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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.
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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.