Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

These Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies are a delightful treat that combines rich chocolate flavor with the sweetness of roasted cherries. Perfect for any occasion, these fudgy brownies will impress your family and friends. The unique twist of roasted cherries adds a depth of flavor that sets them apart from traditional brownies, making them a must-try dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

These brownies are not only delicious but also easy to prepare!

• Fudgy Texture: The combination of ingredients creates a rich, moist brownie that melts in your mouth.
• Flavor Explosion: Roasting the cherries enhances their sweetness, providing a burst of flavor with every bite.
• Versatile Dessert: Whether for a party, family gathering, or a cozy night in, these brownies fit any occasion perfectly.
• Simple Preparation: With straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can master this recipe.
• Decadent Toppings: The extra chocolate chips and roasted cherries on top make these brownies visually stunning and irresistible.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes baking easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 8X8 baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Mixer with whisk attachment
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking Pan: An 8X8 pan ensures even baking and perfect portion sizes for your brownies.
• Parchment Paper: Lining the pan with parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Mixer with Whisk Attachment: This tool helps achieve the perfect texture by incorporating air into the batter efficiently.

Ingredients

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

For the 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 over the parchment paper and sprinkle them with sugar. Bake for about 10 minutes, then let them cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan

Lower the oven temperature to 325°F. Spray an 8X8 pan with non-stick baking spray, then line the bottom and two sides with parchment paper. Spray again to ensure easy removal later.

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 for later use.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

Using a 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 mixing, melt the unsalted butter until it cools slightly. Add this melted butter along with oil and vanilla extract to the egg mixture; mix on low speed.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Remove the mixing bowl from the mixer. Gently fold in the dry ingredients using a rubber spatula until just combined—be careful not to deflate any air bubbles.

Step 6: Add Cherries and Chocolate Chips

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

Step 7: Bake Your Brownies

Place your brownie pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes. The brownies are ready when the edges are set but still slightly underbaked in the center. Top them with additional chocolate chips if desired before letting them cool completely in the pan.

Step 8: Final Touches Before Serving

Freeze your brownies for about 15 minutes to make cutting easier. Once firmed up, remove from the pan, top with remaining roasted cherries, slice into squares, and serve!

How to Serve Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

These Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer them plain or dressed up, there are plenty of serving suggestions to enhance their rich, chocolatey flavor.

With Whipped Cream

• A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy contrast to the dense brownies, making each bite even more indulgent.

À la Mode

• Serve the brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The melting ice cream pairs beautifully with the fudgy texture of the brownies and the roasted cherries.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• A drizzle of warm chocolate sauce over the brownies enhances their chocolatey goodness. This is perfect for chocolate lovers who want an extra touch of sweetness.

Topped with Fresh Cherries

• Garnishing with fresh cherries not only adds color but also complements the roasted cherries baked into the brownies, creating a beautiful presentation.

With Nuts

• Sprinkle chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch and flavor. The nuttiness contrasts nicely with the soft brownie texture.

Served with Coffee

• Pairing these brownies with a cup of coffee brings out the flavors of chocolate and cherry. The bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness perfectly.

How to Perfect Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

To achieve the best results when making Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies, follow these expert tips for a perfect batch every time.

• Use ripe cherries: Fresh, ripe cherries will provide the best flavor. Look for plump, dark red cherries that are in season for optimal taste.
• Don’t overmix: When folding in dry ingredients, be gentle. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies instead of fudgy ones.
• Check doneness carefully: Use a toothpick to test if they’re done. It should come out with a few moist crumbs; this ensures your brownies remain fudgy.
• Cool completely before cutting: Allowing the brownies to cool fully helps them set properly. Cutting them too soon can result in messy pieces.
• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add other ingredients like almond extract or sea salt on top for a unique twist on this classic dessert.
• Store properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for longer freshness, ensuring they stay delicious for days.

Best Side Dishes for Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

These brownies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their rich flavor. Here are some great options:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream
   The classic choice! It melts beautifully over warm brownies, adding creaminess that balances their richness.
2. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits offers a light contrast to the dense chocolate and sweet cherries in your brownies.
3. Chocolate Mousse
   For an extra chocolate hit, serve alongside creamy chocolate mousse that enhances the brownie experience without overwhelming it.
4. Coffee or Espresso
   A strong cup of coffee or espresso can elevate your dessert experience by balancing sweetness and enhancing flavors.
5. Mint Tea
   The refreshing notes from mint tea cleanse your palate and provide a nice contrast to the richness of the brownies.
6. Caramel Sauce
   Drizzling homemade caramel sauce on top adds an extra layer of sweetness and a buttery flavor that goes well with chocolate and cherries.
7. Cheesecake Bites
   These rich bites create an impressive dessert spread alongside brownies, providing different textures and flavors on your plate.
8. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
   For an elegant touch, serve chocolate-covered strawberries which will pair nicely with both chocolate and cherry flavors in your dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies, it’s easy to slip up. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Skipping the roasting step: Roasting cherries enhances their flavor. Don’t skip this step; it adds depth to your brownies.
• Incorrectly measuring ingredients: Use precise measurements for sugar and flour. Too much or too little can affect the texture and taste.
• Overmixing the batter: Be gentle when folding in the dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to dense brownies instead of the desired fudgy texture.
• Not letting the brownies cool completely: Patience is key! Allow the brownies to cool fully before cutting. This helps them set properly.
• Using old baking soda or baking powder: Check expiration dates. Fresh leavening agents ensure your brownies rise and have a perfect texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Instructions

• Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Label the bag with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Instructions

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place brownies on a baking sheet, and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in 15-second intervals until just warm, checking often.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies special?

Roasting the cherries intensifies their flavor, creating a delicious contrast with the rich chocolate.

Can I use frozen cherries for this recipe?

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

How do I know when my brownies are done?

Check for set edges with a slightly underdone center. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs.

Can I customize the Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies?

Definitely! You can add nuts or swap chocolate chips for white chocolate or dark chocolate varieties.

Are Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies suitable for gifting?

Absolutely! These brownies make a delightful gift wrapped nicely in a box or tin.

Final Thoughts

Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies are an indulgent treat that balances rich chocolate with sweet roasted cherries. Their fudgy texture is simply irresistible, making them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize with nuts or different chocolate types to suit your taste!