Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug, let me introduce you to my Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies. These brownies are not just any brownies; they’re wonderfully fudgy and bursting with the rich flavor of chocolate and sweet, roasted cherries. This recipe has become a favorite in my home because it’s perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a busy weeknight treat, a special gathering with family, or simply a well-deserved pick-me-up after a long day.

The combination of the deep chocolate flavor and the juicy cherries creates a delightful contrast that will leave your taste buds dancing! Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to whip up, making them an ideal choice even for novice bakers. Trust me; once you take a bite, you’ll understand why these Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies have stolen my heart!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have these delicious brownies baked and cooling on your counter in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves brownies! The addition of roasted cherries makes them extra special and loved by kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Delight: These brownies store beautifully in an airtight container, so you can make them ahead of time for parties or gatherings.
• Decadent Flavor: The fudgy texture combined with sweet roasted cherries creates an irresistible dessert experience.
• Perfect for Sharing: Cut them into small squares and share with friends or neighbors—everyone will be asking for your secret!

Ingredients You’ll Need

When making these Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies, you’ll be glad to know that the ingredients are simple and wholesome! Each one plays an important role in creating that fudgy texture and delightful cherry flavor. Here’s what you need:

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

Variations

This brownie recipe is quite flexible, allowing you to get creative! Here are some ideas if you want to switch things up:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and crunch.
• Try Different Fruits: Substitute cherries with raspberries or blueberries for a different fruity twist.
• Make Them Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor even more!

How to Make Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Step 1: Roast the Cherries

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the halved cherries over it. Sprinkle them lightly with sugar before roasting for about 10 minutes. This step caramelizes the cherries slightly, enhancing their sweetness and creating that delicious roasted flavor.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Once your cherries are done roasting, turn your oven down to 325°F. Spray an 8X8 pan with non-stick baking spray. Line the bottom and two sides with parchment paper for easy removal later—this ensures your brownies come out cleanly.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. This helps to aerate the dry ingredients, ensuring your brownies will be light and fluffy despite their fudgy nature.

Step 4: Beat Sugar and Eggs

Using a mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat together the white sugar, eggs, and egg yolk on high speed for about 5 minutes until it’s thick and pale. This step is crucial as it adds air into the mixture which helps create that lovely brownie texture.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

Melt your butter until just melted but slightly cooled. Add it along with oil and vanilla to your egg mixture and mix on low speed until combined. Be careful not to over-mix here—just enough to blend everything together nicely.

Step 6: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Gently add the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula. Be careful not to knock out too much air; we want those brownies nice and fluffy! Once combined, fold in half of the roasted cherries along with chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

Step 7: Bake

Pour this luscious brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake at 325°F for about 40-50 minutes. You know they’re ready when the edges look set but the center remains slightly underdone—this ensures that fudgy goodness!

Step 8: Cool & Serve

After baking, let your brownies cool completely in the pan. Place them in the freezer for about 15 minutes to help set further before removing from the pan. Top with remaining roasted cherries before cutting into squares—and enjoy every bite of these Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies!

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Creating the perfect batch of roasted chocolate cherry brownies is all about attention to detail and a little love. Here are some pro tips to ensure your brownies turn out absolutely delicious!

• Use ripe cherries: Ripe cherries bring out the natural sweetness and enhance the flavor of your brownies. Look for plump, juicy cherries for the best results.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Gentle folding of the dry ingredients keeps your brownies fudgy and light. Overmixing can lead to dense brownies, so mix just until everything is combined.

• Check for doneness carefully: To achieve that perfect gooey center, keep a close eye on your brownies as they bake. The edges should be set while the middle appears slightly underdone; it will continue to cook as it cools.

• Experiment with chocolate chips: While semi-sweet chocolate chips are delicious, don’t hesitate to try dark chocolate or even milk chocolate varieties for a different flavor profile.

• Let them cool completely: Giving your brownies time to cool in the pan allows them to set properly and makes cutting them into squares much easier.

How to Serve Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Presenting your roasted chocolate cherry brownies can be just as fun as making them! Here are some delightful serving ideas that will impress family and friends alike.

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a creamy contrast to the rich chocolate flavors without any dairy.
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkling chopped walnuts or almonds on top adds a satisfying crunch that complements the fudgy texture perfectly.
• Fresh mint leaves: A few fresh mint leaves not only make for an appealing visual but also add a refreshing touch of flavor.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla almond ice cream: The creamy sweetness of vanilla almond ice cream pairs beautifully with warm brownies, creating a comforting dessert experience.
• Berry salad: A light berry salad with strawberries and blueberries offers a fruity, fresh contrast that balances the richness of the brownies.
• Coffee or espresso: A cup of freshly brewed coffee or espresso enhances the deep chocolate notes in your brownies, making each bite even more indulgent.
• Coconut yogurt: Creamy coconut yogurt serves as a delightful non-dairy accompaniment that provides a tangy balance to the sweetness of the brownies.

Enjoy crafting these roasted chocolate cherry brownies and sharing them with loved ones! Each bite is sure to bring smiles and warmth all around.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies are not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time and enjoy their rich flavors throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow brownies to cool completely before storing.
• Place brownies in an airtight container.
• Keep at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped brownies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy!

Reheating

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place brownies on a baking sheet and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Alternatively, microwave individual brownies for about 15-20 seconds until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies.

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?

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

How do I know when my Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies are done?

The brownies are done baking when the edges appear set and the middle is slightly underdone. They will continue to cook as they cool.

What makes these brownies so fudgy?

The combination of melted butter, oil, and the right balance of flour and cocoa powder contributes to their fudgy texture. Plus, the roasted cherries add moisture!

Can I substitute any ingredients in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use dairy-free butter or coconut oil for a vegan option. Additionally, feel free to swap semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips if you prefer a richer flavor.

How should I serve Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies?

Serve them warm with a scoop of your favorite dairy-free ice cream or top with whipped coconut cream for an extra special treat!

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe for Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies brings joy into your kitchen! With their rich chocolatey goodness and bursts of sweet cherry flavor, they’re bound to be a hit. Enjoy making these delightful treats, and don’t forget to share them with friends and family. Happy baking!