These Fudgy and Easy Black Forest Brownies are indulgent, sweet, and packed with fresh cherry and chocolate flavor! The decadent brownie is topped with sweet whipped cream, shaved chocolate, and fresh cherries. It’s an impressive dessert that is so easy to make!
Black Forest desserts have been around since the 16th century and originated in Germany. This traditional dessert is made using black cherries, chocolate, and a liqueur such as kirschwasser. The combination of sweet black cherries and lusciously rich dark chocolate creates an incredibly flavorful treat!
As a trained pastry chef, I used these classic flavors and made them into a delicious treat in the form of these black forest brownies! They are rich and decadent just like my one bowl brownies but these make more of an an impressive dessert without crazy effort!
For starters, you top these brownies with homemade whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and fresh cherries for a bakery-style dessert. They are perfect for Valentine’s day, anniversaries, parties, or any time you need a rich chocolate dessert with a cherry twist!
Cherries are so delicious on their own but if you like baking with them try out these other delicious cherry desserts, such as Cherry Cupcakes, Cherry Cheesecake, and Cherry Coffee Cake.
For all the chocolate lovers out there, don’t miss out on these triple chocolate brownies, or these brownies with cream cheese frosting.
WHY YOU SHOULD MAKE THIS RECIPE
- Black forest brownies can be made with simple ingredients and are ready in less than an hour- perfect for when you need a last-minute dessert!
- This recipe is easy to make, so even beginner bakers can feel like professionals by making them.
- They have a classic black forest cherry chocolate flavor.
- A great way to use fresh cherries in season!
INGREDIENTS NEEDED
- Butter – This gives the brownies their fudgy texture and buttery flavor.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate -You’ll need chocolate chips and a larger block to make the chocolate shavings. A
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens up the base of the brownies along with the chocolate chips.
- Eggs – Binds the ingredients in the brownies together and helps them set properly.
- Vanilla Extract – Gives the brownies a sweet and fragrant flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour – Gives the brownies structure and holds all ingredients together.
- Fresh Pitted Cherries – Adds a tart, juicy sweetness to the brownies, adding classic black forest flavor. I dont recommend using frozen cherries as it will add too much moisture to the batter.
- Cocoa Powder -Adds a rich brown color along with more chocolate flavor.
- Salt – Balances out the tartness and sweetness.
Whipped Cream Topping
- Heavy Whipping Cream – Makes up the creamy base of the whipped cream.
- Powdered Sugar – Adds sweetness through the cream.
- Cream of Tartar – Helps stabilize the whipped cream and gives it a thick, fluffy texture.
HOW TO MAKE BLACK FOREST BROWNIES
Prepare for baking: Preheat the oven to 350° F and line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper or spray with nonstick baking spray. Set aside.
Combine the wet ingredients: Add the butter and chocolate to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the chocolate in 30-second intervals, making sure to stir in between until it’s melted completely. Then, add in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix with a whisk until well combined.
Add the dry ingredients: To the wet ingredients, add the flour, cocoa powder, and kosher salt. Mix until a brownie batter is formed and there are no dry streaks of flour. Then, fold in the cherries lightly until combined.
Pour and bake: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, then bake for 33-35 minutes. Remove and let the brownies cool until they are at room temperature. To cool quickly, place them in the fridge for one hour.
Make the whipped cream topping: While the brownies are cooling, add the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and cream of tartar into the bowl of an electric mixer. Mix with the whisk attachment on high speed until stiff peaks have formed. This could take from 2-5 minutes, depending on your mixer. DO NOT over mix as the cream will curdle! Make sure to watch for stiff peaks- see photo below.
Garnish and serve: Spread the whipped cream on top of the cooled brownies. Then garnish with chocolate shavings and chopped cherries. Enjoy!
TIPS FOR RECIPE SUCCESS
- Make sure not to over bake the black forest brownies. The edges should be cooked through, but the center will still remain a little gooey.
- Make sure to dry the cherries well; you don’t want to add any unnecessary moisture to the batter.
- A cherry pitter is helpful. If you don’t have one, cut the cherries like you would an avocado- using a sharp knife, cut around the pit of the cherry and twist to split it in half. Remove the pit with your fingers.
- To make chocolate shaving use a peeler and peel down the side of a big piece of chocolate. This does not work unless you have a chocolate bar.
- Let the brownies cool completely before adding the whipped cream. If the brownies are still warm, the whipped cream will slide off the top.
STORAGE AND FREEZING
Storing- Once completely cooled, store the brownies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Add whipped cream topping and garnish when ready to serve.
Freezing- You can also freeze black forest brownies without whipped cream in an airtight container or wrapping for up to 3 months. To thaw, place the frozen black forest brownies in the refrigerator overnight and add whipped cream and toppings when ready to serve.
FAQ
How do you make brownies fudgy?
This recipe uses no leavening agents such as baking powder or baking soda so that it will be naturally fudgy. The key to making them even fudgier is not to overbake them- when done, the edges should be cooked through, but the center should still remain gooey.
Can black forest brownies be made ahead?
Yes! These black forest brownies can be made up to 5 days ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Make sure only to add the whipped cream topping and garnish when ready to serve.
Where does the name black forest come from?
The black forest is a region of southwestern Germany that is known for its dark, dense forests. The black forest is also home to the “black forest gateau,” which was invented in 1915 and consists of layers of chocolate cake, cherries, and cream. This black forest brownie recipe takes inspiration from this classic dessert!
Can I use frozen cherries?
I dont recommend using frozen cherries for this because it will add too much moisture to the batter. Fresh cherries are the way to go.
MORE BROWNIE RECIPES
Fudgy and Easy Black Forest Brownies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter unsalted
- 6 oz semi sweet chocolate chips about 1 heaping cup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 250 g cherries – about 20, pitted and quartered.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 3-4 tbsp powdered sugar
- ⅛ tsp cream of tartar
- Chocolate shavings for garnish
- Fresh cherries for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350° F and line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper or spray with nonstick baking spray.
- In a microwave safe bowl combine the 1/2 cup butter and 6 oz chocolate. Microwave for 30 seconds at a time stirring in between until the chocolate is completely melted.
- Add in the 1 cup sugar, 3 eggs, and tsp of vanilla extract. Mix well with a whisk.
- Switch to a spatula and add in the 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, and 1/2 tsp kosher salt. Mix until combined.
- Add the cherries to the batter and mix lightly.
- Pour the batter into the lined baking pan and bake for 33-35 minutes. Cool the brownies completely at room temperature or refrigerate them for 1 hour to cool.
Make the whipped cream topping
- In the bowl of an electric mixer (either a hand mixer or stand mixer) fitted with the whisk attachment, add the 1 cup heavy cream, 3 tbsp powdered sugar and ⅛ tsp cream of tartar.
- Whip on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form- this could be as quick as 2 minutes or up to 5 minutes depending on the strength of your mixer. A stiff peak is when you can turn the whisk attachment over and the peak will hold its shape. Make sure not to overmix or it can curdle. This can happen fast so make sure to watch it!
- Shave a larger piece of chocolate with a vegetable peeler to make the chocolate shavings.
- Slather the whipped cream on top of the brownies when cool and top with chocolate shavings and fresh cherries.
Is it possible to use cherry pie filling? Just for when cherries aren’t in season and hard to find since I live in a small town.
I wouldnt use cherry filling because of how gooey it is. I would rather try frozen cherries that are thawed and dried well instead if you have access to those!