Black Forest Cherry Brownies
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Black Forest Cherry Brownies bring the full, rich, and decadent flavor with hints of sweet complexity to dessert. Like a chocolate-covered cherry in brownie form, you won’t want to share.
Black Forest Cherry Brownies will be a hit with your family or next get-together, so much more than the average brownie. What makes these so special? Maraschino cherries.
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Black Forest Cherry Brownies 101
A little bit of background. Did you know that Maraschino cherries, best known as luxardo cherries or cocktail cherries, are referred to as Black Forest Cherries when paired with deep, fudge-y, chocolate brownies and walnuts?
The cherries are more often used in cocktails and mocktail recipes as a garnish. With that mind, we can’t forget our other favorite use for Maraschinos, the Shirley Temple. We’ve grown up, but our inner child still appreciates a classic mocktail.
If you’re feeling inspired to seek out some other Maraschino-influenced recipes, check out:
- Cherry Almond Cookies by Mom Foodie
- Cherry Almond Loaf Cake by My Sequined Life
A little bit of history: Black Forest is a mountain range in Germany, where liquor is distilled from cherries. The cake version of Black Forest is chocolate cake, cherries and whipped cream.
This Black Forest Cherry Brownie recipe is the perfect blend of flavors, in our opinion. We’ve always been fans of chocolate-covered cherries. There is something about the cherry flavor that stands out and makes our taste buds cheer.
The BEST CAST IRON BROWNIES
Brownies can be tricky, but they don’t have to be. With this recipe, you’ll end up with the perfect brownies with slightly crisped edges.
What type of cast iron: We opted to use a 10-inch cast-iron skillet. You can also use a Dutch Oven, depending on your comfort level. As with all cast iron, you’ll want to make sure it is well seasoned – and well oiled. This will assure a crisp, perfect crust to your brownies and, more importantly, that they don’t stick to the skillet. Because broken up brownie bits are chocolate sadness.
Baking time and temperature: If you use a different size skillet, be sure to adjust your baking time. You want a slightly crisped exterior to your brownies but for them to be cooked through to pass the toothpick test. A little bit different from traditional brownies, you’ll want to go for about 325 Degrees. The brownies by nature are a little thicker and the even heat of the cast iron works well with slow but steady baking.
How to best serve: We know it’s hard to resist, but allow your brownies to cool (mostly) before removing from the skillet. This will keep them intact. Place on your plate and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Bonus topping: We love to put some maraschinos and a drizzle of dark chocolate on top as well.
If you’re a little intimidated about getting started with cast iron recipes, we get it. This brownie recipe is one of those recipes you don’t have to be afraid of. Check out our Cooking with Cast Iron how-tos to help you feel a little more at ease.
KEEP YOUR BLACK FOREST CHERRY BROWNIES FRESH
Storing at air temperature: These brownies are moist and fudge-y. To keep them that way, they are best stored in an airtight container in a dark corner of your kitchen. They will last 5-7 days.
Can I freeze black forest cherry brownies? Yes. You’ll want to assure they are still moist (but not soggy) when thawed, so the best method is to place your brownies on a cookie tray in the freezer, then wrap the brownies in plastic wrap to store them in the freezer. This will keep the moisture you want in without risk major freezer burn.
How to thaw and reheat brownies: This can be tricky and brownies are prone to drying out. Allow your brownies to thaw in the wrap, then place them on an oiled skillet to reheat. Usually about 10 minutes on the top stove OR 5-10 minutes in the oven at a low temperature (325 Degrees is always our preference with brownies) You can reheat in the microwave in a pinch, just be sure to cover your brownie with a paper towel or napkin to help the moisture remain.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH BROWNIES
Looking for a way to bring it all together for a full meal plan? This section found in every post will help you pair the recipe you’re viewing, with other flavorful dishes to make your mealtime that much easier. Enjoy this section of posts? Leave a comment below and let me know!
- Crock-Pot Potato Soup for dinner
- Homemade Fruit Punch for a dinner drink
- Homemade Caramel Sauce for topping
- Hot Fudge Sauce for topping
- Frozen Hot Chocolate for an after-dinner drink
Black Forest Cherry Brownies
Equipment
- Medium bowl or kitchen aid stand mixer
- Whisk and rubber spatula
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup salted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup 100% dutch cocoa powder
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 jar maraschino cherries 10-ounce jar with juice removed, cherries halved
Optional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts optional
Instructions
- Pre-heat convection oven to 350F.
- Combine melted butter with sugar and cocoa powder.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add all-purpose flour, halved maraschino cherries, and walnuts. Stir until combined.
- Pour into 10" cast iron skillet or 9×9 pan. Bake for 30 minutes or until firm to touch and a toothpick comes out of the middle clean.
- Optional Toppings: Whipped cream, additional maraschino cherries, chocolate drizzle or shavings, ice cream, or walnuts.
Notes
Nutrition
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