Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate with the bright taste of cherries, then you’ve come to the right place! These Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies are not just any brownies; they are super fudgy and topped with luscious roasted cherries that add a delightful twist. I adore this recipe because it’s perfect for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a family gathering, celebrating a birthday, or simply need a cozy dessert after dinner. Trust me, these brownies will make your taste buds sing!

What makes this recipe even better is how easy it is to whip up. You can have these delicious brownies ready in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With simple steps, you’ll be enjoying homemade brownies in no time.
• Fudgy texture: These brownies are incredibly moist and rich—every bite is pure bliss!
• Family favorite: Kids and adults alike will love the combination of chocolate and cherries.
• Make ahead: Perfect for meal prep or baking in advance for special occasions.
• Versatile dessert: Great for sharing, or indulge on your own (no judgment here!).

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our wholesome ingredients! This brownie recipe uses simple components that you likely already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

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

Variations

This recipe is quite flexible! Feel free to get creative with these fun variations:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an added crunch.
• Mix up the fruit: Use raspberries or strawberries instead of cherries for a different fruity flavor.
• Try different chocolates: Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips for a richer taste.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

How to Make Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Step 1: Roast the Cherries

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread those beautiful cherry halves over the parchment and sprinkle them lightly with sugar. Bake them for about 10 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. Let them cool while we prepare the brownie batter. Roasting enhances their sweetness and gives them a lovely caramelized flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Now, let’s turn down the oven temperature to 325°F. Grab an 8X8 pan and give it a quick spray with non-stick baking spray. Line the bottom and two sides with parchment paper for easy removal later on—trust me, this little step makes all the difference!

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Doing this helps ensure there are no lumps and creates a smoother batter. Set aside while we whip up our wet ingredients.

Step 4: Beat Sugar and Eggs

Using a mixer with a whisk attachment, beat together the granulated sugar, eggs, and egg yolk on high speed for about 5 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy. This step adds air into your batter which is key to achieving that irresistibly fudgy texture.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

While you’re mixing, melt your butter until it’s slightly cooled but still liquidy. Add it along with oil and vanilla extract to your egg mixture—mix on low until combined. Now we’re ready to add our dry ingredients!

Step 6: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Carefully fold in your dry ingredients using a rubber spatula. Be gentle here; we want to maintain all that lovely airiness from earlier! Once combined, separate half of your roasted cherries and add them along with chocolate chips into the batter—folding gently once more.

Step 7: Bake the Brownies

Pour this decadent brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread it out smoothly. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 40-50 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are set but the center remains slightly underdone—that’s when they’re at their fudgiest! Sprinkle some extra chocolate chips on top before letting them cool completely in the pan.

Step 8: Chill & Serve

Once cooled, place the brownies in the freezer for about 15 minutes—it helps firm them up nicely! Afterward, remove from the pan, top with remaining roasted cherries, slice into squares, and enjoy every delicious bite of these Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies!

These brownies are truly something special—perfect to share or indulge all by yourself!

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Making these Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies can be a delightful experience, especially with a few handy tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time.

• Choose ripe cherries: Using fresh, ripe cherries will enhance the flavor of your brownies. Sweet and juicy cherries add a natural sweetness that perfectly complements the rich chocolate.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Gently folding in the dry ingredients is key to maintaining a fudgy texture. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, resulting in a cakey brownie instead of the dense, chewy treat we love.

• Check for doneness carefully: Because these brownies are meant to be fudgy, it’s essential to check them at the lower end of the baking time. If you see set edges but a slightly underdone middle, you’ve nailed it!

• Cool completely before cutting: Allowing the brownies to cool in the pan ensures they set up properly. Cutting them too soon can cause them to fall apart—no one wants a crumbly brownie!

• Experiment with flavors: While this recipe is delicious as is, feel free to play around! Adding nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before serving can elevate your brownies even more.

How to Serve Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Serving these brownies can be just as enjoyable as making them! Here are some creative ideas to present your delightful dessert.

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a refreshing contrast and enhances the overall decadence.
• Chocolate drizzle: A simple drizzle of melted chocolate on top creates an elegant finish that looks as good as it tastes.
• Fresh mint leaves: A sprig of mint not only adds color but also a hint of freshness that pairs beautifully with chocolate and cherries.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The classic pairing of warm brownies with creamy vanilla ice cream creates an indulgent treat that’s hard to resist. The cold ice cream balances the warm fudginess perfectly.
• Fruit salad: A light fruit salad combines various seasonal fruits and offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the brownies.
• Coffee or espresso: A cup of coffee or espresso elevates your dessert experience, enhancing the chocolate flavors while providing a comforting warmth.
• Nutty granola: For those who enjoy crunch with their sweets, serving brownies alongside nutty granola adds texture and an extra layer of flavor.

With these serving tips and ideas, your Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies are bound to impress friends and family alike. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy this fudgy treat throughout the week. Here are some tips on how to store and preserve them:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the brownies to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, store in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Cut the brownies into individual pieces before freezing for easy access.
• Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to label your container!

Reheating

• To enjoy warm brownies, simply microwave them for about 10-15 seconds.
• For a slightly crispy edge, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

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

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can! Just thaw and drain any excess moisture from the frozen cherries before using them in this recipe.

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

The edges should be set while the center remains slightly soft. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs attached.

What makes these brownies fudgy?

The combination of butter and oil, along with a higher ratio of cocoa powder and sugar, contributes to their rich fudgy texture!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am about trying these Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies! Their delightful combination of chocolate and roasted cherries will surely bring joy to your taste buds. Whether you’re whipping them up for a special occasion or just because, these brownies are bound to impress. Enjoy every bite and don’t hesitate to share your creations with loved ones!