Black Forest Brownies combine rich, fudgy chocolate with sweet cherries and a creamy topping for a decadent dessert everyone will love. Inspired by the classic Black Forest cake, these brownies are easy to make and perfect for parties, holidays, or whenever you’re craving something extra indulgent.
Why We Love This Black Forest Brownies Recipe
There are countless reasons to fall in love with the Black Forest Brownies. For one, they are a chocolate lover’s dream come true. The bittersweet chocolate pairs perfectly with the cherries, creating a stunning flavor profile. The addition of espresso powder amplifies the chocolate flavor, ensuring your brownies satisfy even the strongest cravings.
These brownies also come together in just a few steps. You don’t need advanced baking skills to make them—just follow the straightforward directions provided, and you’ll be well on your way to brownie bliss. Moreover, the combination of the fudgy brownie base and the creamy topping takes your dessert to the next level. You will impress your friends and family without much effort!
Finally, the visual appeal of these brownies can make any dessert table pop. With vibrant red cherries contrasting against the dark chocolate and white cream, they are not only delicious but beautiful to serve. When you present these brownies, expect plenty of “oohs” and “aahs” from your guests!
Ingredients for Black Forest Brownies
To gather your ingredients, you’ll need a few staples and some special items that make this dessert exceptional. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 6 oz bittersweet chocolate (minimum 70% cocoa solids), coarsely chopped
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons espresso powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 3/4 cup 35% whipping cream
- 1 cup whole black cherries
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for compote)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon corn starch
- 1 tablespoon water
How to Make Black Forest Brownies
You’re just a few steps away from creating these delightful brownies. Follow this easy guide to ensure that your Black Forest Brownies turn out perfectly every time:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Take an 8×8-inch square baking pan and line it with parchment paper, allowing for a 2-inch overhang on each end. This will make it much easier for you to remove the brownies later. Don’t forget to butter the exposed sides of the pan.
In a large bowl, find a pot and fill it with about 1/2 inch of simmering water. Set the bowl over this pot and combine your chopped bittersweet chocolate and unsalted butter. Stir these together until they melt completely, mixing until you achieve a smooth and glossy consistency.
Once the chocolate and butter are melted, stir in the espresso powder, pure vanilla extract, and salt. Blend these ingredients well to enhance the flavor of the brownies.
Next, fold in the granulated sugar, and then add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This step is crucial for the texture of the brownies.
Now, gently fold in the all-purpose flour. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep that lovely fudgy texture.
Pour your brownie batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to smooth out the surface. Make sure it’s even, so they bake uniformly.
Bake your brownies for about 22 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when slightly puffed and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Once baked, transfer the pan to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely. This step is vital, as it helps set the brownies and enhances their overall flavor.
While your brownies cool, prepare the topping. In a bowl, beat the cream cheese with 1/4 cup of whipping cream until it’s smooth. Then, gradually add the remaining cream and continue beating until firm peaks form.
Spread this delightful cream topping over the cooled brownies and place them in the refrigerator to chill.
For the cherry compote, take a small saucepan and combine your whole black cherries with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar over medium heat. Stir the mixture as it cooks, allowing the cherries to soften, breaking them down slightly and cutting them in half.
Keep simmering this mixture for about 5 minutes, until the sugar dissolves and you see a lovely syrup begin to thicken. After this, stir in the lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
To thicken the compote, combine the corn starch and water to make a slurry. Add this slurry to your saucepan and boil for an additional 30 seconds, stirring continuously until thickened.
Finally, refrigerate the cherry compote until chilled, ready to spoon over your brownies.
To serve, cut your brownies into squares, spoon the chilled cherry compote on top of the cream, and enjoy!
How to Serve Black Forest Brownies
You want to present your Black Forest Brownies perfectly to make them even more delightful. Start by cutting the cooled brownies into neat squares. This is where the parchment paper comes in handy; it makes lifting them out of the pan a breeze. You can place each brownie on a decorative plate for an inviting presentation.
To elevate your serving, consider drizzling a little extra chocolate sauce or some crème fraîche on the side. This adds an elegant touch and enhances the flavors you’ve already created. For a finishing touch, garnish with fresh mint leaves or a dusting of powdered sugar.
If you’re feeling adventurous, pair your brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The coldness of the ice cream combined with the warmth of the brownies is a match made in dessert heaven.
Expert Tips for Black Forest Brownies
To ensure your Black Forest Brownies are nothing short of spectacular, keep these expert tips in mind:
Use Quality Chocolate: The bittersweet chocolate is the star of this dessert, so opt for high-quality chocolate with at least 70% cocoa solids. This will provide a deeper flavor profile.
Don’t Overmix: When you fold in the flour, stop as soon as it is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to denser brownies, which may not be as fudgy.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Be sure that your eggs are at room temperature. This will make mixing easier and help maintain a smooth batter.
Chilling is Key: Allow your brownies to chill completely after baking, as this helps set the texture. The topping should also be cold for the best flavor.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add other elements like nuts or different flavor extracts to customize your brownies to your liking.
How to Store Black Forest Brownies
Proper storage of your Black Forest Brownies will ensure they stay fresh and delicious. If you have leftovers, here’s how to handle them:
- Room Temperature: If you plan to consume the brownies within a couple of days, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Keep them away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, it’s best to place the brownies in the refrigerator. In an airtight container, they can last for up to a week.
- Freezing: If you want to keep your brownies for an extended period, you can freeze them. Simply wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They should last for about three months. Thaw them in the fridge before serving.
Variations of Black Forest Brownies
While the traditional recipe is already a treat, here are a few variations you might want to try:
- Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the brownie batter for extra crunch and flavor.
- Raspberry Twist: Instead of black cherries, consider using raspberries for a tart flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully.
- Mint Infused: Incorporate a few drops of mint extract into the cream topping for a refreshing twist on your brownies.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate those with dietary restrictions.
- Layered Dessert: Create a layered dessert by alternating brownie squares with layers of cream and compote in a glass dish. This will provide a stunning visual appeal when served.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Black Forest Brownies unique?
Black Forest Brownies are unique because they combine the rich flavors of chocolate with the fruity sweetness of cherries and a creamy topping, creating a decadent dessert that’s reminiscent of the classic Black Forest cake.
Can I use frozen cherries for the compote?
Yes, you can certainly use frozen cherries for your compote. Just make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before adding them to the saucepan.
How can I ensure my brownies turn out fudgy?
To achieve fudgy brownies, avoid overmixing the batter and be attentive to baking time. Underbaking slightly so that a few moist crumbs cling to a toothpick ensures a gooey, fudgy texture.
Are Black Forest Brownies suitable for parties?
Absolutely! These brownies are perfect for parties. Their delightful flavors and beautiful presentation make them a crowd-pleaser.
Can I make the brownies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the brownies ahead of time. Just store them properly as mentioned above, keeping them fresh until they are ready to serve.
Black Forest Brownies
Ingredients
Brownie Base
- 6 oz bittersweet chocolate (minimum 70% cocoa solids), coarsely chopped Use high-quality chocolate for best flavor.
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter For melting.
- 2 teaspoons espresso powder Enhances chocolate flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Topping
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese For the cream topping.
- 3/4 cup 35% whipping cream For whipping.
Cherry Compote
- 1 cup whole black cherries
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for compote)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon corn starch For thickening.
- 1 tablespoon water To make slurry.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl over simmering water, combine chopped bittersweet chocolate and unsalted butter, stirring until smooth.
- Mix in espresso powder, vanilla extract, and salt until blended.
- Gradually fold in granulated sugar, then add eggs one at a time, ensuring they are fully incorporated.
- Gently fold in all-purpose flour until just combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface.
Baking
- Bake for about 22 to 25 minutes.
- Cool completely on a wire rack.
Topping Preparation
- For the topping, beat cream cheese and 1/4 cup of whipping cream until smooth, then gradually beat in the remaining whipping cream until firm peaks form.
- Spread the cream topping over the cooled brownies and refrigerate.
Cherry Compote
- In a small saucepan, combine black cherries and 2 tablespoons of sugar over medium heat.
- Cook for about 5 minutes until softened and syrup begins to thicken, then add lemon juice.
- For thickening, mix corn starch and water to create a slurry, add to the saucepan and boil for an additional 30 seconds.
- Refrigerate the cherry compote until chilled.
Serving
- Cut brownies into squares, spoon cherry compote over the topping, and serve.