If you love the classic combination of chocolate and cherries, you’re going to fall out of your seat for these Easy Black Forest Brownies. They’re rich, fudgy, deeply chocolatey, and studded with chewy bursts of cherry in every bite. Even better: this recipe is kosher, pareve, dairy-free, and can be made vegan, making it a dessert you can serve at any gathering without stressing over dietary restrictions.
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While I’m not usually a fan of super heavy chocolate desserts, this recipe is one of my rare exceptions. Something magical happens when juicy cherries meet dense cocoa brownies—every bite delivers a sweet-tart contrast that keeps the brownies from being overwhelmingly rich. They taste balanced, indulgent, and completely irresistible. If you’re ready to upgrade your dessert game, these Black Forest Brownies deserve a spot on your baking rotation.
What Is a Black Forest Dessert?
Whenever you see the term “Black Forest” in baking, it refers to desserts made with chocolate and cherries. The flavor combination traces its roots back to the Schwarzwald (Black Forest) region of Germany. Traditional Black Forest cake—locally called Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte—is known for its layers of chocolate sponge cake, cherries, whipped cream, and shaved chocolate.
Over time, the pairing became so iconic that bakers began using it in all kinds of sweet treats:
- cakes
- cupcakes
- sundaes
- trifles
- cookies
- cheesecakes
- brownies
And it’s no surprise why. The rich bitterness of cocoa plays beautifully against the sweetness and acidity of cherries, creating a dessert that feels decadent but not overwhelming. The cherries bring brightness, fruitiness, and just enough tang to cut through the chocolate.
Among all the ways to use this combination, brownies make one of the best vehicles. Their dense, chewy texture holds cherries well, and the natural fudginess amplifies the deep chocolate notes. When you fold in chocolate chips, pecans, and dried cherries, the result is a brownie that tastes gourmet—but is surprisingly simple to make.
Why You’ll Love These Easy Black Forest Brownies
These brownies check all the boxes dessert lovers care about:
✔ Rich and Fudgy
No cakey brownies here—these are deeply fudgy with a soft, moist texture.
✔ Loaded with Cherry Flavor
Dried cherries add concentrated fruitiness without adding excess moisture.
✔ Dairy-Free & Pareve
Perfect for holidays, Shabbat meals, meat meals, or anyone avoiding dairy.
✔ Can Be Made Vegan
A simple egg substitute (vegan mayo!) transforms this into a fully vegan recipe.
✔ One-Bowl Method
Minimal cleanup and quick prep—ready for the oven in minutes.
✔ Freezer-Friendly
Bake ahead, freeze, thaw, and you’re dessert-ready any time.
✔ Crowd-Pleasing
Chocolate + cherry + gooey texture = guaranteed repeat requests.
Ingredients For Black Forest Brownies
Here’s a closer look at the ingredients you’ll need and the role each one plays. Understanding the why helps you bake better brownies every time.
- Non-Dairy Butter Substitute
- This recipe stays pareve thanks to a non-dairy butter substitute. I prefer Flora, Smart Balance, or Earth Balance, but any high-quality butter alternative works. Fat is crucial for creating dense, fudgy brownies; this is not the place to substitute oil or applesauce.
- Granulated Sugar
- White sugar helps create the shiny, crackly top that brownie fans love. It also contributes to chewiness when melted into the butter.
- Eggs (or Vegan Mayo)
- Eggs provide structure and richness.
- If you want a vegan brownie, replace each egg with 3 tablespoon vegan mayonnaise. This is a shockingly effective substitute—it keeps the brownies moist and helps bind the batter.
- Vanilla Extract
- A touch of real vanilla (never imitation) enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- Use plain cocoa powder with no added sugar. Sweetened cocoa mixes will throw off the recipe and make the brownies too sweet.
- Flour
- Just enough to give structure without making the brownies cakey.
- Salt
- Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
- Baking Powder
- Adds a small amount of lift so the brownies don’t turn out dense like fudge.
- Dried Cherries
- These are essential.
- Do not substitute canned or jarred cherries—they add too much moisture and will make your brownies gummy or spongy. Dried cherries deliver bright flavor without destabilizing the batter.
- Pecans
- They add crunch and contrast. Walnuts also work, or you can omit nuts entirely if needed.
- Chocolate Chips
- Use dairy-free chocolate chips if you want to keep these pareve or vegan. They reinforce the fudgy texture and deepen the chocolate flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Black Forest Brownies
Total Time: 30 minutes
These brownies come together quickly, making them perfect for last-minute desserts or weeknight cravings.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350ºF.
Step 2: Prepare Your Pan
Line your brownie pan with parchment paper OR grease it with non-dairy butter substitute.
You don’t need both—just choose the method you prefer.
Step 3: Melt Butter and Mix Wet Ingredients
Melt the non-dairy butter substitute on low heat.
Remove from heat and stir in:
- sugar
- eggs (or vegan mayo)
- vanilla
Mix gently, and avoid scratching nonstick surfaces.
Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients
Stir in:
- cocoa powder
- flour
- salt
- baking powder
Mix until smooth.
Step 5: Fold in the Mix-Ins
Add:
- dried cherries
- pecans
- chocolate chips
Fold gently so the batter stays thick and even.
Step 6: Bake
Pour batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly.
Bake for 25–30 minutes.
The brownies should be slightly gooey in the center—they set as they cool.
Tips for Perfect Black Forest Brownies
Don’t Overbake
The biggest mistake people make with brownies is baking until they look done.
Brownies finish setting as they cool. Remove them when the center still looks slightly soft.
2. Use Quality Cocoa Powder
A good cocoa powder can make or break the recipe. Look for:
- natural cocoa powder
- no additives
- deep brown color
3. Cut When Cool
Let brownies cool before slicing to avoid tearing the soft center.
4. Toast the Pecans
Optional, but enhances the nutty flavor.
5. Add Extra Chocolate Chips
Sprinkle a handful on top before baking for a bakery-style finish.
Variations on Black Forest Brownies
These brownies are fantastic as-is, but you can easily customize them.
Black Forest Brownie Sundae
Serve warm brownies with:
- dairy-free vanilla ice cream
- cherry compote
- chocolate drizzle
Black Forest Cheesecake Brownies
Swirl pareve cheesecake batter through the brownie mixture for a marbled effect.
Extra-Cherry Version
Add an additional ½ cup dried cherries for maximum cherry flavor.
Nut-Free Version
Omit pecans—no changes needed.
Gluten-Free Version
Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
FAQ
It creates a lighter, cakier texture.
For fudgy brownies, avoid adding liquid beyond what the recipe calls for.
The ratio of fat to flour.
More fat = denser, fudgier brownies.
In this recipe, the non-dairy butter and chocolate chips are what create that perfect chew.
Absolutely.
Use 3 tablespoon vegan mayo per egg.
Yes!
Freeze in a freezer bag or airtight container.
Thaw at room temperature for about 1 hour before serving.
Fresh cherries are delicious but not ideal for baking into brownies because they release moisture.
Stick to dried cherries for best results.
How to Serve Black Forest Brownies
These brownies are delicious at room temperature, but they also shine in other serving styles:
- Warm with powdered sugar
- Cold from the fridge for extra chewiness
- Topped with dairy-free whipped cream
- With cherry pie filling spooned over the top
- Cut into small squares for dessert boards
They also pair well with coffee, tea, or a glass of red wine for an elegant dessert moment.
Storage Instructions
Room temperature: 3–4 days in an airtight container
Refrigerator: up to 1 week
Freezer: up to 3 months
They thaw beautifully and stay fudgy even after freezing.
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📖 Recipe
Easy Black Forest Brownies (Dairy Free)
Equipment
- 8- inch square pan
- Large saucepan
Ingredients
- ½ cup non-dairy butter substitute
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup flour all purpose
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup dried cherries
- ½ cup pecans chopped
- ½ cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350ºF.
- Line 8- inch square pan with parchment paper or grease and flour well.
- In a large saucepan, melt non-dairy butter substitute.
- Remove from heat and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- Mix in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Add dried cherries, chopped nuts, and chocolate chips.
- Spread batter in prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes. Do not overbake.
- Remove and let cool. Garnish with fresh or canned cherries and pareve whipped cream.
Kayla says
Simply a super recipe! It also makes perfect chocolate brownies if you don't put the cherries, but cherries make it even better! This recipe is definitely a keeper! Thank you!
Eitana Near says
These brownies are decadent!!! This recipe is a gem and I won’t be letting go of it. It’s printed and bookmarked!!
Ben says
Thanks for the comment.