Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

These Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies are a delightful treat that combines rich chocolate with the sweetness of roasted cherries. Perfect for any occasion, they are sure to impress your family and friends. The fudgy texture paired with caramelized cherry topping creates a unique flavor profile that makes these brownies stand out. Enjoy them as a dessert after dinner or serve them at gatherings; they are versatile and oh-so-delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate and roasted cherries creates a rich and indulgent taste experience.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up these brownies in no time.
• Perfect for Sharing: Cut into 16 squares, these brownies are ideal for parties, potlucks, or just sharing with loved ones.
• Fudgy Texture: These brownies have a moist, fudgy consistency that melts in your mouth—no dry brownies here!
• Versatile Treat: Serve them warm with ice cream or enjoy them plain; they adapt to any dessert style you prefer.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the delicious world of brownies, gather your tools and prepare your kitchen. Having everything ready ensures a smooth baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or mixer
• Rubber spatula
• 8×8 baking pan
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently without making a mess.
• Rubber spatula: Helps fold in ingredients gently without deflating the batter, ensuring your brownies stay fudgy.
• Baking pan: A non-stick 8×8 pan is perfect for even baking and easy removal of brownies.

Ingredients

These cherry brownies are super fudgy chocolate brownies. They are filled and topped with roasted cherries.

For the Brownies

• 2 cups Cherries cut in half (washed, pitted)
• Sprinkle of sugar
• 1 1/3 cup White granulated sugar
• 2 Large eggs
• 1 Egg yolk
• 5 TBSP Unsalted butter (melted)
• 1/3 cup Oil (canola or vegetable)
• 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup All-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup Dutch process cocoa powder
• 1 TBSP Cornstarch
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips

How to Make Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the halved cherries evenly on the parchment paper and sprinkle them lightly with sugar. Bake for about 10 minutes until they soften slightly. Allow them to cool before using.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan

Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C). Spray an 8×8-inch baking pan with non-stick spray. Line the bottom and two sides with parchment paper for easy removal later. Give it another quick spray.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, Dutch process cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Using a mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat together the white granulated sugar, large eggs, and egg yolk on high speed for about five minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.

While mixing, melt the unsalted butter until just warm but not hot. Add this melted butter along with oil and vanilla extract to the sugar mixture, mixing on low speed until combined.

Step 5: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Remove the bowl from the mixer. Gently fold in the sifted dry ingredients using a rubber spatula until just combined—be careful not to overmix as you want to retain air in your batter.

Step 6: Add Cherries and Chocolate Chips

Take half of your roasted cherries and fold them into the brownie batter along with semi-sweet chocolate chips. Ensure everything is well incorporated.

Step 7: Bake Your Brownies

Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for about 40-50 minutes. The edges should be set while the center remains slightly underdone for that fudgy texture. Once baked, top with additional chocolate chips if desired.

Step 8: Cool Down

Let your brownies cool completely in the pan before freezing them for about 15 minutes. Once chilled, remove them from the pan using parchment paper as handles. Top with remaining roasted cherries if you like before cutting into squares to serve!

How to Serve Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

These delicious Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions that will elevate your dessert experience.

A La Mode

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a classic combination.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the brownies for an extra chocolaty flavor.

With Whipped Cream

• Fresh Whipped Cream: Top the brownies with freshly whipped cream for a light and airy contrast.
• Flavored Whipped Cream: Consider adding vanilla or almond extract to the whipped cream for a hint of flavor.

Garnished with Nuts

• Chopped Pecans: Sprinkle chopped pecans on top of the brownies for added crunch and flavor.
• Toasted Almonds: Use toasted almonds to enhance the nutty taste and add texture.

How to Perfect Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Perfecting your Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies can make all the difference. Here are some essential tips.

• Use Fresh Cherries: Fresh cherries provide the best flavor and texture. Avoid canned or frozen cherries for optimal results.
• Do Not Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in dense brownies.
• Check Doneness Carefully: For fudgy brownies, remove them from the oven when the edges are set but the center remains slightly underbaked.
• Cool Completely Before Cutting: Allowing the brownies to cool completely ensures cleaner cuts and better texture when serving.

Best Side Dishes for Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Pairing side dishes with your Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies can complement their rich flavors. Here are some delightful options.

1. Fresh Berries: A medley of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds a tart contrast to sweet brownies.
2. Fruit Salad: Lighten up your dessert with a refreshing fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits.
3. Coffee: A strong cup of coffee enhances the chocolate flavor and provides a nice balance to sweetness.
4. Mint Tea: The refreshing notes of mint tea can cleanse your palate after enjoying these rich brownies.
5. Cheese Plate: A small cheese plate with mild cheeses pairs surprisingly well with chocolate desserts.
6. Caramel Sauce: Serve with warm caramel sauce drizzled over each brownie for an indulgent treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies turn out perfectly, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls.

• Overmixing the batter: This can lead to dense brownies. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated to keep them fudgy.
• Using unpitted cherries: Always pit the cherries before baking. Unpitted cherries will ruin the texture and safety of your brownies.
• Skipping the cooling step: Letting the roasted cherries cool before adding them helps maintain their flavor and texture in the brownies.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use proper measuring cups and spoons. Inaccurate measurements can affect the final outcome.
• Ignoring baking times: Keep an eye on your brownies as they bake. Check for doneness by looking for set edges and a slightly underdone center.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days.
• Make sure the brownies are completely cooled before placing them in the fridge.

Freezing Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

• Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Place wrapped brownies in a freezer-safe bag or container; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Place brownies on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat one brownie at a time for about 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as they can become tough.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat with a lid. This method gently warms the brownies without drying them out.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make my Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies even more chocolatey?

You can add extra chocolate chips or chunks into the batter before baking. This will enhance the chocolate flavor throughout!

Can I substitute fresh cherries?

Yes, you can use frozen cherries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just ensure they are pitted and thawed before using.

What should I serve with Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies?

These brownies pair well with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat.

Why are my brownies too dry?

Dryness often indicates overbaking or incorrect ingredient ratios. Ensure you’re following measurements closely and check doneness early.

Can I use other fruits instead of cherries?

Absolutely! You can experiment with raspberries, strawberries, or even blueberries for delicious variations of this brownie recipe.

Final Thoughts

The Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies recipe is perfect for any dessert lover seeking something rich and flavorful. These fudgy treats can easily be customized with different fruits or nuts, making them versatile for various tastes and occasions. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe—you’ll be delighted with every bite!