Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

If you’re looking for a dessert that blends rich chocolate with the sweet tang of cherries, then you’ve landed in the right place! These Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies are a cherished recipe in my home. They strike the perfect balance between fudgy and fruity, making them an absolute treat for any occasion. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, these brownies are sure to bring smiles all around.

The best part? You can whip them up without any fuss! Just follow along, and soon you’ll be enjoying these decadent delights. Let’s dive into why this recipe is so special!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you’ll have these brownies ready in no time!
• Family favorite: Kids and adults alike can’t resist the combination of chocolate and cherries—perfect for sharing.
• Make ahead convenience: Bake a batch ahead of time and freeze them; they’ll be ready whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up!
• Decadent flavor: The roasted cherries add a unique twist that elevates the classic brownie experience.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or just because, these brownies fit right in!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that will transform into your new favorite dessert! You probably have most of these on hand 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 recipe is flexible, allowing you to tweak it to your liking! Here are some fun ideas to make these brownies your own:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Switch up the fruit: Try using raspberries or strawberries if cherries aren’t your thing!
• Make it minty: Add a few drops of peppermint extract for a refreshing twist.
• Go gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour for a gluten-free version.

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 your halved cherries over the paper and sprinkle them lightly with sugar. Bake for about 10 minutes. This step is important as roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the cherries and enhances their flavor!

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Once your cherries are cooling, lower the oven temperature to 325°F. Grab an 8X8 pan and spray it with non-stick baking spray. Line the bottom and two sides with parchment paper, then give it another spritz. This ensures easy removal once those delicious brownies are baked!

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Set this aside for now. 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.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

While your mixture is coming together, melt your butter until it’s slightly cooled. Then add this melted butter along with oil and vanilla into your egg mixture. Mix on low speed until combined. It’s great to take off the mixer now because we want to gently fold in those dry ingredients next.

Step 5: Fold in Cherries and Chocolate Chips

Take half of those roasted cherries and fold them into your brownie batter along with chocolate chips. Gently mix until everything is combined; be careful not to lose that lovely airiness from whipping those eggs earlier. Then pour this luscious batter into your prepared pan.

Step 6: Bake Your Brownies

Pop those beauties into the oven! Bake for about 40-50 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges look set but the center remains slightly underdone—that’s where all that fudginess comes from! Once out of the oven, sprinkle some extra chocolate chips on top while they’re still warm.

Step 7: Cool & Serve

Let your brownies cool completely in the pan before transferring them out (you can freeze them briefly if you’re impatient!). Top with remaining roasted cherries before cutting them into squares and serving up slices of joy!

Now you have everything you need to create these irresistible Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Baking these delicious brownies can be a breeze with a few helpful tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use high-quality chocolate: The flavor of your brownies hinges on the quality of the chocolate. Opt for semi-sweet chocolate chips that you enjoy eating on their own for the best taste.

• Don’t overmix the batter: When folding in the dry ingredients, use a gentle hand. Overmixing can lead to dense brownies instead of the desired fudgy texture.

• Check for doneness carefully: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your brownies in the last few minutes of baking. They should have set edges but a slightly underdone center for that fudgy consistency.

• Cool completely before slicing: Allowing the brownies to cool completely in the pan helps them set up nicely and makes cutting them much easier, ensuring clean, beautiful squares.

• Experiment with different fruits: If cherries aren’t your favorite or are out of season, feel free to swap them with other fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a delightful twist!

How to Serve Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

These roasted chocolate cherry brownies are not just a treat; they’re also a feast for the eyes! Here are some ideas to present them beautifully at your next gathering.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch and enhances the presentation without overpowering the flavor.

• Chocolate drizzle: Melt some extra chocolate and drizzle it over the brownies for an indulgent look that signals decadence!

• Fresh mint leaves: A few fresh mint leaves can add a pop of color and a refreshing aroma that complements the richness of the brownies.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla non-dairy ice cream: This creamy treat is perfect alongside warm brownies. The contrast between hot and cold will elevate each bite!

• Whipped coconut cream: Light and fluffy, this dairy-free option adds a luscious texture that pairs beautifully with chocolate and cherries.

• Fresh fruit salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing counterbalance to the richness of the brownies, making for a well-rounded dessert experience.

• Coffee or herbal tea: A warm cup of coffee or soothing herbal tea can enhance your dessert experience by complementing the flavors in your brownies while providing a cozy atmosphere.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your roasted chocolate cherry brownies will surely impress everyone who has the pleasure of tasting them! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip them up in advance and store them, making them a delightful treat ready whenever you need a chocolate fix.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the brownies to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer, you can also refrigerate them to extend freshness for about a week.

Freezing

• Cut the brownies into squares and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place the wrapped brownies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to label and date your packages!

Reheating

• To enjoy your brownies warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Unwrap the desired number of brownies and place them on a baking sheet.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual pieces for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about these delicious brownies.

Can I use frozen cherries for Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies?

Absolutely! Frozen cherries work just fine. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before roasting them.

How do I make my Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies extra fudgy?

To achieve that extra fudgy texture, avoid over-baking the brownies. They should be set on the edges but slightly underbaked in the middle.

What can I substitute for eggs in Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies?

You can use unsweetened applesauce or mashed bananas as an egg substitute—1/4 cup per egg works well in this recipe.

Can I add nuts to Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies?

Certainly! Chopped walnuts or pecans would be a fantastic addition if you enjoy a bit of crunch alongside the fudgy texture.

How should I serve Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies?

These brownies are delicious on their own, but you can enhance their appeal by serving them with whipped coconut cream or a scoop of dairy-free ice cream!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies! With their rich chocolate flavor and sweet roasted cherries, they are truly something special. Whether you’re sharing with friends or enjoying them solo, they’re sure to bring a smile. Happy baking, and don’t forget to savor each bite!