A fudgy, dense brownie with bursts of juicy cherries and a light, creamy whipped topping.
These Black Forest Brownies combine the richness of dark chocolate with the tartness of cherries, topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for a decadent treat.
Why you'll want it now, Rich dark chocolate, tart cherries, and creamy whipped topping make these brownies irresistible.
Why this recipe works
The combination of melted dark chocolate and cocoa powder creates a deeply rich brownie base, while fresh cherries add a juicy contrast. The whipped cream topping provides a light, creamy balance to the dense brownie.
Equipment
8 x 8 in (20 x 20 cm) baking pan
parchment paper
mixing bowls
hand mixer or stand mixer with whisk attachment
saucepan
spatula
knife
How to make it
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8 x 8 in (20 x 20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar and melted butter. Stir in the melted dark chocolate until smooth.
Add the eggs one at a time to the chocolate mixture, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Fold in the halved cherries.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
While the brownies cool, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
Once the brownies are completely cool, spread the whipped cream over the top and sprinkle with dark chocolate shavings.
Cut into 16 pieces and serve.
Enjoy these Black Forest Brownies as a rich, decadent treat that combines the best of chocolate and cherries.
How you'll know it's ready
The brownies are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
Convection oven? (and if you don't have one)
This recipe is perfect for standard ovens. If using a convection oven, lower the temperature by 25°F and check a few minutes earlier, as the fan may bake them faster.
Frosting, filling & glaze notes
The whipped cream should be light and airy, holding soft peaks that gently curl over when the whisk is lifted.
Troubleshooting
If the brownies are too dense, ensure the baking powder is fresh and fully incorporated.
If the whipped cream is runny, make sure the cream is cold before whipping.
If the edges of the brownies are overcooked, check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer.
If the cherries sink to the bottom, toss them in a little flour before folding into the batter.
Storage
Store brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Best served chilled.
Make ahead
Brownies can be baked a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Add whipped cream topping just before serving.
Variations
Substitute raspberries for cherries for a different flavor profile.
Add chopped nuts to the brownie batter for extra crunch.
Use white chocolate shavings for a contrasting topping.
For a boozy twist, soak cherries in kirsch before adding to the batter.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, but thaw and drain them well before adding to the batter to avoid extra moisture.
How do I prevent brownies from sticking to the pan?
Line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to lift the brownies out easily.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for the all-purpose flour.
What type of chocolate is best for shavings?
Use a high-quality dark chocolate bar for the best flavor and texture.
Recipe from softsweetdough.com · Soft, sweet desserts worth every bite.
