Indulge in the rich and decadent flavours of Black Forest Brownies, a delightful twist on the classic German dessert. Combining the lusciousness of chocolate brownies with the sweet and tart burst of cherry and blackberry filling, this homemade treat is sure to impress.
Perfect for special occasions or a luxurious everyday dessert, my easy Black Forest Brownies recipe guides you step-by-step to create these fudgy, cherry and blackberry-studded delights from scratch. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, you’ll find these brownies are a delicious way to bring a taste of Black Forest magic into your kitchen.
A delicious mix of the fresh fruit flavours from a black forest gateau and the rich chocolate from brownies make these Black Forest Brownies perfect combination and easy bake.
I really don’t make brownies as much as I should as I do love them. Mostly because I find it so easy to eat them. I could just eat them all day and become part brownie. Now I will make a batch of these beauties when there is a party. They always disappear pretty quickly. I love seeing how everyone dives in for them as soon as they appear on the table.
It really is the best time of year for fresh fruit and my absolute favourites have to be blackberries and cherries. I am putting them in everything at the moment. When deciding on what to make I couldn’t decide between my favourites; a black forest gateau and brownies. I decided I could mix the two and enjoy something delicious and I’m sure it’s technically apart of your five a day. Well I’m still hoping it counts.
Why you’ll love this Black Forest Brownies recipe
Baking Black Forest Chocolate Brownies is a great way to mix two delicious flavours together. They are easy to make and the smell of them cooking will have you counting down the seconds until they are ready. This recipe leaves the cooked brownies squidgy in the middle and with a crisp shell. So the question is centre or edge piece?
These incredible brownies before and after baking. Chocolate and fruit is absolutely winning combination.
These brownies are still that happy squidgy consistency but with a crispy cracked top and with plenty of fruit is you always get blackberries and cherries in every slice.
Ingredients
For the full recipe and instructions scroll to the bottom of the page for the recipe card.
Chocolate
Embrace the essence of indulgence with our premium dark chocolate, a cornerstone of our black forest brownies.
Each square is carefully selected to impart a deep, rich cocoa flavour that harmonises beautifully with the sweet notes of cherries and the smoothness of our velvety ganache. It’s the heart of our recipe, ensuring every bite is a celebration of chocolatey bliss.
Cherry
To add fresh cherries to the brownies remove the pips and cut in half. I often leave a few ones whole so you get a mix of shapes and sizes in the finished brownie. Leave a few aside when you mix them in and pop them on top. They might sink a little but they should not go too far down the bake.
Blackberries
These black forest brownies are elevated to new heights with the addition of succulent blackberries, adding a burst of tangy sweetness to each mouthful.
Nestled between layers of rich chocolate and nestled within the fudgy brownie base, these vibrant berries offer a delightful contrast and a refreshing twist on the classic black forest combination. They’re the juicy jewels that make every slice a sensation.
How to Make Black Forest Brownies – Step by Step
Keep scrolling to find the full printable instructions and ingredient quantities.
Make the basic brownie recipe as per the recipe at that the bottom of the post. Then it’s time to add the fresh fruit.
Remove from the mixer and add the fruit.
Gently stir in by hand.
Pour the mixture into the prepared cake tin.
Level out the brownies.
Bake for 40 minutes until firm on the top and soft in the middle.
Leave the brownie to cool for a while in the cake tin. This will help it set. Or dig into a hot and squishy brownie!
I love seeing the before and after photos of this black forest brownies recipe. I don’t smooth the mix down in the tray as I find it gives a much better texture for the finished bake.
The beautiful top of this bake means it breaks slightly when being cut. I adore this recipe for being squidgy in the middle and crisp and flaky on top.
Top Tips
Use high-quality dark chocolate and fresh cherries for the best flavour. The richness of the chocolate and the tartness of the cherries are key to achieving that classic black forest taste.
When assembling the brownies, ensure to layer the cherry compote and chocolate ganache evenly. This ensures each bite has a perfect balance of flavours and textures, from the fudgy brownie base to the creamy ganache topping.
Allow the brownies to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This not only helps to set the ganache and firm up the brownies for easier slicing but also enhances the flavours as they meld together.
Serving Suggestions for Black Forest Brownies
Warm Dessert
Enhance your dessert presentation by serving black forest brownies warm and with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Add a garnish of cherries or cocoa powder for a touch of elegance
After Dinner Treat
Enjoy black forest brownies with Merlot or Port for a delicious wine pairing. Alternatively, pair it with coffee or cappuccino for a comforting treat after dinner.
Black Forest Brownies Equipment
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- Mixing bowl
- Kitchen Scales
- Chopping board
- Knife
- 9 inch x 12 inch cake tin
- Stand Mixer
- Spatula
- Greaseproof paper / Baking parchment
Substitutions and variations
Blackberry brownies
Blackberry brownies are so delicious. They cook and the blackberries go squishy in the chocolate brownies. This adds a beautiful flavour to the finished bake. Brownies with fruit will change the way you eat them and bring you so much joy in the kitchen.
I can’t wait for the autumn so I can blackberry picking and make up a few more batches.
Blackberries will reduce in size slightly but stay juicy. As they are juicy it might look like the brownies are not cooked all the way through, but they are.
If you want them to be a more dense and less squidgy cook them for a bit longer, 5 to 10 minutes should be fine but keep an eye on it.
Black forest brownies with kirsch
If you want to make these black forest brownies even more extravagant then mix in kirsch. For this recipe, I would recommend adding 2 tablespoons of it. Any more and you’d have to add a bit more flour to help balance how runny the mix will be.
If it does look rather runny then add a tablespoon or two of plain flour. Make sure you sieve it in! The mix should be easy to move, not thick and not runny. Somewhere in the middle if that helps.
Cherry brownies
This easy cherry brownies recipe is a lovely treat. Fresh cherries in a gooey chocolate brownie mix are a super delicious combination. I added other fruits to this easy brownie mix but cherries and chocolate alone work incredibly well.
Chocolate brownies
This is my favourite brownie recipe. If you want a simple easy brownie recipe this is the one for you. You can use this recipe in it’s whole with the fruit or you can make it without. It works both ways.
Storing Black Forest Brownies / Making ahead of time options
Storing leftovers
Store any leftover black forest brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 1 week. Ensure they are covered well to retain their moisture and flavour.
Freezing
To freeze black forest brownies, first ensure they are completely cooled. Cut them into portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn.
Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating
To enjoy leftover or frozen black forest brownies warm, gently reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds per piece or in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 5 minutes.
This will restore their fudgy texture and enhance their flavours, making them as delightful as when freshly made.
Black Forest Brownies FAQS
- Can you freeze Black Forest Brownies?
- How long do Black Forest Brownies need to bake?
- What ingredients are needed for Black Forest Brownies?
- Can I use canned cherries for Black Forest Brownies?
- What is the best chocolate to use for Black Forest Brownies?
- What is kirsch?
Can you freeze Black Forest Brownies?
Yes, you can freeze black forest brownies. Ensure they are cooked and then fully cooled, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
How long do Black Forest Brownies need to bake?
Black forest brownies typically need to bake for around 25-30 minutes in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F). The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven and the thickness of your brownie layer.
What ingredients are needed for Black Forest Brownies?
To make black forest brownies, you’ll need ingredients such as dark chocolate, eggs, sugar, butter, cocoa powder, flour, vanilla extract, cherries (fresh or canned), and optionally, cherry liqueur or Kirsch for added flavour.
Can I use canned cherries for Black Forest Brownies?
Yes, you can use canned cherries for black forest brownies. Drain them well and pat them dry with paper towels before using them to prevent excess moisture in the brownies. Fresh cherries can also be used, depending on availability and preference.
What is the best chocolate to use for Black Forest Brownies?
For the best flavour in black forest brownies, use good quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content. This will impart a rich, intense chocolate flavour that complements the tartness of the cherries and the sweetness of the brownie base perfectly.
What is kirsch?
Kirsch is a cherry brandy liqueur traditionally made from morello cherries but now from all types of cherries. It is a great addition to bakes and cakes as the flavour is really strong and packs a punch so you don’t need much.
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Black Forest Chocolate Brownies
Equipment
Ingredients
- 100 g (1 cup) cherries (remove the pips)
- 80 g (1 cup) blackberries
- 200 g (7 oz) dark chocolate
- 250 g (8 ⅚ oz) unsalted butter at room temperature
- 200 g (1 cup) soft brown sugar
- 100 g (⅘ cup) caster sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 medium eggs
- 1 egg yolk
- 120 g (1 cup) plain flour / all-purpose flour
- 80 g (3 oz) cocoa powder
- pinch of salt
- 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
- Line and lightly grease a 20 x 30cm cake tin.
- Preheat the oven to 180ºC/160 fan/350ºF.
- Chop the cherries in to quarters and the blackberries in half. Dry them off with kitchen paper.100 g (1 cup) cherries, 80 g (1 cup) blackberries
- Melt the chocolate in a microwave or over hot water. Once melted set aside to cool.200 g (7 oz) dark chocolate
- By hand or in a mixer cream together the butter, sugars and vanilla until light and fluffy.250 g (8 ⅚ oz) unsalted butter, 200 g (1 cup) soft brown sugar, 100 g (⅘ cup) caster sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Add the eggs and the extra yolk (the extra yolk really helps get a crisp top to the brownie). Mix in for a few minutes until fully combined.3 medium eggs, 1 egg yolk
- Add the cooled melted chocolate and mix.
- Sieve in the flour, a pinch of salt, baking powder and the cocoa powder and mix until combined.120 g (1 cup) plain flour / all-purpose flour, 80 g (3 oz) cocoa powder, pinch of salt, 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
- Remove from the mixer and add the fruit and gently stir in by hand.
- Pour the mix into the tin and bake for 40-45 minutes. Add an extra 10 if you want it to have a firm set.
- Leave the brownie to cool for a while in the cake tin. This will help it set. Or dig into a hot and squishy brownie!
- Slice it up and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Please note that the nutrition information provided above is approximate and meant as a guideline only.
Originally posted August 2015, Updated July 2024.
Yum! I’m a beggar for eating cake batter raw from the bowl, and I reckon I’d be in heaven with a bowl of this mix!
Off to pin for later…
Janie x
I haven’t tried eating it raw but I might have to take your advice and go for it 🙂
Oh heavens, yes please! Pass us a plate of these beauties will you?!
Of course Elizabeth 🙂 Plate is ready when you are x
Oh wow they look so good, I’ll take a plateful please 😉 thanks for linking up with #BakeoftheWeek
*virtual plate for you* Thank you for running the link up 🙂 x
Looks really yummy!!
Thank you 🙂
These brownies sound awesome. Love Blackforest and it looks like these work really well.x
Thank you! You are so sweet. I need to make another batch 🙂
These look like heaven on a plate!! Absolutely gorgeous!
Thank you 🙂 That is so sweet of you to say. They were so delicious x
I often think that Brownies need something else to liven them up – I reckon the blackberries and cherries here are just about perfect. Thanks so much for joining in with #bakeoftheweek x
Thank you so much for having me Helen x
Blackberries and cherries with chocolate just work so well. Totally meant to be.
I’m definitely always a sucker for brownies. I’ve never thought of doing them with berries before, but this recipe looks delicious!
You must try and let me know what you think!
Ooooooh what a marriage made in heaven! Brownies with black forest?! Yes please!! These look and sound incredible, I need to make them ASAP!
I agree the best combo ever!
This was so good!! Everyone at my house really loved it!
Yay I am so glad!
This is a great brownie option when you want to jazz them up. We sometimes add peanut butter. Black forest brownies are our new favorite!
Oh wow peanut butter sounds like an epic addition.
Adding fruit to brownies was something I would have never thought of. But with how much we love blackberries, and how many we have growing in the backyard, I knew we had to give this a try! My boys are already asking when we will be making them again!!
Yay! How wonderful <3 Thank you for your comment
Amazing combination and a super delicious chocolate for sure.
very motivating.
Baked a batch of these brownies and the combination of chocolate, blackberries and cherries was every bit as good as I’d hoped. I’ll be making these again.
The idea of adding fresh fruit to brownies is new to me, but these were absolutely delicious, thanks for a great recipe!
These Black Forest Brownies were such a rich treat. I’m so thrilled to have found this recipe!
The rich, chocolatey brownies combined perfectly with the sweet and tangy cherries, creating a decadent treat that was a hit with everyone. I can’t wait to make these again for our next family gathering!
Oh my gosh I adore Black Forest flavours and these were just delicious. Can’t wait to make again!
The Easy Black Forest Brownie recipe is amazing! Rich, chocolatey brownies with a delicious cherry twist. The recipe was simple to follow and turned out perfectly. Thank you!
I made these when my in-laws were visiting because they have big sweet tooths and they absolutely loved them!
Great brownie recipe, I really enjoyed the Black Forest flavours of cherry and blackberry with the chocolate. Absolutely delicious.
I loved the addition of blackberries to the cherries, all the flavours really worked so well together.
What a fabulous mash up! I love both brownies and Black Forest Gateau so these went down very well indeed.