Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

These Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies are a decadent treat that combines rich chocolate with the natural sweetness of roasted cherries. Perfect for celebrations, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in, these brownies stand out with their fudgy texture and delightful cherry topping. The harmonious blend of flavors makes them an irresistible choice for any dessert lover.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate and roasted cherries creates a unique taste that will impress your guests.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, anyone can whip up these brownies in no time.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for parties, holidays, or a simple dessert after dinner.
• Fudgy Texture: These brownies are rich and moist, ensuring every bite is filled with deliciousness.
• Impressive Presentation: Topped with roasted cherries, they look as great as they taste!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies, gather your tools for a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk attachment mixer
• Rubber spatula
• 8X8 baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheet

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl allows you to mix ingredients thoroughly without spills.
• Whisk attachment mixer: This tool helps achieve the perfect fluffy texture by incorporating air into the batter.
• Rubber spatula: Ideal for folding ingredients gently to preserve airiness in your brownies.

Ingredients

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

For the Brownie Batter

• 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 lightly with sugar. Bake for 10 minutes, then let them cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan

Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F. Spray an 8X8 pan with non-stick baking spray. Line the bottom and two sides with parchment paper and spray again for easy removal later.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Step 4: Beat Eggs and Sugar

Using a mixer with a whisk attachment, beat the white sugar, eggs, and egg yolk on high speed for about 5 minutes until light and fluffy.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

While mixing, melt the unsalted butter until slightly cooled. Add it along with oil and vanilla extract to the egg mixture. Blend on low speed until combined.

Step 6: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Remove the mixer from power. Add in your dry ingredient mixture gradually using a rubber spatula to gently fold it into the wet ingredients without losing air.

Step 7: Add Cherries and Chocolate Chips

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

Step 8: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for about 40-50 minutes. The edges should be set while the center remains slightly underdone. Top with extra chocolate chips before cooling completely in the pan.

Step 9: Chill and Serve

Freeze your brownies for around 15 minutes before removing them from the pan. Top with remaining roasted cherries before cutting into squares to serve.

Enjoy these delectable Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies, perfect for any occasion!

How to Serve Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer them as a simple dessert or dressed up for a special occasion, these brownies are sure to impress.

Pair with Ice Cream

• Vanilla ice cream – The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream perfectly balances the rich chocolate.
• Cherry sorbet – This fruity option enhances the cherry flavor already present in the brownies.

Drizzle with Sauce

• Chocolate sauce – A warm drizzle adds an extra chocolatey kick to each bite.
• Caramel sauce – The sweetness of caramel complements the tartness of the roasted cherries.

Add Fresh Fruit

• Fresh cherries – Top with some fresh cherries for added freshness and color.
• Berries – A mix of raspberries and blueberries can provide a tangy contrast to the fudgy brownies.

Serve Warm

• Warmed up – Enjoying the brownies slightly warmed allows the chocolate chips to melt even more, enhancing the experience.

How to Perfect Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

To achieve the best texture and flavor in your Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies, consider these helpful tips.

• Use high-quality chocolate – It makes a significant difference in flavor. Opt for good semi-sweet chocolate chips for better taste.
• Don’t overmix – When incorporating dry ingredients, gently fold them into the batter to keep it airy and fudgy.
• Check for doneness – Keep an eye on baking time; underbaking slightly will give you that gooey texture everyone loves.
• Let cool completely – Allowing the brownies to cool ensures they set properly and makes cutting easier.
• Experiment with add-ins – Feel free to add nuts or different types of chocolate chips for variety in your brownies.

Best Side Dishes for Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies can be complemented beautifully by various side dishes. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad – A light and refreshing mix of seasonal fruits offers a healthy contrast.
2. Whipped Cream – Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds creaminess that pairs wonderfully with brownies.
3. Coffee or Espresso – A warm cup enhances the chocolate flavors and provides an energizing boost.
4. Cheese Plate – A selection of mild cheeses can serve as an interesting savory balance to the sweet brownies.
5. Chocolate Mousse – For true chocoholics, pairing with rich chocolate mousse creates a decadent experience.
6. Mint Tea – The refreshing notes of mint tea cleanse the palate after enjoying rich brownies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies, it’s easy to make small errors that can affect your results. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to tough brownies. Mix until just combined for a fudgy texture.
• Skipping the parchment paper: Not lining your baking pan can cause brownies to stick. Always line with parchment for easy removal.
• Using cold ingredients: Cold eggs or butter can prevent proper mixing. Let them reach room temperature before use.
• Not checking for doneness: Baking too long makes brownies dry. Check for a slightly underdone center; it will firm up as they cool.
• Neglecting to cool completely: Cutting warm brownies can lead to crumbling. Allow them to cool in the pan before slicing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

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

Reheating Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place brownies on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat each brownie for 15-20 seconds on medium power until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for a few minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes these Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies so fudgy?

The combination of melted butter, eggs, and a rich cocoa powder creates a moist batter that results in fudgy brownies.

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Just thaw and drain excess moisture before using them in the recipe.

How do I know when the brownies are done?

Brownies are done when the edges are set but the middle is still slightly soft. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs.

Can I customize this Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies recipe?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, different types of chocolate chips, or even a swirl of caramel for added flavor.

Final Thoughts

Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies are not only delicious but also versatile. The roasted cherries add a unique twist that pairs perfectly with rich chocolate. Feel free to customize them with your favorite mix-ins or toppings. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to impress!