Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s rich, fudgy, and bursting with flavor, then you’ve come to the right place! These Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies are a delightful treat that ticks all the boxes. They’re perfect for a cozy family gathering, an indulgent weekend treat, or even a sweet surprise for your best friend. The combination of roasted cherries with chocolate creates a heavenly experience that will have everyone asking for seconds!

What makes these brownies truly special is how easy they are to make. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be able to whip up a batch that feels like it came from a fancy bakery. Trust me; once you try them, you’ll want to keep this recipe handy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Fudgy Texture: These brownies are incredibly moist and decadent, thanks to the rich chocolate and the addition of roasted cherries.
• Easy Preparation: You don’t need to be a baking expert! The steps are simple and straightforward, making it accessible for anyone.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these sweet treats. They’re great for satisfying any sweet tooth!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: These brownies can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer, making them perfect for busy days.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how simple and wholesome the ingredients are for these Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies! Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

• 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

The beauty of these brownies is their flexibility! Feel free to get creative with your ingredients. Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Add Some Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Switch Up the Fruit: Try using raspberries or blueberries instead of cherries for a different fruity flavor.
• Go Vegan: Substitute eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water and use plant-based butter and chocolate chips.
• Infuse Some Spice: Add a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.

How to Make Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Step 1: Roast the Cherries

First things first—let’s get those cherries roasting! Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread out your halved cherries on it. A sprinkle of sugar brings out their natural sweetness as they roast. Bake them for about 10 minutes until they soften beautifully. Allow them to cool while you prepare the brownie batter.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Now that our cherries are ready, let’s set up our baking pan. Reduce the oven temperature 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 spraying again. This ensures our brownies come out perfectly without sticking!

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt—this step is essential as it helps combine everything evenly and gets rid of any lumps. While you’re doing this, get your mixer ready!

Step 4: Beat Sugar and Eggs

Using your mixer with a whisk attachment, beat together the granulated sugar, eggs, and egg yolk on high speed for about five minutes until it turns light and fluffy. This helps incorporate air into the batter, giving your brownies that lovely texture.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

While your mixture is going strong, melt your butter until it’s slightly cooled down. Add this melted butter along with oil and vanilla extract into your egg-sugar mixture on low speed. It’s important not to over-mix here; we want that fluffy texture intact!

Step 6: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to gently fold in those dry ingredients we prepared earlier using a rubber spatula. Be careful here—overmixing can make tough brownies! We want our batter nice and airy.

Step 7: Add Cherries & Chips

Take half of those roasted cherries we made earlier and fold them into your brownie batter along with semi-sweet chocolate chips. This adds such great flavor! Once combined, pour this luscious batter into your prepared pan.

Step 8: Bake Your Brownies

Pop those delicious brownies into the oven for about 40–50 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they’re done when the edges look set but the middle is still slightly underdone—it will continue cooking as it cools.

Step 9: Cool & Serve

Once baked perfectly, let them cool in the pan completely before freezing them for about 15 minutes to make cutting easier. Top with any remaining roasted cherries before slicing into squares.

And there you have it—your homemade Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies! Enjoy every fudgy bite; I’m sure they’ll become a favorite in no time!

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

When it comes to baking these delightful brownies, a few insider tips can make all the difference in achieving that perfect fudgy texture and rich flavor.

• Use fresh cherries – Fresh cherries will give your brownies a juiciness and vibrant flavor that frozen ones simply can’t match. Plus, the roasting process brings out their natural sweetness!

• Don’t overmix the batter – Gently folding in the dry ingredients helps maintain the air whipped into your egg mixture. This is key for keeping those brownies wonderfully soft and fudgy.

• Check for doneness carefully – Since these brownies are slightly underdone in the middle, use a toothpick to check; it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached. This ensures a gooey center!

• Cool completely before cutting – Letting the brownies cool in the pan allows them to set properly, making them easier to cut into neat squares without crumbling.

• Experiment with chocolate types – While semi-sweet chocolate chips are fantastic, try mixing in dark or even white chocolate chips for added depth and variety in flavor.

How to Serve Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

These Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies not only taste amazing but also look beautiful when served! Here are some ideas on how to present this luscious dessert for any occasion.

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream – A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds an airy touch that complements the richness of the brownies perfectly.
• Chopped nuts – Sprinkling some toasted walnuts or pecans on top provides a delightful crunch and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Mint leaves – A few fresh mint leaves as a garnish bring a pop of color and freshness, making your dessert look even more inviting.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream – The classic pairing of warm brownies with cold vanilla ice cream creates a heavenly contrast that everyone loves.
• Fresh fruit salad – A light fruit salad with berries and citrus can balance the richness of the brownies and add a refreshing element to your plate.
• Chocolate sauce drizzle – Drizzling some melted chocolate sauce over each brownie adds an indulgent touch that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
• Coffee or espresso – Serving your brownies alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or espresso enhances their deep chocolate flavors and makes for an elegant dessert experience.

Enjoy every bite of these delicious Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies! They’re sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them in advance and store them to enjoy later, making your dessert game strong without the hassle.

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, keep them in the fridge where they’ll stay fresh for about a week.

Freezing

• Cut the brownies into squares before freezing for easy access.
• Wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to label the bag with the date!

Reheating

• To enjoy warm brownies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the brownie squares on a baking sheet and cover with foil to avoid drying out.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. Enjoy with a scoop of your favorite non-dairy ice cream for an extra treat!

FAQs

Here are answers to some common questions you might have about these delicious brownies!

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

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that it’s designed for baking to get similar results.

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh in my Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies?

Yes! Frozen cherries work well too. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the batter.

What makes Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies so fudgy?

The combination of melted butter, oil, and chocolate chips helps create that rich, fudgy texture that we all love in brownies.

Are Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies suitable for vegan diets?

To make these brownies vegan, you can replace eggs with flaxseed or chia egg substitutes, and use dairy-free chocolate chips.

What is the best way to serve Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies?

These brownies are delightful on their own but pair beautifully with whipped coconut cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce!

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to whip up these delightful Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies! They’re not just indulgent; they’re also a wonderful way to enjoy seasonal cherries. Whether you’re sharing with friends or keeping them all to yourself (no judgment here!), I know you’ll find joy in every fudgy bite. Happy baking!