Black Forest Brownies
These fudgy Black Forest Brownies combine rich chocolate with cherries and creamy topping, offering a decadent treat perfect for any occasion.
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.
Notes
For an elegant touch, drizzle with chocolate sauce or serve with vanilla ice cream.