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Decadent Black Forest Brownies

Decadent Black Forest Brownies

Ultra-fudgy brownies swirled with cherry preserves and studded with juicy cherries, finished with a glossy chocolate ganache. A lush nod to the classic cake in handheld form.
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Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 16

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 0.75 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 6 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped for the brownie batter
  • 1.25 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.25 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 3 large eggs room temperature
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1.5 tbsp kirsch (cherry liqueur) optional but recommended
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.33 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
  • 0.5 tsp fine sea salt
  • 0.5 tsp instant espresso powder enhances chocolate flavor
  • 1.25 cup dark sweet cherries, drained and chopped well-dried if jarred or canned
  • 0.5 cup cherry preserves stir to loosen
  • 0.75 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream for the ganache
  • 6 oz bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped for the ganache

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Heat oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment, leaving overhang.
  • Melt butter and the 6 oz chopped semisweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over barely simmering water. Stir until smooth, then cool 5 minutes.
  • Whisk in granulated and brown sugars until glossy and combined.
  • Beat in eggs one at a time until the batter looks thick and shiny. Stir in vanilla and kirsch.
  • Whisk flour, cocoa, salt, and espresso powder in a separate bowl.
  • Fold dry ingredients into the chocolate mixture just until no dry streaks remain.
  • Fold in chopped cherries and chocolate chips. Do not overmix.
  • Spread half the batter in the pan. Spoon small dollops of cherry preserves over it and gently swirl. Cover with remaining batter and lightly swirl again.
  • Bake 28–32 minutes, until edges are set and a tester comes out with moist crumbs. Cool completely in the pan.
  • Warm cream in a small saucepan until steaming. Pour over the 6 oz finely chopped bittersweet chocolate, rest 2 minutes, then whisk smooth.
  • Spread ganache over cooled brownies. Let set 20–30 minutes until just firm.
  • Lift out using parchment and slice into 16 squares.

Notes

Variation: Add 1/4 tsp almond extract with the vanilla for a Black Forest twist. Serve with lightly sweetened whipped cream and fresh cherries. Storage: Keep airtight at room temperature 2 days, or refrigerate up to 5 days. For cleaner slices, chill 30 minutes before cutting.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Decadent Black Forest Brownies flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.