Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

If you’re looking for a dessert that will make your heart sing, these Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies are just what you need! Imagine biting into a rich, fudgy brownie, and then discovering bursts of sweet roasted cherries nestled within. It’s a delightful combination that makes them perfect for any occasion—from a cozy family gathering to a simple weeknight treat. Trust me, once you try these brownies, they’ll become a staple in your dessert repertoire!

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to whip up. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create something truly special that everyone will adore. Plus, the roasted cherries add an elegant touch that elevates these brownies beyond the ordinary.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of chocolate and roasted cherries creates a mouthwatering treat that pleases any palate.
• Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps and minimal fuss, you can enjoy homemade brownies without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love these chocolaty delights—perfect for sharing or satisfying your own sweet tooth!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: These brownies can be baked ahead of time and stored, making them ideal for busy schedules or last-minute gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these delicious Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients. Don’t worry; you probably have most of them in your pantry already!

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! Feel free to play around with different flavors or ingredients to suit your taste.

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Mix in Other Fruits: Try substituting half the cherries with raspberries or strawberries for a fruity twist.
• Swap the Chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a richer flavor.
• Experiment with Extracts: A dash of almond extract can add another layer of flavor to these brownies!

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. A sprinkle of sugar on top helps caramelize their natural sweetness as they bake. Roast them for about 10 minutes until they are tender and fragrant. Let them cool while you prepare the brownie batter.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan

Lower your oven temperature to 325°F. Grab an 8X8 inch pan and spray it with non-stick baking spray. To ensure easy removal later, line the bottom and two sides with parchment paper before giving it another light spray. This step makes serving your brownies a breeze!

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Sifting helps aerate the dry ingredients which leads to lighter brownies! Set this mixture aside while we focus on beating our wet ingredients.

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 five minutes until fluffy and pale. This step introduces air into the batter, giving your brownies that desirable fudgy texture.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

While the mixer is running on low speed, pour in the melted butter (that should be slightly cooled), oil, and pure vanilla extract. Mixing these gently ensures everything is well incorporated without losing all that lovely air we just created.

Step 6: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Remove the bowl from the mixer and add the dry ingredient mixture to your wet ingredients. Using a rubber spatula, fold everything together gently until just combined—overmixing can lead to denser brownies.

Step 7: Add Cherries & Chocolate Chips

Now it’s time to fold in half of those beautiful roasted cherries along with the semi-sweet chocolate chips! The goal here is to distribute them evenly throughout without stirring too vigorously.

Step 8: Bake Your Brownies

Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top for even baking. Pop them into your preheated oven for 40-50 minutes; they’re ready when the edges look set but the center remains slightly underbaked—a hallmark of fudgy goodness!

Step 9: Cool & Serve

Once baked, let your brownies cool completely in the pan before freezing them for about 15 minutes. This helps firm them up for easier cutting! Top with leftover roasted cherries before slicing into squares—and enjoy every delectable bite!

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Making these roasted chocolate cherry brownies is a delightful experience, and I’m here to help you get the perfect batch every time!

• Choose ripe cherries: Using fresh, ripe cherries will enhance the flavor of your brownies. Ripe cherries are sweeter and juicier, making them the star of this recipe.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Gently folding in the dry ingredients helps maintain that fudgy texture we all love. Overmixing can lead to a denser brownie that loses its delightful chewiness.
• Check for doneness early: Ovens can vary, so start checking your brownies around 35 minutes. The edges should be set, while the center remains slightly underbaked for a perfect fudgy finish.
• Let them cool: Allowing your brownies to cool completely in the pan ensures they set properly. This step also makes cutting them much easier and prevents them from falling apart.
• Experiment with toppings: Feel free to add nuts or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top for an extra touch. These additions can provide different textures and flavors to complement the cherries.

How to Serve Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

These roasted chocolate cherry brownies are not just delicious; they also make for an impressive dessert! Here are some fun ways to present them that will surely delight your guests.

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a light and creamy contrast to the rich brownies.
• Fresh mint leaves: Sprinkling a few fresh mint leaves on top brings a refreshing pop of color and flavor.
• Chocolate shavings: Grating some dark chocolate over the brownies gives an elegant touch and enhances their chocolatey goodness.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with warm brownies, creating a classic dessert experience.
• Berries salad: A mix of fresh berries adds brightness and acidity, balancing out the richness of the brownies.
• Coffee or espresso: Serving these brownies with a cup of coffee or espresso can enhance their flavors and make for a delightful pairing.
• Nutty granola: A sprinkle of nutty granola on top provides crunch and additional flavor, complementing the soft texture of the brownies beautifully.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to enjoy your Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies in style! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies are perfect for meal prep! You can make them in advance and have a delightful dessert ready to go whenever you want. Follow these simple steps to store your brownies properly.

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 storage, refrigerate them in the airtight container for up to a week.

Freezing

• Cut the brownies into individual portions before freezing for easy access.
• Wrap each brownie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped brownies in a freezer-safe bag or container; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm brownies, take them out of the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• Once thawed, reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until warmed through.
• For a freshly baked taste, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe:

How do I make Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. This will create a delicious gluten-free version of these brownies!

Can I use frozen cherries for Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies?

Yes! Frozen cherries work well too. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before roasting to prevent soggy brownies.

What makes Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies so fudgy?

The combination of melted butter, eggs, and chocolate chips creates a rich and fudgy texture, while roasting the cherries enhances their flavor and moisture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to try these Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies! Their fudgy texture combined with the sweetness of roasted cherries makes them truly special. Whether you’re celebrating an occasion or just treating yourself after a long day, these brownies are sure to bring joy. Enjoy making them, and don’t forget to share your baking experience with friends and family. Happy baking!