Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

If you’re looking for a treat that combines rich chocolate with the delightful tartness of cherries, you’ve come to the right place! My Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies are a beloved favorite in my home, and I can’t wait to share this recipe with you. The fudgy texture of these brownies paired with the sweet, roasted cherries makes every bite a little piece of heaven. Whether you’re whipping them up for a busy weeknight dessert or bringing them to a family gathering, they’re sure to impress everyone.

These brownies are not only easy to make but also offer a burst of flavor that’ll have you coming back for more. Plus, they’re perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without needing fancy ingredients. Let’s dive into why you’ll love making these Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fudgy and Delicious: These brownies are irresistibly fudgy, packed with chocolate goodness, and topped with sweet roasted cherries.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, this recipe is a breeze even for beginner bakers.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore these brownies—perfect for sharing with loved ones!
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare these brownies in advance, making them great for parties or last-minute guests.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as is, or add your favorite toppings like whipped cream or nuts for an extra twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple and wholesome ingredients to make these delicious brownies! 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 recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix it up based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Add Nuts: For an extra crunch, toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans along with the chocolate chips.
• Mix Up the Fruit: Try using raspberries or strawberries instead of cherries for a different fruity flavor.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the butter with coconut oil and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free for a vegan version.
• Swap the Chocolate Chips: Use white chocolate chips or butterscotch chips if you’re feeling adventurous!

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—this helps caramelize their natural sweetness during roasting. Bake those beauties for about 10 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. Let them cool while you prepare the brownie batter.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan

Now that your cherries are roasting nicely, turn your oven down to 325°F. Grab an 8×8 inch pan and spray it with non-stick baking spray. Line the bottom and two sides with parchment paper before giving it another quick spray. This ensures easy removal later on!

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, Dutch process cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. This step is key for ensuring your brownies have that wonderful texture we all love. Set this bowl aside while we mix our wet ingredients.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Using a mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat together the granulated sugar, eggs, and egg yolk on high speed for about 5 minutes until it’s light and fluffy. While that mixes away, melt your unsalted butter until it’s just slightly cooled. Add in the melted butter along with oil and vanilla extract; mix on low speed until combined.

Step 5: Fold It All Together

Gently fold in your dry ingredients using a rubber spatula—be careful not to deflate any air you’ve whipped into that lovely mixture! Once combined, add half of your roasted cherries into the batter along with semi-sweet chocolate chips. Fold them gently until everything is well mixed.

Step 6: Bake Your Brownies

Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-50 minutes. The edges should be set while the middle remains slightly underdone; this gives us that perfect fudgy texture! When they’re done baking, top them off with extra chocolate chips while they’re still warm and let cool completely in the pan.

Step 7: Serve Your Scrumptious Treats

After allowing your brownies to cool in the pan entirely (patience is key!), pop them in the freezer for about 15 minutes—this makes cutting easier! Once chilled slightly, lift them out using the parchment paper edges. Top off with any remaining roasted cherries before cutting into squares and serving up these delightful Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies.

Enjoy each bite!

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Creating the perfect batch of Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies is all about the details! Here are some tips to help you achieve brownie perfection.

• Use fresh cherries: Fresh cherries make a huge difference in flavor and texture. They add a juicy burst that complements the rich chocolate beautifully.

• Don’t overmix: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet, gently fold them together to maintain that fudgy texture. Overmixing can lead to dense brownies instead of light, airy ones.

• Check for doneness: Keep an eye on your brownies as they bake. They should be set at the edges but slightly underdone in the center for that perfect fudgy consistency.

• Let them cool completely: Allowing your brownies to cool completely in the pan helps them firm up and makes cutting easier. Plus, it enhances the flavors!

• Experiment with toppings: Feel free to get creative with additional toppings like nuts or drizzles of chocolate sauce. These can add an extra layer of deliciousness and texture!

How to Serve Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

These delightful brownies are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate! Here are some serving ideas to make your dessert stand out at any gathering.

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a light and creamy contrast to the rich brownies without overpowering their flavor.
• Chocolate drizzle: A simple drizzle of melted semi-sweet chocolate over the top enhances both the visual appeal and chocolatey goodness.
• Mint leaves: Fresh mint leaves provide a pop of color and freshness, balancing out the sweetness of the brownies beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The classic pairing! A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds creaminess and temperature contrast, making each bite even more indulgent.
• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits can lighten up your dessert table while complementing the richness of the brownies.
• Coffee or espresso: A warm cup of coffee or espresso is perfect for cutting through the sweetness and enhancing those chocolate flavors.
• Milkshakes: For an extra treat, serve these brownies alongside a thick milkshake for a nostalgic dessert experience that everyone will love!

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies will surely impress friends and family alike! Enjoy every gooey, chocolaty bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies are not only a delight to eat but also perfect for meal prep! You can make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week, making your dessert cravings much easier to satisfy.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• Cut the brownies into individual portions before freezing.
• Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to label the bags with the date!

Reheating

• To enjoy your brownies warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the brownies on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can pop one in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.

FAQs

If you have any questions about making Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries.

Can I use frozen cherries for Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies?

Yes, frozen cherries work well! Just thaw them and drain any excess liquid before using them in the recipe.

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

The brownies are ready when the edges are set but the center is still slightly underdone. This ensures they stay fudgy!

Why are my brownies not fudgy enough?

To achieve that perfect fudgy texture, be sure not to overmix after adding the dry ingredients and avoid overbaking them!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in baking these Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies! They’re rich, chocolatey, and simply delightful with that burst of roasted cherry flavor. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, this recipe is bound to bring smiles all around. Enjoy making these delicious treats—happy baking!