Black Forest flavorings have oscillated through periods of popularity and being considered old-fashioned. The famous Black Forest cake was originally something closer to a trifle, with layers of chocolate cake, whipped cream, and cherries. But today chefs worldwide have experimented with different methods of incorporating these flavors, including marinated cherries, flavored whipped cream, and different types of chocolate. It seems to be a revolving door of creative opportunity, and the flavors are still an amazing combination.
The brownie recipe in my grandmother's cookbook was fine, but lacking in ingenuity and overall flavor. The Kirsch in the recipe adds a fun tanginess, and the white chocolate chips are a nod to the traditional whipped cream that is usually included in the cake form. I like to use sweet cherries because they're the easiest to find, and because they're my family's favorite.
Notes
- Make it Dark: You can substitute the Baker's chocolate for any unsweetened dark chocolate.
- Make it Tart: Many people prefer to use tart cherries in Black Forest recipes, or even maraschino if you prefer their flavor. Give it a whirl with Rainier if you want to get fancy!
Storage
Store covered at room temperature for 2-3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Yes, if you don't have Kirsch on hand or would simply like to avoid using alcohol, feel free to omit the Kirsch. You can also substitute it for tart cherry juice if you still want it to have a little tang.
Related
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Grace Says:
Instant espresso is a great addition to almost any chocolate bake. In a small amount, it boosts the chocolate flavor without imparting any coffee smell or taste. Try adding a ½-1tsp, dissolved in a small amount of hot water.
📖 Recipe
Black Forest Brownies
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 oz unsweetened Baker's chocolate, or other unsweetened chocolate
- 2 eggs
- 2 Tbl Kirsch
- 1 cup sugar
- ¾ cup flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup white chocolate pieces
- 1 cup cherries, pitted and halved
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉ and grease or line an 8x8 square pan with parchment paper. Pit and halve your cherries, and set aside.
- Melt the butter and Baker's chocolate together and stir until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Add eggs, sugar, Kirsch, and chocolate mixture to your mixing bowl. Beat for 1-2 minutes, until the mixture is slightly thickened and lighter in color.
- Add in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix just until combined. Then add in the cherries and white chocolate pieces and mix again.
- Pour the batter into the pan and smooth the top. Then bake for 35-40 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean but no longer. There should be no jiggle in the middle. Cool completely before cutting and serving.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!