Description
These Black Forest Brownies are rich, fudgy, and naturally gluten-free and vegan. Swirled with juicy cherries and dark chocolate chunks, they offer a healthier twist on the classic German Black Forest Cake using wholesome ingredients like almond butter, oat flour, and applesauce.
Ingredients
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup almond butter or peanut butter
1/4 cup maple syrup or agave
1/4 cup applesauce
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup oat flour
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/3 cup chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips
1/2 cup pitted cherries (fresh, frozen, or jarred), halved
Optional: 1–2 tbsp milk of choice, if batter is too thick
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix the cocoa powder, almond butter, maple syrup, applesauce, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Add the oat flour and baking soda and stir until well combined. If the batter is too thick, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of milk.
- Gently fold in the chopped chocolate and cherry halves.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the center is just set and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few fudgy crumbs.
- Let the brownies cool completely before slicing, as they firm up while cooling.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate before serving.
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Freeze for up to 2 months for longer storage.
Microwave individual brownies for 15–20 seconds to reheat.
Substitute almond butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini for a nut-free version.
Try raspberries instead of cherries for a different flavor profile.
Add a splash of cherry liqueur for a grown-up twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
