If you love indulgent desserts that blend rich chocolate with juicy bursts of cherry, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Black Forest Brownies Recipe. Imagine fudgy, decadent brownies packed with luscious cherry pie filling and topped with melty chocolate chips that create a dreamy, gooey topping. This recipe takes the classic brownie to a new level of sophistication with minimal effort, making it a perfect treat to whip up for family gatherings or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth on any given day. The combination of textures and flavors offers a wonderful contrast between chewy brownie base and fruity cherry sweetness, turning an everyday dessert into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully simple yet create a flavor explosion that feels anything but basic. Each component is essential to the overall taste, texture, and color of your Black Forest brownies, harmonizing beautifully.
- Brownie mix (1 box, 18-oz): The foundation of your dessert, providing that rich chocolatey base with minimal fuss.
- Cherry pie filling (1 cup): Adds bursts of juicy sweetness and vibrant color, giving the brownies a Black Forest signature.
- Eggs (2 large): Bind the ingredients and give the brownies their structure and softness.
- Oil (1/4 cup): Keeps the brownies moist and tender throughout.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1/2 to 1 cup): For melty, gooey topping that enhances the chocolate intensity and adds a silky finish.
How to Make Black Forest Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly greasing a 7×11 or 9×9 inch baking dish. I find a 7×11 Pyrex glass pan works beautifully for even baking and easy cleanup. The greased pan ensures your brownies come out cleanly without sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the brownie mix, cherry pie filling, eggs, and oil. Stir everything together until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. You’ll notice the cherry filling adds a lovely pinkish hue and a glossy texture, which is a delightful twist on standard brownie batter.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Spread your luscious batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Pop it in the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, depending on how fudgy or cakey you prefer your brownies. Keep an eye on it — when a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs, your brownies are ready.
Step 4: Add the Chocolate Chip Topping
As soon as your brownies come out of the oven, place the pan on a wire rack and sprinkle the chocolate chips generously over the hot surface. I usually use about half a cup, but feel free to get decadent with a full cup. Once the chips melt, spread the silky chocolate evenly across the top with a spatula. This creates a luscious, glossy finish that’s irresistible.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least one hour so they set properly. This cooling period helps the flavors meld and ensures your brownies slice neatly. When ready, serve with vanilla ice cream and a spoonful of the remaining cherry pie filling for an extra indulgent touch.
How to Serve Black Forest Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of fresh cherries or a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a charming visual touch and amplifies the cherry flavor. For an elegant finish, drizzle some warm chocolate sauce or a whisper of whipped cream to delight the senses even more.
Side Dishes
These brownies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla or cherry vanilla ice cream, creating a delicious hot-and-cold experience that’s pure magic. If you want to add a touch of crunch, a few toasted almonds or walnuts on the side complement the chewy texture beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the brownies into perfect squares and stacking them slightly askew for a rustic vibe. Serving them in small individual ramekins topped with ice cream and cherry compote turns them into a chic dessert that’s sure to impress your guests. Alternatively, place a dollop of mascarpone or cream cheese frosting on each piece to elevate the dessert even further.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the brownies tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container to preserve their moisture. Stored at room temperature, they will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, but refrigeration is fine if your kitchen is warm.
Freezing
You can freeze Black Forest brownies by wrapping individual squares in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag or container. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to indulge; they defrost beautifully while retaining all that wonderful fudgy texture.
Reheating
For a warm treat, pop a brownie in the microwave for about 15 seconds or place it in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-7 minutes. This reawakens the gooey chocolate and makes the cherry filling taste even more luscious.
FAQs
Can I use homemade brownie batter instead of box mix?
Absolutely! While this Black Forest Brownies Recipe is designed for convenience with a box mix, using your favorite homemade batter will work beautifully and give you even more control over the ingredients.
What type of cherries work best?
Cherry pie filling is ideal for this recipe as it’s already sweetened and thickened, but you can also try fresh or frozen cherries if you prefer. Just cook them down with a bit of sugar to mimic that luscious filling texture.
Can I substitute the oil with butter?
Yes, melted butter can be used instead of oil for a richer flavor. Keep the amount the same, but remember it might change the texture slightly, making it a bit denser.
How do I make the brownies more fudgy?
To achieve fudgier brownies, reduce the baking time to around 30 minutes and ensure you don’t overmix the batter. Also, using the minimum amount of chocolate chips for the topping can keep the texture moist and gooey.
Is it okay to add nuts to the recipe?
Definitely! Walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch that contrasts nicely with the chewy brownie and juicy cherries. Fold them gently into the batter before baking.
Final Thoughts
If you are ready to take your brownie game to the next level, this Black Forest Brownies Recipe is a must-try. It’s comforting, decadent, and surprisingly simple to make, with flavors that combine to create a dessert experience you’ll want to relive again and again. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become your new favorite go-to treat for family dinners, potlucks, or a quiet night in. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Black Forest Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these rich and fudgy Black Forest Brownies, enhanced with luscious cherry pie filling and melted semi-sweet chocolate chips. Perfectly baked to a gooey texture and topped with a cherry twist, these brownies make a deliciously indulgent dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1 (18-oz) box brownie mix
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup oil
Topping
- 1/2 – 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 7×11 inch or 9×9 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. A Pyrex glass pan is ideal for even baking.
- Mix the Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the dry brownie mix, cherry pie filling, eggs, and oil. Stir until you have a smooth, lump-free batter, ensuring the cherry filling is evenly incorporated.
- Bake the Brownies: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish. Place it in the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes depending on your desired level of brownie doneness—less time for fudgier brownies, more for cakey ones.
- Add Chocolate Topping: Remove the hot brownie pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Immediately sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips generously, about 1/2 cup or more, over the top. Allow the chips to melt, then use a spatula to spread the melted chocolate evenly across the brownies.
- Cool and Serve: Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 1 hour to set properly. Serve with vanilla ice cream and an extra scoop of cherry pie filling for a classic Black Forest dessert experience.
Notes
- Use a glass or metal baking dish for best results, depending on your oven’s heat distribution.
- Adjust the amount of chocolate chips to your preference for sweetness and richness.
- Letting the brownies cool completely before cutting ensures clean slices.
- For an extra cherry punch, drizzle some of the cherry pie filling on top before serving.
