cold before whipping to achieve the most stable peaks.
- When folding the whipped cream into the cherry mixture, use a gentle, circular motion to preserve the airiness.
- Chill your mixing bowl and whisk before whipping cream for better volume and stability.
- For a more elegant presentation, use a microplane to create fine chocolate shavings.
- If cherry puree is unavailable, you can substitute with cherry preserves or fresh cherry compote.
- Allow the bars to set completely overnight for the best texture and flavor melding.
- Use a sharp, clean knife dipped in hot water for clean, precise cuts when serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 75mg
