These black forest chocolate cherry brownies are an indulgent treat that combines rich chocolate and juicy cherries. They’re simple to make, incredibly fudgy, and perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. You’ll love how easy they come together, and the flavor is absolutely irresistible!
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love These Black Forest Chocolate Cherry Brownies
Thick and Fudgy Texture
These brownies boast a thick and fudgy texture that melts in your mouth. The outer edges have a slight crust, while the center remains gooey and moist. Each bite is a heavenly combination of chocolate and cherry, making it hard to resist going back for more.
Fresh Cherries for Enhanced Flavor
Using fresh pitted cherries elevates the flavor profile of these brownies. Roasting the cherries intensifies their sweetness, blending beautifully with the rich chocolate. This adds a delightful burst of flavor that complements the fudgy texture perfectly.
Whipped Chocolate Ganache Topping
To take these brownies to the next level, they are topped with a luscious whipped chocolate ganache. This creamy layer adds a smooth richness that contrasts beautifully with the brownie’s fudginess. You’ll love the combination of flavors and textures it brings!
Key Ingredients
Fresh Pitted Cherries
The star of this dessert is undoubtedly the fresh pitted cherries. They provide a juicy burst of flavor that balances the deep chocolate. Remember to measure them after pitting for the best results!
All-Purpose Flour and Cocoa Powder
All-purpose flour and unsweetened cocoa powder form the base of the brownie batter. They give structure while ensuring the brownies remain rich and chocolaty. Opt for high-quality cocoa powder for the best flavor.
Unsalted Butter and Brown Sugar
Unsalted butter and brown sugar create a luscious, moist texture while providing a deep caramel flavor. Melting them together allows for a smooth batter that bakes into a delightful treat.
Eggs and Vanilla Extract
Four large eggs add richness and help bind the ingredients together. Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor, making each bite even more delicious. Don’t skip this important ingredient!
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
Semi-sweet chocolate chips are folded into the batter for added bursts of melty chocolate goodness. They provide little pools of chocolatey delight in every bite!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Cherries
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pit and quarter the fresh cherries, then place them on a baking sheet. Sprinkle them lightly with sugar and roast for 20 minutes. This process concentrates their flavor, so let them cool afterward.
Preparing the Brownie Batter
Once the cherries have cooled, lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and brown sugar together until smooth.
Baking the Brownies
Add the eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and optional black cherry flavoring. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a thick batter forms. Gently fold in the chocolate chips and roasted cherries.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50-60 minutes. The edges should be set, while the center may look slightly underdone. Don’t worry; they will continue to cook as they cool.
Making the Chocolate Ganache
For the ganache, finely chop the semi-sweet chocolate and place it in a heatproof bowl. Heat the heavy cream until it simmers, then pour it over the chocolate. Allow it to sit for 3-4 minutes, then stir until smooth.
Frosting the Brownies
Cool the ganache in the fridge for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. Once thickened, beat it until fluffy and spread it over the cooled brownies. Slice them into squares and serve, enjoying every fudgy bite!
Baking Tips for Success
Using a Cherry Pitter
A cherry pitter is a game-changer. It makes pitting cherries quick and efficient, saving you time and effort. If you don’t have one, a small knife can work as well, but watch out for the mess!
Avoiding Overmixing the Batter
Mixing your batter too much can lead to dense brownies. Aim for just combined ingredients to keep them nice and fudgy. Gently folding in the chocolate chips and cherries is key.
Ensuring Proper Baking Time
Keep an eye on the brownies as they bake. They may look slightly underdone in the center, but they continue to firm up as they cool. Trust your instincts on timing!
Slicing Brownies with a Warm Knife
For clean cuts, use a warm knife to slice the brownies. This will help prevent them from sticking and tearing, giving you beautifully square pieces to enjoy.
Variations and Storage
Optional Black Cherry Flavoring
For an extra kick, consider adding black cherry flavoring to enhance the cherry taste. It complements the natural flavors beautifully and adds an additional layer of richness.
Storing Brownies for Freshness
Store these brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. They can last for up to a week, but I bet they won’t last that long!
FAQs
What makes these brownies unique?
These brownies combine the rich chocolate flavor with roasted cherries, giving them a unique depth and sweetness that sets them apart from traditional brownies.
How do I make the cherry filling?
To make the cherry filling, pit and quarter fresh cherries, sprinkle them with sugar, and roast them at 400°F for 20 minutes until soft and flavorful.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries are perfect for this recipe as they provide a brighter flavor. Just make sure to pit them first.
What is the best way to store these brownies?
Store the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week to maintain their freshness and fudginess.
Do these brownies have a rich chocolate flavor?
Yes, these brownies are packed with rich chocolate flavor thanks to the unsweetened cocoa powder and semi-sweet chocolate, making them a chocolate lover’s dream!
Related Recipes to try
Conclusion
These black forest chocolate cherry brownies are a delightful dessert that everyone will love. The combination of rich chocolate and juicy cherries makes them truly special. For more inspiration, don’t forget to check out the delicious recipes available on Pinterest! Get ready to indulge in these fudgy treats.
Delicious Black Forest Chocolate Cherry Brownies
Equipment
- oven
- baking sheet
- 8×8 inch pan
- Microwave
- whisk
- heatproof bowl
- fridge
Ingredients
- 2 cups pitted fresh cherries
- sprinkle of sugar
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened cocoa powder regular or Dutch processed
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cups unsalted butter
- 2 ½ cups brown sugar
- 4 large eggs room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon Amoretti black cherry flavoring optional
- ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), pit and quarter the cherries, sprinkle with sugar, and roast for 20 minutes.
- Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper.
- Combine flour, cocoa powder, and salt in a bowl and set aside.
- Melt butter and brown sugar in a microwave-safe bowl, whisking until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition, then mix in vanilla and black cherry flavoring.
- Incorporate dry ingredients into the wet mixture, then fold in chocolate chips and cooled cherries.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50-60 minutes until edges are set.
- For ganache, chop chocolate, heat cream until simmering, pour over chocolate, let sit, and stir until smooth.
- Cool ganache in the fridge for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, then beat until whipped.
- Frost cooled brownies with ganache, slice, and serve.