Black Forest Brownie Cake with Vanilla Cheesecake Layer

This Black Forest Brownie Cake offers a luxurious twist on the classic Black Forest flavors, combining a rich chocolate brownie base with a smooth vanilla cheesecake layer. Topped with a silky chocolate ganache and crowned with cherry pie filling and fresh cherries, this cake is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This:

• The rich brownie base perfectly complements the creamy vanilla cheesecake.
• The chocolate ganache adds an extra layer of chocolatey indulgence.
• The cherry topping provides a tart contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
• This cake is a showstopper dessert, ideal for celebrations or as a weekend baking project.

Ingredients: For the Brownie:

• 170g butter
• 200g dark chocolate
• 160g plain flour
• 50g cocoa powder
• 3 eggs
• 200g caster sugar
• 60g light brown sugar
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the Vanilla Cheesecake:

• 220g cream cheese
• 50g caster sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 100g dark chocolate
• 150ml double cream
• 2 tbsp golden syrup (or preferred syrup)

For the Cherry Topping:

• 1 can cherry pie filling (410g)
• Fresh cherries

Instructions:

1. For the cheesecake filling, mix cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until combined. Set aside.
2. For the brownies, melt dark chocolate and butter in the microwave, stirring every 20 seconds. Cool slightly.
3. Whisk eggs, sugars, and vanilla extract until creamy. Fold in the chocolate-butter mixture.
4. Sift flour and cocoa powder, then fold into the egg mixture.
5. Pour half the brownie mix into a lined 7″ or 8″ round loose-bottom cake tin.
6. Spread the cheesecake mix over the brownie layer, then top with remaining brownie mix.
7. Bake at 180°C for 35-40 minutes.
8. For the ganache, chop the dark chocolate and place in a bowl. Heat cream for 1 minute in the microwave and pour over chocolate. Add golden syrup, let sit for 2-5 minutes, then mix until smooth.
9. Once the brownie cake has cooled, spread the ganache on top.
10. Top with cherry pie filling and fresh cherries.
11. Serve at room temperature to maintain the fudgy texture of the brownie.

Pro Tips:

• Ensure the brownie cake is completely cool before adding the ganache and cherry topping.
• Avoid refrigerating the cake to keep the brownie layer fudgy.

Enjoy your homemade Black Forest Brownie Cake, a decadent dessert that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!