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If you’re craving a decadent yet refreshingly fruity treat, look no further than this Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe. These brownies beautifully balance the intense richness of dark chocolate with bursts of naturally sweet and slightly tart roasted cherries, creating a flavor experience that feels both indulgent and wonderfully fresh. Each bite is fudgy and moist, with a subtle caramelized cherry note that makes this dessert irresistible for brownie lovers and fruit fans alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients are the secret to these irresistible brownies. Each component plays a crucial role—dark chocolate delivers deep cocoa flavor, fresh cherries bring brightness and juiciness, and a blend of sugars adds the perfect balance of sweetness and moisture.
- Dark chocolate (1 cup, at least 70% cocoa): Use quality dark chocolate for a rich, bittersweet backbone to the brownies.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Adds lusciousness and helps create a tender texture.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Provides sweetness and a bit of structure.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Contributes moisture and a subtle caramel note.
- Large eggs (3): Bind everything together and add richness.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): The foundation that gives these brownies their classic chewy bite.
- Fresh cherries (1 cup, pitted and chopped): Roasting these enhances their natural flavor and adds a wonderful texture contrast.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 tsp): Rounds out the flavor with warm, inviting notes.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate taste.
How to Make Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing an 8×8 inch baking pan or lining it with parchment paper ensures your brownies release easily, giving you perfect squares every time.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Butter
Using a heatproof bowl over simmering water, slowly melt the dark chocolate and butter together. This gentle method prevents burning and guarantees a silky smooth mixture that’s the secret to fudgy brownies.
Step 3: Combine Sugars and Eggs
Remove your bowl from heat and whisk in both granulated and brown sugars until they’re fully incorporated. Then, add the eggs one at a time, whisking after each to create a glossy, velvety batter.
Step 4: Fold in Dry Ingredients
Gently stir in the flour and salt just until combined. It’s important to avoid overmixing here—overworking the batter can lead to tougher brownies rather than that tender crumb we love.
Step 5: Add the Roasted Cherries
Fold in your chopped fresh cherries. Roasting the cherries beforehand brings out their natural sweetness and a lovely, slightly caramelized flavor that infuses the brownies beautifully.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll want to look for set edges while the center stays just a little soft and fudgy. This contrast is what makes the Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe truly special.
Step 7: Cool Before Slicing
Allow your brownies to cool completely before slicing. Patience here ensures clean cuts and lets the flavors meld, giving you the best possible texture and taste with every bite.
How to Serve Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few fresh cherries on top or dust with a little powdered sugar for a pretty presentation. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can elevate this treat into an indulgent dessert that feels just a bit more festive.
Side Dishes
Pair these brownies with a simple cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk to balance the richness. For a more grown-up twist, serve alongside a small pour of cherry liqueur or a fruity red wine that complements the roasted cherries.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe into small cubes and skewer them with fresh cherries for delightful brownie bites that are perfect party finger food. Alternatively, layer chunks between whipped cream and extra cherries for a decadent brownie trifle.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them moist and fudgy, preserving that perfect balance between chocolate and cherry.
Freezing
You can freeze brownies either whole or cut into pieces. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Warm your brownies slightly in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a low oven to bring back that just-baked softness without drying them out. Pair with ice cream for a dreamy dessert treat.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid adding extra moisture to the batter, which can alter the texture of your brownies.
What if I don’t have dark chocolate at 70% cocoa?
You can use semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate, but the flavor will be sweeter and less intense. Adjust your sugar quantities slightly if using sweeter chocolate.
Do I need to roast the cherries before adding them?
Roasting cherries is what makes this Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe so special, as it enhances their sweetness and adds complexity. If you’re short on time, chopped fresh cherries work too, but roasting is highly recommended.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking. Keep in mind texture may vary slightly depending on the blend.
How moist should the center be when the brownies are done?
The center should look set but still have a slight wobble. This ensures a fudgy texture once cooled, which is exactly what you want with this recipe.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a brownie that breaks away from the ordinary with a burst of fresh fruit flavor and deep chocolate richness, the Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a dessert that feels both comforting and elegant, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring on a cozy night in. So, go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones—these brownies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire!
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Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies combine rich dark chocolate, sweet fresh cherries, and a fudgy texture for a decadent treat. Perfectly roasted and baked to create a moist, chewy interior and a slightly crisp edge, these brownies offer a delightful balance of tartness from the cherries and deep cocoa flavor. Ideal for dessert lovers seeking an indulgent, fruit-infused chocolate delight.
Ingredients
Chocolate and Butter Mixture
- 1 cup dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
Sugars and Eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
Additional Flavorings and Mix-ins
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh cherries (pitted and chopped)
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easy.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a heatproof bowl set over simmering water (double boiler), melt the dark chocolate and unsalted butter together, stirring gently until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Add Sugars and Eggs: Remove the bowl from heat. Whisk in both granulated and brown sugars until well combined. Then, add the eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition to ensure a smooth batter.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in the all-purpose flour and salt into the chocolate mixture until just combined. Be careful to avoid overmixing to keep the brownies tender and fudgy.
- Add Cherries: Fold in the chopped fresh cherries evenly throughout the batter, distributing the fruit to every bite.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the edges are set and the center is still slightly soft, indicating a fudgy texture.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 12 servings to ensure clean cuts and optimal texture.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe cherries for the best flavor, and be sure to pit and chop them before folding into the batter.
- If you prefer a nuttier texture, try adding chopped walnuts or pecans along with the cherries.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Do not overbake; removing brownies while the center is slightly soft ensures a moist, fudgy result.
- Allow to cool fully to help the brownies set and ease slicing.
