Name: Black Forest Brownies with Cherry Topping and Stabilized Whipped Cream Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: German-inspired
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups pitted, fresh or frozen cherries (250g); 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g); 2 Tbsp Kirsch Liquor – optional (30g); 2 Tbsp water, room temperature (30g); 1 Tbsp cornstarch (8g); 3 large eggs, room temperature (170g); 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150g); 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar (150g); 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled (170g); 2 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (8g); 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (94g); 1/2 cup dark or Dutch-processed cocoa powder (50g); 1 tsp fine salt (6g); 1/4 tsp baking powder; 1 cup dark chocolate chips – optional (180g); 1/2 cup (4 oz) full-fat cream cheese, cold (113g); 1/2 cup powdered sugar (65g); 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (4g); 1 1/4 cups heavy whipping cream, cold (300g)

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups pitted, fresh or frozen cherries (250g)

1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)

2 Tbsp Kirsch Liquor – optional (30g)

2 Tbsp water, room temperature (30g)

1 Tbsp cornstarch (8g)

3 large eggs, room temperature (170g)

3/4 cup granulated sugar (150g)

3/4 cup packed light brown sugar (150g)

3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled (170g)

2 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (8g)

3/4 cup all-purpose flour (94g)

1/2 cup dark or Dutch-processed cocoa powder (50g)

1 tsp fine salt (6g)

1/4 tsp baking powder

1 cup dark chocolate chips – optional (180g)

1/2 cup (4 oz) full-fat cream cheese, cold (113g)

1/2 cup powdered sugar (65g)

1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (4g)

1 1/4 cups heavy whipping cream, cold (300g)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the cherry topping first. In a medium saucepan, combine cherries, 1/2 cup sugar, and Kirsch Liquor if using. Heat over medium-high until simmering, stirring constantly (about 3 minutes).

Step 2: Reduce heat to medium-low. In a small bowl, mix water and cornstarch until dissolved. Stir into the cherry mixture and cook for 3 minutes, mashing cherries as it thickens. Remove from heat and chill in the fridge.

Step 3: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper extending up two sides.

Step 4: In a large bowl, beat eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on high for 1 minute until light and creamy.

Step 5: Add melted butter and vanilla extract. Mix on medium until combined.

Step 6: Fold in flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder with a spatula. Stir in chocolate chips if using.

Step 7: Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean. Cool completely; freezing for 30 minutes speeds cooling.

Step 8: For stabilized whipped cream, chill mixing bowl and whisk. Beat cold cream cheese on medium-low until smooth.

Step 9: Add powdered sugar gradually, then vanilla. Increase speed and mix for 1 minute, scraping bowl as needed.

Step 10: Slowly add cold heavy cream in 4 increments while mixing on medium-high. Continue whisking until firm peaks form.

Step 11: Remove cooled brownies from pan. Spread whipped cream evenly over brownies.

Step 12: Spoon cherry topping over the whipped cream and swirl gently for a marbled effect. Garnish with fresh cherries and chocolate shavings if desired.

Step 13: Cut into 16 squares using a sharp knife and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

Use frozen cherries directly without thawing to avoid extra liquid in the topping.

Kirsch Liquor adds authentic flavor but can be omitted for a non-alcoholic version.

For extra fudge, chill the brownies overnight before adding toppings.

Swap chocolate chips for chopped nuts or white chocolate chips for a different twist.

To easily remove brownies from the pan, use a parchment paper sling when lining the pan.

Storage

Store leftover brownies covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to keep the whipped cream fresh. For longer storage, freeze brownies without the topping for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before adding whipped cream and cherry topping. Reheat brownies without toppings briefly in a microwave or oven if desired.

FAQs

Can I use canned cherries instead of fresh or frozen?

While fresh or frozen cherries provide the best texture and flavor, you can use canned cherries drained well. Reduce added sugar since canned cherries can be sweetened.

How do I know when the whipped cream is stabilized?

Stabilized whipped cream will hold firm peaks and maintain its shape when the whisk is flipped upside down. If the cream droops, continue mixing in 30-second intervals until it holds a peak.