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Frosting & Fettuccine

Home » Recipe Search » Bars & Brownies

Apr 28, 2023

Fudgy and Easy Black Forest Brownies

5 from 1 vote
BySam Adler
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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!

A few black forest brownies topped with whipped cream, shaved chocolate and a fresh cherrie on a pink surface.

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

Ingredients for black forest brownies.
Use fresh pitted cherries for the best flavor and texture.
  • 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

Ingredients for whipped cream topping.
It’s very easy to make your own whipped cream, plus it will hold its shape longer than any store bought kind.
  • 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!

Melted chocolate in bowl on a gray surface.
Melt the butter and chocolate in a bowl.
Black Forest brownie batter in a glass bowl.
Make the batter and add in the fresh chopped cherries.
Black Forest brownies in an 8x8 pan lined with parchment paper.
Line an 8×8 pan with 2 sheets of parchment paper criss crossed.
Baked black forest brownies in a pan.
Bake the brownies until the edges are set.
A beater with stiff peaks of whipped cream.
Make the whip cream. Whip until stiff peaks form. Stiff peaks are peaks that should stand up on it’s own like this.
Shaved chocolate next to a peeler on a white plate.
Easily make shaved chocolate by using a peeler to shave a large piece of chocolate.

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.

A close up of a black forest brownie on a table with cherries in the background.
These brownies make a beautiful presentation with the shaved chocolate and fresh cherries.

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 One Bowl Brownies
  • Decadent Birthday Brownies
  • Strawberry Brownies
  • Red Velvet Brownies
A close up of a black forest brownie on a table with cherries in the background.

Fudgy and Easy Black Forest Brownies

These Fudgy and Easy Black Forest Brownies are indulgent, sweet, and packed with cherry chocolate flavor! Enjoy this impressive yet easy-to-make dessert for any special occasion!
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin SaveSaved! Rate
Course: Dessert, desserts
Cuisine: American, German
Diet: Kosher
Keyword: black forest brownies, cherry chocolate brownies
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes minutes
Servings: 16 brownies
Calories: 257kcal
Author: Sam Adler

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
US Customary – Metric

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.
    Melted chocolate in bowl on a gray surface.
  • 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.
    Black Forest brownie batter in a glass bowl.
  • 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.
    Baked black forest brownies in a pan.

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!
    A beater with stiff peaks of whipped cream.
  • Shave a larger piece of chocolate with a vegetable peeler to make the chocolate shavings.
    Shaved chocolate next to a peeler on a white plate.
  • Slather the whipped cream on top of the brownies when cool and top with chocolate shavings and fresh cherries.
    A few black forest brownies topped with whipped cream, shaved chocolate and a fresh cherrie on a pink surface.

Notes

To make the garnish you will need a larger piece of chocolate. You cannot make chocolate shavings with chocolate chips.
Use only fresh cherries for this recipe, frozen will add too much moisture.
Don’t skip the homemade whipped cream, it will hold its shape much longer than any store bought can.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Fudgy and Easy Black Forest Brownies
Amount Per Serving (1 brownie)
Calories 257 Calories from Fat 144
% Daily Value*
Fat 16g25%
Saturated Fat 10g63%
Trans Fat 0.2g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 4g
Cholesterol 63mg21%
Sodium 136mg6%
Potassium 151mg4%
Carbohydrates 26g9%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 20g22%
Protein 3g6%
Vitamin A 456IU9%
Vitamin C 1mg1%
Calcium 27mg3%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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Filed Under: Bars & Brownies Tagged With: Chocolate

About Sam Adler

Sam Adler is a Le Cordon Bleu professionally trained pastry chef, Saveur Blog Award winner, food photographer, and food blogger over on FrostingandFettuccine.com. She has been featured in numerous online and in-print publications including Taste of Home Magazine, Saveur Magazine, The Feed Feed, and Food Blogger Pro. Sam lives in Hollywood florida with her husband, two young kids, and french bulldog. When she’s not baking and dancing in her kitchen you can find her at her favorite yoga spot.

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Hi! Im Sam Adler,

I'm a professionally trained pastry chef and food photographer.
This is a place where you will find easy yet impressive looking desserts. I also share a ton of food photography resources too! What can I say, I love pretty & delicious baked goods! Learn more about me!

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Not my usual style but since it was a holiday week Not my usual style but since it was a holiday weekend I thought it was fitting! Also yes I know the cheese is not melted but this was the way the client wanted it, so that’s the way we did it! This shoot got its inspo from a show on tv- can you guess what it is!? 

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