Welcome to a chocolate lover’s dream come true with this Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe! Imagine fudgy, rich brownies bursting with the juicy sweetness of roasted cherries, perfectly balanced by deep dark chocolate. These brownies aren’t just any brownies—they have that extra touch of roasting that intensifies the cherries’ flavor, making every bite irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or an impressive dessert to share, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make these luscious brownies is a joy because the ingredients are simple yet absolutely essential. Each component plays a unique role in creating the perfect taste, texture, and that beautiful, rich color that defines these decadent treats.
- Dark chocolate (1 cup, at least 70% cocoa): Provides a deep, intense chocolate flavor and luscious texture when melted.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Adds richness and helps create that fudgy, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and contributes to the brownie’s slightly crisp top crust.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Brings moisture and a subtle caramel note for added depth.
- Large eggs (3): Bind everything together and provide structure to the brownies.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Creates the necessary body without making the brownies cakey.
- Fresh cherries (1 cup, pitted and chopped): Roasted beforehand to boost natural sweetness and add a juicy pop.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances all the other flavors with a warm, sweet aroma.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances sweetness and intensifies the chocolate flavors.
How to Make Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the right baking temperature from the get-go. Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper so your brownies don’t stick and come out looking beautiful and intact.
Step 2: Roast the Cherries
Before preparing the batter, roast your fresh cherries lightly. Roasting unlocks their natural sugars, intensifying their flavor so they add the perfect sweet-tart burst in every bite. Simply spread the chopped cherries on a baking sheet and roast at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Let them cool as you prepare the rest.
Step 3: Melt Chocolate and Butter
Place dark chocolate and unsalted butter in a heatproof bowl over simmering water (a double boiler). Stir gently until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy. This step is critical for that indulgently silky base that defines these brownies.
Step 4: Mix in Sugars and Eggs
Remove the melted chocolate and butter from heat, then whisk in the granulated and brown sugars until fully combined. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition to make the batter silky and smooth, ensuring a lovely, even rise.
Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gently fold in the flour and salt using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix here—overworking the batter can result in a tough brownie, so fold just until the flour disappears to keep it tender and fudgy.
Step 6: Add Roasted Cherries
Fold in your beautifully roasted cherries carefully, distributing them evenly without crushing. These roasted gems add bursts of sweet-tart surprise in every mouthful.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the edges are set and the center is still slightly soft. The key here is that perfect balance of fudgy center and slightly crisp edges that make brownies so irresistible.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Allow your Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies to cool completely before slicing. This helps them set properly and ensures clean, gorgeous squares when you serve them.
How to Serve Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of love, dust your brownie squares with powdered sugar or top with a dollop of whipped cream. A few fresh cherries or a drizzle of chocolate ganache can elevate the presentation and flavor even further.
Side Dishes
Pair these brownies with a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream for an utterly decadent dessert experience. A cup of strong coffee or hot tea also complements the rich chocolate and luscious cherries beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your brownies into an eye-catching dessert tray by serving them alongside fresh fruit, nuts, or even a small bowl of roasted cherry compote. You can layer them in a trifle for a fun twist or cut into bite-sized pieces for a party platter that everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover brownies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This maintains their fudgy texture and keeps the cherries moist and flavorful.
Freezing
You can freeze your Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
Warm brownies gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds to revive their gooey softness. Avoid overheating to keep the cherries juicy and the chocolate rich without drying out the texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess juice before roasting to avoid adding too much moisture to the batter, which could impact the brownie texture.
Why roast the cherries before adding them?
Roasting intensifies the cherries’ natural sweetness and reduces moisture, preventing soggy brownies while giving that delightful caramelized flavor contrast to the rich chocolate.
Can I substitute the dark chocolate with milk chocolate?
Yes, but keep in mind the flavor will be sweeter and less intense. Using high-quality chocolate still makes a big difference for a rich, balanced brownie.
How can I tell when the brownies are done baking?
Look for edges that are set and begin to pull away from the pan, with a slightly soft and fudgy center. A toothpick inserted may come out with moist crumbs but no wet batter.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to this recipe?
Definitely! Walnuts, pecans, or even chocolate chips pair beautifully with roasted cherries and dark chocolate, adding extra texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe is pure joy in brownie form. The rich dark chocolate combined with the juicy roasted cherries creates a dessert so memorable, you’ll want to make it again and again. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience your new favorite brownie sensation!
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Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Decadent Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies combining rich dark chocolate with fresh cherries for a perfect balance of sweet and tart in a fudgy, moist dessert. These brownies feature a silky chocolate base with juicy cherry bursts, baked to perfection and ideal for any chocolate lover.
Ingredients
Chocolate Mixture
- 1 cup dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
Brownie Batter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Fruit
- 1 cup fresh cherries (pitted and chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and clean edges.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a heatproof bowl set over simmering water (double boiler), gently melt the dark chocolate and unsalted butter together until fully smooth and combined, ensuring no lumps.
- Mix Sugars and Eggs: Remove the chocolate mixture from heat. Whisk in the granulated sugar and brown sugar thoroughly. Then add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition to create a smooth, glossy batter.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in the all-purpose flour, salt, and vanilla extract into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep a tender brownie texture.
- Incorporate Cherries: Fold in the chopped fresh cherries evenly throughout the batter, distributing the fruit for tasty pockets in every bite.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the edges are set but the center is still slightly soft for a fudgy texture.
- Cool and Serve: Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 12 equal pieces to ensure clean cuts and set texture.
Notes
- Use fresh cherries for the best flavor, or substitute with frozen thawed cherries if fresh are unavailable.
- Do not overbake; pulling brownies out with a slightly soft center ensures a fudgy texture.
- Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner edges.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
