Black Forest Skillet Brownies

These black forest skillet brownies are made with a simple brownie mix and cherry pie filling. They are fudgy and decedent. These brownies are perfect for an easy dessert, or they can be cut into squares for the lunch box.

I love brownies. They are chocolatey and gooey and pretty easy to make. I think almost everyone is familiar with the classic chocolate brownie.

This recipe takes a classic and elevates it into a decedent dessert by adding a cream cheese swirl and cherry pie filling. Then the whole thing is finished with a chocolate drizzle.

I’ve kept this recipe super simple by using a boxed brownie mix, but if you have a favourite brownie recipe that you’d like to use instead you absolutely can. If you are making your own brownies then you will need a recipe that uses a 9×9 pan.

What is in a black forest dessert?

Traditionally, black forest desserts are made with a layered chocolate sponge cake. Between the layers is a filling of whip cream, cherries, and kirsch. The cake is usually decorated with additional whip cream, cherries and shaved chocolate.

I’ve adjusted this recipe a bit to better suit the brownies and added a cream cheese layer and used cherry pie filling. I also did not add the kirsch, though you are certainly welcome to add some if you like.

Why bake brownies in a cast iron skillet?

Cast iron is excellent for baking. The heavy pan promotes even cooking and if seasoned well they are non-stick.

With the cast iron pan you get a nice chewy edge and bottom, without burning, and the middle stays super moist and fudgy.

I also think it makes for a fancier presentation if you are serving this as a dessert.

How should I serve black forest brownies?

You could simply cut these brownies into squares, if you like. But to really elevate this dish I suggest serving them slightly warm. I like to slice them into wedges, top them with fresh whip cream, a spoonful of cherry pie filling and drizzle them with chocolate. They would also be delicious topped with vanilla ice cream.

How to make black forest skillet brownies

To make these brownies, begin by lightly oiling the cast iron skillet with vegetable oil or butter. Please do not use non-stick sprays cast iron skillets!

• Mix the brownies according to the directions on the box and pour into the oiled skillet
• In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, egg, vanilla and sugar until well blended.
• Pour the cream cheese mix over the brownie batter and gently swirl with a spoon. Do not over mix, you are looking for swirls.
• Drop 1 cup of the cherry pie filling by spoonful over the brownies.
• Place in the oven at 350 degrees and bake for approximately 50 minutes until edges are slightly golden and middle feels almost set.

After the brownies are baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 20 minutes, then drizzle with melted chocolate.

Serve these black forest brownies warm with fresh whip cream, additional cherry pie filling and chocolate drizzle.

Things to know & helpful tips

• Can I make these brownies in a baking pan instead of a skillet? Yes you can. You can bake these brownies in a 9×9 pan instead of a skillet if you prefer.
• Do I need to refrigerate black forest brownies? Because of the fruit and the cream cheese in these brownies, I do recommend that they be stored in the refrigerator.
• Can I freeze black forest brownies? You sure can! They freeze very well in an airtight container.

Other recipes you might like

Pumpkin cheesecake brownies

Chocolate chunk cookie brownie bars

Old fashioned lemon squares

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