Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavor of chocolate with the natural sweetness of roasted cherries. These brownies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a birthday party, or simply a weekend indulgence. Their fudgy texture and the burst of flavor from the roasted cherries set them apart, making them irresistible to all chocolate lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fudgy Texture: The combination of chocolate chips and roasted cherries creates an incredibly moist and fudgy brownie.
• Simple Preparation: With straightforward steps and minimal tools, these brownies can be whipped up in no time.
• Versatile Flavor: The sweet and slightly tart roasted cherries add a unique twist to traditional brownies.
• Perfect for Sharing: This recipe yields 16 brownies, making it great for sharing with friends and family.
• Customizable Toppings: Feel free to sprinkle on extra chocolate chips or nuts for added texture!

Tools and Preparation

To make your Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly. Proper preparation will help you create these delicious treats with ease.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Rubber spatula
• 8X8 inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheet

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A spacious mixing bowl allows you to combine ingredients easily without spilling.
• Electric mixer: Using an electric mixer saves time when beating eggs and sugar for a fluffy batter.
• Rubber spatula: Ideal for folding ingredients gently without deflating the batter.

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. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the halved cherries over the parchment paper and sprinkle them with sugar. Bake for about 10 minutes until they soften. Allow them to cool afterward.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan

Lower the oven temperature to 325°F. Take your 8X8 inch baking pan, spray it with non-stick baking spray, and line the bottom and two sides with parchment paper. Spray again lightly for easy removal.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

Using an electric 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 light and fluffy. While this is mixing, melt your unsalted butter until slightly cooled. Add in the melted butter, oil, and vanilla extract; mix on low speed until combined.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Remove the mixing bowl from your electric mixer. Gently fold in the dry ingredient mixture using a rubber spatula. Be careful not to overmix; you want to retain air in your batter for that fudgy texture.

Step 6: Add Cherries and Chocolate Chips

Take half of your roasted cherries and fold them into the brownie batter along with one cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips until well combined. Pour this mixture into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for about 40-50 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are set but the center remains slightly underbaked. Top with additional chocolate chips if desired after removing from oven. Let brownies cool completely in the pan.

Step 8: Serve

Chill in the freezer for about 15 minutes before removing from the pan. Top with remaining roasted cherries before cutting into squares and serving! Enjoy your Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies!

How to Serve Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Serving Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies can elevate your dessert experience. Whether for a special occasion or a casual treat, these brownies are versatile and delightful. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance their flavor and presentation.

With Whipped Cream

• Top each brownie with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a light and airy contrast to the rich chocolate.

À la Mode

• Serve warm brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The melting ice cream pairs perfectly with the fudgy texture.

Dusted with Powdered Sugar

• Lightly dust the brownies with powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant touch that adds sweetness without overpowering the chocolate flavor.

With Fresh Berries

• Add a side of fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, to complement the roasted cherries and enhance the overall fruitiness.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• A drizzle of chocolate sauce over the top can take these brownies to the next level for chocolate lovers.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange brownies on a dessert platter alongside other sweets like cookies or mini tarts for a delightful dessert spread at gatherings.

How to Perfect Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

To ensure your Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Use Quality Ingredients: High-quality chocolate and fresh cherries will significantly enhance the flavor of your brownies.

• Don’t Overmix: When folding in dry ingredients, be gentle. Overmixing can lead to dense brownies instead of fudgy ones.

• Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.

• Let Them Cool Completely: Allowing the brownies to cool fully in the pan helps them set better and makes cutting easier.

• Experiment with Toppings: Consider adding nuts or different types of chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.

• Store Properly: Keep leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Pairing side dishes with Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some ideas that complement their flavors beautifully:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing, vanilla ice cream balances the richness of the brownies perfectly.

2. Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds brightness and freshness, making it a refreshing contrast to the dense brownies.

3. Chocolate Mousse: For chocolate enthusiasts, serving alongside light chocolate mousse enhances the dessert’s indulgence.

4. Coffee or Espresso: A warm cup of coffee or espresso brings out the flavors in the chocolate while providing a caffeine boost.

5. Mint Sorbet: The refreshing taste of mint sorbet cleanses the palate between bites of rich brownie.

6. Cheese Plate: A selection of cheeses can offer salty notes that balance out the sweetness of the brownies, creating an interesting flavor profile.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies can be a delight, but there are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Overmixing the batter: This can lead to tough brownies. Mix gently when incorporating dry ingredients to keep them fudgy.
• Skipping the cherry roasting step: Roasting the cherries enhances their flavor and sweetness. Don’t skip this step for the best taste.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science. Use precise measurements, especially for flour and cocoa powder, to ensure the right texture.
• Baking at the wrong temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature. An oven that’s too hot can burn the edges while leaving the center undercooked.
• Cutting brownies too soon: Let brownies cool completely in the pan for cleaner cuts. Cutting too early can make them fall apart.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your brownies in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

• Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds per brownie. Be careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place a brownie in a skillet over low heat, cover, and heat for about 5 minutes until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Can I use frozen cherries instead?

Yes, frozen cherries work well! Just thaw them before roasting and drain excess liquid.

What’s the best way to serve Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies?

Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top for added indulgence.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Can I customize the recipe?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, swap dark chocolate chips for semi-sweet, or mix in other fruits to change up flavors.

Final Thoughts

These Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies are not only deliciously fudgy but also versatile enough for any occasion. Their rich chocolate flavor paired with sweet roasted cherries makes them a treat everyone will love. Feel free to customize by adding your favorite nuts or using different types of chocolate chips. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delightful dessert experience!