Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s as delightful as it is delicious, then you must try these Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies. Just the thought of biting into a fudgy brownie, filled with luscious roasted cherries and melted chocolate chips, can make anyone’s day brighter! This recipe has become a family favorite in our home, perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Whether it’s a bake sale or a cozy evening with friends, these brownies never fail to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps and ingredients, you can whip up these brownies in no time!
• Fudgy Perfection: The combination of roasted cherries and chocolate creates a rich, indulgent treat that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will adore these brownies. They’re perfect for sharing!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare these brownies in advance and store them for later enjoyment—if they last that long!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather the ingredients for these scrumptious Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies! They are simple and wholesome, making them easy to find at your local grocery store.

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

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with your flavors and ingredients.

• Add Nuts: Incorporate some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Use Different Fruits: Swap out cherries for other fruits like raspberries or blueberries to suit your taste.
• Make It Vegan: Substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water and use plant-based butter.
• Try Different Chocolates: Experiment with dark chocolate chips or white chocolate for a twist.

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. Sprinkle them lightly with sugar. Roasting the cherries enhances their natural sweetness and brings out their flavor beautifully. Bake them for about 10 minutes until they are soft, then let them cool while you prepare the brownie batter.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Once your cherries are cooling, turn your oven down to 325°F. Grab an 8×8 pan and spray it generously with non-stick baking spray. To make removing the brownies easier later on, line the bottom and two sides of the pan with parchment paper before spraying again. This little step ensures perfectly shaped brownies every time!

Step 3: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. This step helps eliminate any lumps and ensures your brownies have a smooth texture. Set this mixture aside while you whip up your wet ingredients.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, use a mixer with a whisk attachment to beat together the sugar, eggs, and egg yolk on high speed for about five minutes until it’s light and fluffy. Meanwhile, melt your butter until it’s just warm but not hot; then add it along with the oil and vanilla to your egg mixture. Mixing these together well will create a rich base for your brownies.

Step 5: Fold Everything Together

Now it’s time to incorporate those dry ingredients into your wet mixture! Carefully fold in the dry ingredients using a rubber spatula—this gentle folding keeps all that lovely air in there! Once combined, add half of those beautiful roasted cherries along with chocolate chips and fold gently until everything is evenly mixed.

Step 6: Bake Your Brownies

Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread it out until smooth. Bake in your preheated oven for about 40-50 minutes. When done, the edges will be set while the middle remains slightly underdone—that’s what gives these brownies their fudgy texture! Don’t forget to sprinkle some extra chocolate chips on top right after pulling them out of the oven.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow your brownies to cool completely in the pan before transferring them out. For an extra treat, freeze them for about 15 minutes before cutting into squares. Top each piece with remaining roasted cherries for a stunning presentation!

Enjoy every bite of these amazing Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies—they’re sure to become a favorite in your home too!

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Creating the perfect batch of roasted chocolate cherry brownies is all about technique and a little love! Here are some pro tips to ensure your brownies turn out fudgy and delicious every time.

• Use fresh cherries: Fresh, in-season cherries will add the best flavor and sweetness to your brownies. If you can’t find fresh cherries, frozen ones can be used but make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding to the batter.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to dense brownies. Once you fold in the dry ingredients, stop mixing as soon as everything is just combined to keep that delightful fudgy texture.

• Check for doneness with care: Every oven is different! Start checking your brownies around the 40-minute mark. The edges should be set while the center remains slightly underbaked for that perfect gooeyness.

• Cool completely before cutting: Allowing the brownies to cool completely in the pan helps them firm up, making it easier to cut into neat squares without falling apart. Patience pays off!

• Experiment with chocolate types: While semi-sweet chocolate chips are delicious, feel free to mix in dark chocolate or even white chocolate for a unique twist on flavor!

How to Serve Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

These roasted chocolate cherry brownies are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes! Present them beautifully for gatherings or cozy nights at home.

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of this dairy-free alternative adds a light and airy contrast to the rich brownies.
• Chocolate shavings: A sprinkle of chocolate shavings on top elevates both presentation and taste, making each bite even more decadent.
• Fresh mint leaves: A few sprigs of mint not only add color but also a refreshing hint that complements the cherries perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The classic pairing! A scoop of vanilla ice cream offers a creamy contrast that balances the richness of the brownies.
• Fruit salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits can provide a refreshing counterpoint to the intense chocolate flavor.
• Coffee or espresso: Serving these brownies with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or espresso enhances their flavor profile, making it an indulgent treat.
• Nutty granola: A side of nutty granola can add crunch and texture, plus it’s a great way to bring some wholesome goodness alongside your sweet dessert.

Enjoy crafting your roasted chocolate cherry brownies, and don’t forget to share them with friends or loved ones—they’re sure to become a favorite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies are not only delectable but also perfect for meal prep. You can easily make a batch ahead of time and store them for later enjoyment. Whether you’re planning a party or just want a sweet treat on hand, these brownies fit the bill!

Storing Leftovers

• Store cooled brownies in an airtight container.
• Keep them at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing

• Cut the brownies into squares before freezing for easy serving.
• Wrap each brownie in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.

Reheating

• To enjoy your brownies warm, preheat your oven to 350°F.
• Place brownies on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave individual pieces for about 15-20 seconds.

FAQs

If you have questions about these delicious brownies, you’re in the right place! Here are some common inquiries:

Can I use frozen cherries for Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies?

Absolutely! Just thaw the frozen cherries and pat them dry before using them in the recipe. This will help maintain the texture of your brownies.

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

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

What can I substitute if I don’t have Dutch process cocoa powder?

You can use natural cocoa powder instead. Just keep in mind that it may result in a slightly different flavor profile and texture.

Can I make these Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings joy to your kitchen and sweet moments to your table! These Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies are special because they combine rich chocolate with the bright flavor of roasted cherries, making every bite a delightful experience. Enjoy making them, share with loved ones, and savor every fudgy piece. Happy baking!