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Afternoon Kaffee, Recipes  /  January 15, 2022

Black Forest Brownies

by Red Currant Bakery
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

The perfect cross between rich, fudgy brownies, and a classic Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, these black forest brownies are a fun twist on the classics!

Overhead image of brownie squares topped with whipped cream and fresh cherries on top.

What is Black Forest Cherry Cake?

Black forest cake or Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte is a chocolate layer cake with whipped cream and cherries. It originates from the Black Forest region of Germany.

Dutch processed Cocoa vs. Natural Cocoa Powder?

Both dutch processed and natural cocoa powder will work in these brownies.

Can these be made in advance?

Yes, they definitely can be! I would recommend making the brownies in advance and storing in an airtight container and then adding the whipped cream and cherries on top, right before serving.

How to cut these brownies?

Due to the whipped cream, I prefer to cut the brownies first and then pipe or spread the whipped cream on to each one. You can also add the whipped cream onto the brownies before cutting them and then chill for an hour to help the whipped cream set up. To cut through the brownies, use a long sharp knife, dip it in hot water and then briefly dry off before each cut is made.

For the Chocolate lovers

Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte | Black Forest Cherry Cake

Chocolate Mousse Torte | Schokomousse Torte

Sachertorte Loaf

Baked Chocolate Donuts | Schoko Krapfen

Tips for making Black Forest Cherry Brownies

  • Be sure to soak the dried cherries for at least 30 minutes before adding them to the brownies. This helps prevent them from drying out and adds a little moisture to the brownies.
  • Melt the butter carefully, it can be done in a microwave or a sauce pot. If melting in the microwave, do so in 10-15 second increments. Once melted add in the sugar, whisk together, and heat again in increments until it is shiny but not bubbling.
  • Don’t over bake the brownies, if you do they will become dry and brittle.
  • To make thick and smooth whipped cream, go low and slow. Whip the cream on medium speed and keep an eye on it to ensure you don’t over whip it. I have walked away 1 too many times and been left with grainy looking (but not tasting) whipped cream.
Ingredients needed for black forest brownies.

Ingredients

  • Butter: Butter creates that rich dense chocolate fudginess. It does not need to be at room temperature since it gets melted but it is helpful to cut it into 1″ slices so help the butter melt evenly.
  • Sugar: Granulated sugar is whisked into the melted butter to create the shiny crinkle top.
  • Egg: 3 eggs are used in this brownie recipe. I use standard large eggs from the grocery store. It is important that the eggs are at room temperature so that they blend with the melted butter and remaining ingredients.
  • Cocoa Powder: This recipe will work with either Dutch processed or natural cocoa powder.
  • Espresso Powder: Espresso Powder is optional but it does help emphasize the chocolate flavor.
  • Vanilla Extract: Vanilla enhances the chocolate flavor of the brownies.
  • Salt: Salt balances out the sweetness.
  • Baking Powder: Baking Powder gives the brownies a little extra rise.
  • Dried Tart Cherries: The Cherries add in the key cherry flavor to these brownies. It is important to use tart cherries to balance out the sweetness of the brownies.
  • Dark Chocolate: Dark chocolate chips or chunks are mixed into the brownie batter to add in extra chocolate fudginess.
  • All Purpose Flour: Any all purpose flour should work for this Chocolate Pear Cake! I have not yet tried any other flours with this recipe.
  • Heavy Cream: Heavy cream needs to be cold to whip into stiff peaks to top the brownies with.
  • Fresh Cherries or jarred sour cherries: These are optional but a delicious topping on the brownies.
Side view of one brownie topped with whipped cream and topped with fresh cherries.

How to make Fudgy Brownies

Make the Brownies

  • Add the dried cherries into a microwave safe bowl. Pour water over the cherries until they are fully submerged. Microwave for 30 seconds then remove from the microwave and cover the bowl with a lid or foil. Set aside while preparing the brownies.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 F or 325 F if baking convection. Place an oven rack in the middle of the oven.
  • Line a 9″x9″ metal pan with parchment paper.
  • In a microwave safe bowl, melt the butter. Then whisk in the sugar and heat again for 10-15 seconds, and whisk again to combine.
  • Add in the cocoa powder, salt, espresso powder, and vanilla. Stir again to combine. Whisk in the eggs.
  • Pour the flour, chocolate chips/chunks, and soaked and drained dried cherries into the bowl.
  • Use a rubber spatula to fold the flour, chocolate, and cherries into the wet ingredients. Pour the brownie batter into the lined pan and place on the middle rack in the preheated oven.
  • Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is shiny and a toothpick comes out clean – it’s ok if it has a little chocolate residue just not raw batter.

Assemble the brownies

  • Once baked, allow the brownies to cool fully.
  • Remove the brownies from the pan and cut into 16 squares.
  • Whip the cream with an electric mixer on medium speed until stiff peaks form. Optionally add in 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar once soft peaks form.
  • Scoop the whipped cream into a piping bag and pipe or spread the whipped cream onto the brownies.
  • I have chosen to top it with fresh cherries, but I recommend pitting the cherries first or using jarred sour cherries instead.
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Overhead image of brownie squares topped with whipped cream and fresh cherries on top.
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Black Forest Brownies

The perfect cross between rich, fudgy brownies, and a classic Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, these black forest brownies are a fun twist on the classics!
Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
chilling time30 mins
Total Time1 hr 15 mins
Course: Afternoon Kaffee, Dessert
Cuisine: American, German
Keyword: Brownie, cherries, Chocolate, Whipped Cream
Servings: 16
Calories: 422kcal

Equipment

  • Stand Mixer

Ingredients

Brownies

  • 150 grams dried tart cherries
  • 190 grams butter melted
  • 350 grams granulated sugar
  • 3 eggs room temperature
  • 100 grams cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon Espresso Powder
  • 120 grams ap flour
  • 300 grams semisweet chocolate chips

Topping

  • 250 ml heavy cream cold
  • 16 cherries fresh

Instructions

Brownies

  • Preheat the oven to 350 F or 325 F if baking on convection and place a rack in the center of the oven.
  • Line a 9" x 9" metal baking pan with parchment paper.
  • Place the dried cherries in a microwave bowl and cover with water.
  • Microwave for 30 seconds, then cover with a lid or foil and set aside.
  • In a separate microwave safe bowl, melt the butter in 10-15 second increments.
  • Pour the granulated sugar into the melted butter and whisk together.
  • Microwave again for 10-15 seconds and whisk once more.
  • Add the cocoa powder, espresso powder, salt, vanilla, and baking powder into the butter and sugar mixture and whisk together.
  • Add the eggs into the batter and whisk until fully combined
  • Strain the dried cherries from the liquid and add them into the batter.
  • Pour the flour and chocolate chips into the bowl with the other ingredients.
  • Use a rubber spatula to mix together.
  • Pour the brownie batter into the lined baking pan. Bake on the center rack in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out with no batter stuck to it.
  • Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and leave to cool fully.

Assemble the Brownies

  • Once the brownies have cooled, remove them from the pan with the parchment paper.
  • Use a long sharp knife to cut the brownies into 16 pieces.
  • Whip the cold cream on medium speed until stiff peaks form.
  • Pipe or spread the whipped cream onto the brownies and optionally top with fresh or jarred cherries.

Notes

Once baked the brownies can be stored for a few days in an airtight container. Once they have been topped with whipped cream, they should be eaten within 24 hours and stored in the fridge within 1 hour of adding the whipped cream.

Nutrition

Calories: 422kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 79mg | Sodium: 193mg | Potassium: 257mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 35g | Vitamin A: 918IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 56mg | Iron: 3mg

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2 comments

  • Samantha
    January 23, 2022

    5 stars
    So good! And super simple to make. Highly recommend!

    Reply
    • Red Currant Bakery
      January 23, 2022

      Thank you so much Samantha! I’m so happy you liked them!

      Reply

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