Black Forest Brownies combine rich, fudgy chocolate brownies with tart cherries and a whipped cream topping, creating a decadent dessert inspired by the classic Black Forest cake.
Perfect for any special occasion or when you’re craving an indulgent treat, these brownies are easy to make and guaranteed to impress.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- 9×9-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Ingredients Overview
- Brownies: A chocolatey base made from scratch or your favorite box mix.
- Cherry layer: Tart cherries (fresh, frozen, or canned) and a cherry glaze for the signature Black Forest flavor.
- Whipped cream topping: Adds lightness and a creamy finish.
Ingredients
Brownie Layer
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Cherry Layer
- 1 cup canned or fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- 2 tablespoons cherry preserves (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
Whipped Cream Topping
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Garnish
- Chocolate shavings or curls
- Fresh cherries
Directions
Make the Brownies
- Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. - Mix the batter
In a bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth. - Add dry ingredients
Sift in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir until just combined; do not overmix. - Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely.
Prepare the Cherry Layer
- Make the cherry glaze
In a small saucepan, combine cherries, cherry preserves (if using), cornstarch, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until the mixture thickens and the cherries are softened, about 5 minutes. Let cool.
Make the Whipped Cream
- Whip the cream
In a mixing bowl, beat heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.
Assemble the Black Forest Brownies
- Layer the cherries
Spread the cooled cherry mixture evenly over the brownies. - Top with whipped cream
Spread the whipped cream over the cherry layer, smoothing with a spatula. - Garnish
Decorate with chocolate shavings, curls, or fresh cherries for an elegant finish.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Bake Time
25 minutes
Total Time
1 hour (including cooling and assembly)
Nutrition (per serving, ~9 servings)
- Calories: ~250
- Fat: ~15g
- Carbohydrates: ~28g
- Sugar: ~20g
- Protein: ~3g
Expert Tips
- Room temperature ingredients
Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture. - Cherries
If using canned cherries, drain them well to prevent a soggy layer. For frozen cherries, thaw and pat dry. - Cutting clean slices
Chill the assembled brownies in the fridge for 15–20 minutes before slicing.
FAQs
Can I use a brownie mix?
Yes, prepare the brownie mix as directed on the box and proceed with the cherry and whipped cream layers.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, you can make the brownies and cherry layer up to 1 day ahead. Add the whipped cream just before serving.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Storing & Reheating
- Storing: Refrigerate assembled brownies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unassembled brownie and cherry layers for up to 2 months. Thaw before assembling.
Substitutions & Variations
- Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free brownie mix or substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Extra chocolate: Add 1/2 cup chocolate chips to the brownie batter for a richer flavor.
- Alcohol twist: Stir 1 tablespoon of kirsch (cherry liqueur) into the cherry mixture for an authentic Black Forest flavor.
Black Forest Brownies
Black Forest Brownies combine rich, fudgy chocolate brownies with tart cherries and a whipped cream topping, creating a decadent dessert inspired by the classic Black Forest cake.
Equipment
- 9x9-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- - Hand mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Ingredients
- #### Brownie Layer
- - 1/2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
- - 1 cup granulated sugar
- - 2 large eggs
- - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- - 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- - 1/4 teaspoon salt
- - 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- #### Cherry Layer
- - 1 cup canned or fresh cherries pitted and halved
- - 2 tablespoons cherry preserves optional
- - 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- - 1/4 cup water
- #### Whipped Cream Topping
- - 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- #### Optional Garnish
- - Chocolate shavings or curls
- - Fresh cherries
Instructions
- #### Make the Brownies
- **Preheat the oven**
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- **Mix the batter**
- In a bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth.
- **Add dry ingredients**
- Sift in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir until just combined; do not overmix.
- **Bake**
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely.
- #### Prepare the Cherry Layer
- **Make the cherry glaze**
- In a small saucepan, combine cherries, cherry preserves (if using), cornstarch, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until the mixture thickens and the cherries are softened, about 5 minutes. Let cool.
- #### Make the Whipped Cream
- **Whip the cream**
- In a mixing bowl, beat heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.
- #### Assemble the Black Forest Brownies
- **Layer the cherries**
- Spread the cooled cherry mixture evenly over the brownies.
- **Top with whipped cream**
- Spread the whipped cream over the cherry layer, smoothing with a spatula.
- **Garnish**
- Decorate with chocolate shavings, curls, or fresh cherries for an elegant finish.
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