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Black Forest Brownies with Cherry Topping and Stabilized Whipped Cream Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 96 reviews
  • Author: anna
  • Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Yield: 16 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Black Forest Brownies combine rich, fudgy chocolate brownies with a luscious cherry topping and smooth stabilized whipped cream, delivering a decadent dessert inspired by the classic Black Forest cake. The cherry compote is simmered and thickened for perfect topping consistency, while the whipped cream is stabilized with cream cheese to hold its shape beautifully. Ideal for special occasions or indulgent treats, this recipe yields 16 generously sized squares bursting with flavors and textures.

Ingredients

Scale

Cherry Topping

  • 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)

Fudgy Brownies

  • 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)

Stabilized Whipped Cream

  • 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

  1. Prepare Cherry Topping: Add cherries, granulated sugar, and Kirsch liquor (if using) to a medium saucepan. Heat over medium-high until it simmers, stirring constantly, about 3 minutes. If using frozen cherries, it may take longer.
  2. Thicken Cherry Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir cornstarch into water until dissolved; add to saucepan. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently, while mashing cherries slightly with a fork or masher. Sauce should thicken enough to hold shape when traced with a finger on the spoon.
  3. Cool Cherry Sauce: Remove from heat, pour into a bowl, and refrigerate to cool and thicken further. It can be stored airtight in the fridge up to one week.
  4. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with a parchment paper sling for easy removal.
  5. Mix Brownie Batter – Step 1: In a large bowl, beat eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on high for 1 minute until creamy and lightened.
  6. Mix Brownie Batter – Step 2: Add the melted cooled butter and vanilla extract; mix on medium to combine well.
  7. Add Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder using a rubber spatula. Mix until just combined. Stir in chocolate chips if using.
  8. Bake Brownies: Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake 35-40 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out mostly clean. Optimal baking time is around 37 minutes.
  9. Cool Brownies: Remove from oven and let cool fully in pan. To speed cooling, place pan in the freezer for 30 minutes before finishing cooling at room temperature.
  10. Chill Equipment for Whipped Cream: Place mixing bowl and whisk attachment in freezer for 30 minutes to aid whipping.
  11. Make Stabilized Whipped Cream – Step 1: Beat cold cream cheese in chilled bowl on medium-low speed until smooth.
  12. Make Stabilized Whipped Cream – Step 2: Add powdered sugar gradually, mixing low initially then increasing to medium-high until incorporated and smooth. Scrape down bowl as needed.
  13. Make Stabilized Whipped Cream – Step 3: Add vanilla extract. Gradually add cold heavy cream in increments while mixing on medium-high. Continue whipping until cream forms firm peaks and holds shape, tested by inverting whisk.
  14. Assemble Black Forest Brownies: Remove cooled brownies from pan using the parchment sling. Spread an even layer of stabilized whipped cream over brownies.
  15. Add Cherry Topping: Spoon cherry topping over whipped cream. Use a knife or spoon to swirl the cherry compote lightly into the whipped cream to create a marbled effect.
  16. Garnish and Serve: Optionally decorate with fresh cherries and dark chocolate shavings. Cut brownies into 16 squares and enjoy.

Notes

  • Using frozen cherries directly in the topping saves time as thawing is unnecessary.
  • Kirsch liquor is optional but enhances the authentic Black Forest flavor.
  • Cooling the brownies completely before topping prevents melting of the whipped cream.
  • Chilling the mixing bowl and whisk helps achieve stable whipped cream faster.
  • Stabilized whipped cream with cream cheese holds shape better at room temperature than regular whipped cream.
  • Brownies are best enjoyed within 2-3 days but can be refrigerated up to a week.
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: German-inspired

Keywords: black forest brownies, cherry brownies, fudge brownies with cherry topping, stabilized whipped cream dessert, chocolate cherry brownies

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