Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

These Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies are a delightful treat that will satisfy any chocolate lover’s cravings. With their rich, fudgy texture and the sweet burst of roasted cherries, they are perfect for any occasion—from casual family gatherings to elegant dinner parties. The unique combination of flavors makes these brownies stand out, ensuring they are a hit with everyone who tries them.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fudgy Texture: These brownies have a moist and chewy consistency thanks to the combination of melted butter and chocolate.
• Roasted Flavor: Roasting the cherries enhances their sweetness and adds a depth of flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these brownies in no time.
• Perfect for Sharing: This recipe yields 16 servings, making it ideal for sharing with friends and family.
• Versatile Treat: Serve them warm with ice cream or enjoy them on their own as a satisfying dessert.

Tools and Preparation

To create your delicious Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies, it’s essential to have the right tools on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk attachment mixer
• Rubber spatula
• 8×8 baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheet

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without making a mess.
• Whisk attachment mixer: Helps achieve a light and fluffy batter by thoroughly mixing eggs and sugar.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for gently folding in dry ingredients without deflating the batter.

Ingredients

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

For the Roasted Cherries

• 2 cups Cherries cut in half (washed, pitted)
• Sprinkle of sugar

For the Brownie Batter

• 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. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the halved cherries evenly over the paper and sprinkle with sugar. Bake for 10 minutes until soft and fragrant. Allow them to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan

Turn your oven down to 325°F. Spray an 8×8 pan with non-stick baking spray. Line the bottom and two sides with parchment paper for easy removal later, then spray it again.

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 with a whisk attachment, beat together the white granulated sugar, large eggs, and egg yolk on high speed for about 5 minutes until fluffy. Meanwhile, melt the unsalted butter until slightly cooled. Add this melted butter along with oil and vanilla extract into the mixture on low speed.

Step 5: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Remove the bowl from the mixer. Gently fold in the dry ingredients using a rubber spatula until just combined—be careful not to overmix to keep that airiness in your batter!

Step 6: Add Cherries & Chocolate Chips

Separate half of your roasted cherries from those on your baking sheet and fold them into the brownie batter along with semi-sweet chocolate chips. Pour this mixture into your prepared pan and spread it evenly.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for about 40-50 minutes. The edges should be set while still slightly underdone in the middle. Sprinkle some extra chocolate chips on top before letting them cool completely in the pan.

Step 8: Serve

Once cooled, freeze your brownies for about 15 minutes to make cutting easier. Remove from the pan, top with remaining roasted cherries, cut into squares, and serve!

Enjoy your deliciously rich Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies!

How to Serve Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

These Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies are not only delicious but also versatile in how they can be served. Elevate your dessert experience with these delightful serving suggestions.

A La Mode

• Serve warm brownies with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream on top for a classic combination.

Whipped Cream Delight

• Add a generous dollop of whipped cream to each brownie for added creaminess that balances the fudginess.

Fresh Fruit Garnish

• Top the brownies with fresh sliced cherries or strawberries for a refreshing contrast and an appealing presentation.

Chocolate Drizzle

• Drizzle melted chocolate over the brownies before serving for an extra touch of indulgence.

Coffee Pairing

• Serve alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee to enhance the chocolate flavors in your brownies.

How to Perfect Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Perfecting your Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies will ensure they turn out fudgy and delicious every time. Here are some helpful tips:

• Use room temperature eggs: This helps them incorporate better into the batter, leading to a smoother texture.

• Don’t overmix: Gently fold in dry ingredients to maintain airiness and achieve that perfect fudgy consistency.

• Check baking time: Start checking your brownies at 40 minutes. They should be set around the edges but slightly underbaked in the center for that gooey texture.

• Cool completely before cutting: Allowing the brownies to cool fully will help them set, making it easier to cut into neat squares.

Best Side Dishes for Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

To complement the rich flavors of your Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies, consider these delightful side dishes:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy sweetness pairs perfectly with the chocolate and cherry flavors.
2. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the richness of the brownies.
3. Chocolate Sauce: Serve alongside for drizzling or dipping, enhancing the chocolate experience.
4. Coffee: A warm cup of coffee enhances chocolate’s flavor while providing a comforting contrast.
5. Chocolate Mousse: This light yet decadent addition creates a luxurious dessert pairing.
6. Nutty Granola: A sprinkle of granola adds crunch and complements the softness of the brownies, providing texture contrast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies, it’s easy to make a few common missteps. Here are some mistakes to watch for.

• Using unripe cherries: Always choose ripe cherries for the best flavor. Unripe cherries can make your brownies taste tart and unbalanced.
• Overmixing the batter: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Overmixing can lead to dense brownies instead of fudgy ones.
• Skipping the cooling step: Letting the roasted cherries cool is important. If added hot, they can alter the texture of your brownie batter.
• Not testing for doneness: Always check your brownies a few minutes before the suggested baking time. They should be set around the edges but slightly soft in the center.
• Incorrect oven temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated correctly. An inaccurate temperature can lead to undercooked or overcooked brownies.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

• Place brownies in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.
• You can freeze them for up to 3 months.

Reheating Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and warm brownies for about 10-15 minutes for best results.
• Microwave: Heat individual pieces on medium power for about 20-30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet on low heat, cover with a lid, and reheat for a few minutes until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies?

Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies are rich, fudgy brownies topped with sweet roasted cherries that enhance their chocolate flavor.

Can I use frozen cherries?

Yes, you can use frozen cherries! Just ensure they are thawed and drained well before adding them to your brownie batter.

How do I know when my brownies are done?

Your brownies are ready when the edges look firm, but the center remains slightly soft and moist.

What can I substitute if I don’t have Dutch process cocoa powder?

You can use regular unsweetened cocoa powder instead. The flavor may differ slightly, but it will still yield delicious brownies.

Can I customize this recipe?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, different types of chocolate chips, or even swirls of peanut butter or caramel before baking for added flavor.

Final Thoughts

These Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies offer a delightful mix of flavors and textures that are sure to impress. With their fudgy base and sweet roasted cherry topping, they make a perfect dessert for any occasion. Feel free to customize them with your favorite mix-ins!