Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

If you’re looking for a dessert that warms the heart and satisfies the sweet tooth, then you’ve stumbled upon the perfect recipe: Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies. These delightful brownies are not only rich and fudgy but also feature a lovely layer of roasted cherries that add an irresistible burst of flavor. They are perfect for family gatherings, cozy weeknights, or whenever you want to treat yourself to something special.

What makes these brownies so unique is the combination of classic chocolate flavor with the natural sweetness of cherries. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and yields delicious results every time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fudgy Perfection: These brownies are incredibly moist and rich, ensuring each bite is a heavenly experience.
• Fresh Fruit Twist: The roasted cherries bring a delightful sweetness and juiciness that elevate the traditional brownie.
• Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these wholesome ingredients in your pantry already, making this an accessible treat.
• Family-Friendly Fun: Baking these brownies can be a fun activity to share with kids or friends, sparking joy in the kitchen.
• Make Ahead Delight: Bake a batch ahead of time and store them for easy access to dessert throughout the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Each element contributes to the deliciousness of your Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies!

For the Roasted Cherries

• 2 cups Cherries cut in half (washed, pitted)
• Sprinkle of sugar

For the Brownie Batter

• 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 experiment with different flavors or ingredients. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add Nuts: Fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and richness.
• Swap with Berries: If cherries aren’t available, try using raspberries or blueberries for a different fruity twist.
• Experiment with Chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a more intense chocolate flavor.
• Mix in Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder for an extra depth of flavor.

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 your halved cherries on it. A sprinkle of sugar will help enhance their sweetness as they roast. Bake them for about 10 minutes until they’re tender and let them cool. Roasting brings out their natural juices and intensifies their flavor!

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Now turn your oven down to 325°F. Grab an 8×8 inch baking pan and spray it with non-stick baking spray. Line the bottom and two sides with parchment paper, then give it another spray. This ensures your brownies won’t stick and makes clean-up a breeze.

Step 3: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Set this aside while we focus on mixing our wet ingredients. Sifting helps prevent lumps and gives your brownies that perfect texture.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Using a mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat together 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 slightly cooled before adding it along with oil and vanilla extract into the mixture at low speed. Taking off the mixer allows us to gently fold in our dry ingredients later without losing any air — which keeps those brownies nice and fluffy!

Step 5: Fold in Cherries and Chocolate

Now it’s time to separate half of those beautiful roasted cherries to mix into our brownie batter along with semi-sweet chocolate chips! Gently fold everything together until combined; being careful not to over-mix is key here!

Step 6: Bake Your Brownies

Pour your luscious brownie batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out evenly. Pop it in the oven for about 40-50 minutes; you’ll know they’re done when the edges appear set but the center is still slightly underbaked for that gooey texture we love! Top them with extra chocolate chips as soon as they come out so they can melt into chocolaty goodness.

Step 7: Cool & Serve

Let your brownies cool completely in the pan before freezing them for about 15 minutes — this helps make cutting easier! Once firmed up just enough, remove from the pan, top with any remaining roasted cherries, slice into squares, and enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Baking can be a joyful experience, and these tips will help you create the most delicious Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies!

• Use ripe cherries: Selecting perfectly ripe cherries will enhance the sweetness and flavor of your brownies, making them even more delightful.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Gently folding in the dry ingredients helps maintain the fudgy texture. Overmixing can lead to dense brownies instead of light, airy ones.

• Check for doneness: The brownies should have set edges and a slightly underbaked center when you take them out. This ensures they remain soft and fudgy once cooled.

• Let them cool completely: Allowing your brownies to cool fully in the pan helps them firm up, making it easier to cut clean squares without crumbling.

• Store properly: Keep leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for longer freshness. You can also freeze them for a tasty treat later!

How to Serve Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Presenting your Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies beautifully can make all the difference! Here are some fun ideas to elevate your dessert experience.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top gives your brownies an elegant touch.

• Fresh mint leaves: Adding a few fresh mint leaves not only looks great but also introduces a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate flavors.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with warm brownies, creating a delightful contrast that’s hard to resist.

• Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, whipped coconut cream adds a luscious, tropical flair that complements the cherries beautifully.

• Chocolate sauce drizzle: A drizzle of warm chocolate sauce over the brownies enhances their decadence and makes for an indulgent dessert presentation.

• Fresh fruit salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad provides a balance to the richness of the brownies, making your dessert feel complete and well-rounded.

Enjoy making and sharing these scrumptious Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies! They’re perfect for any occasion—from family gatherings to cozy nights in. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies are perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time and enjoy their rich flavors throughout the week, making dessert deliciously convenient.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, 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 and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds.

Reheating

• If you prefer warm brownies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the brownie on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-10 minutes until warm.
• Alternatively, you can microwave a single brownie for 15-20 seconds until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies that might help you!

Can I use frozen cherries for Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies?

Yes! Frozen cherries work just as well. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before roasting them.

How do I make my Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies fudgier?

To achieve an extra fudgy texture, slightly reduce the baking time so that the center remains soft and gooey.

What makes these Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies special?

The combination of roasted cherries with rich chocolate creates an irresistible flavor profile that elevates traditional brownies into something extraordinary.

Can I use different types of chocolate chips in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with dark chocolate or even white chocolate chips to suit your taste preferences.

How should I store my Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies as much as I do! The combination of fudgy chocolate and sweet roasted cherries brings a special touch to any occasion. So go ahead, treat yourself and those you love with this delicious dessert; it’s bound to bring smiles all around!