Name: Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: 2 cups Cherries (cut in half, washed, pitted); 1 sprinkle Sugar (for cherries); 1 1/3 cups White granulated sugar; 2 Large Eggs; 1 Large 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

Introduction to Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Why Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies Are a Must-Try for Homemade Dessert Lovers

If you're on the lookout for a dessert that captures the essence of decadence and comfort, look no further than these roasted chocolate cherry brownies. The combination of rich chocolate and sweet, tart cherries creates a flavor profile that's simply irresistible.

Roasting the cherries intensifies their natural sweetness and adds a delightful depth to the brownies, making each bite a little piece of paradise. Plus, there's something inherently gratifying about creating a dessert from scratch—it's both a stress-reliever and a way to impress friends at your next gathering. For those who love to have homemade treats ready when cravings strike, these brownies are a game-changer.

Not to mention, the ingredients are a breeze to find, allowing you to whip them up without any hassle. If you're curious about the health perks, cherries are packed with antioxidants, making them a delicious way to indulge a bit healthier! So, are you ready to dive into the world of irresistible desserts? Let's preheat that oven and get baking!

For more insight, check out how various fruits can elevate baking here.

Ingredients for Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Creating the perfect brownie starts with gathering the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to ensure your roasted chocolate cherry brownies hit all the right notes:

List of ingredients for the perfect brownie

2 cups cherries (washed, pitted, and halved)
Sprinkle of sugar (for roasting cherries)
1 ⅓ cups white granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 egg yolk (for extra richness)
5 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
⅓ cup canola or vegetable oil
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
¾ cup all-purpose flour
¾ cup Dutch process cocoa powder
1 tablespoon cornstarch (to enhance texture)
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (always a must!)

Special ingredients that add a unique twist

The magic truly begins when you roast the cherries. Not only does this intensify their flavor, but it creates a delightful contrast against the fudgy chocolate brownies. The sprinkle of sugar you toss on the cherries before roasting helps caramelize them, giving your brownies an unexpected, sweet burst in every bite. Trust us; this twist will elevate your brownies from mere dessert to a divine indulgence.

For more tips on using seasonal fruits in baking, check out The Kitchn.

Preparing Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Crafting roasted chocolate cherry brownies is an experience worth savoring! Let’s walk through the delightful process, ensuring you’re set up for success.

Prepping the cherries for roasting

To begin your journey, you’ll need to prep the cherries. Start by washing and pitting about 2 cups of ripe cherries. Make sure to cut them in half for more even roasting. Spread the cherries out on a parchment-lined baking sheet and give them a light sprinkle of sugar—this not only enhances their natural sweetness but also helps create a delicious caramelized effect when roasted. Preheat your oven to 400°F, then bake the cherries for about 10 minutes until they’re slightly softened, fragrant, and juicy. After roasting, let them cool for a few minutes. For an extra burst of flavor, consider trying different varieties of cherries like Bing or Rainier!

Creating the brownie batter

Now, let’s move on to creating the brownie batter. While the cherries cool, reduce your oven temperature to 325°F. In an 8x8 pan, spray the bottom and two sides with non-stick spray and line with parchment paper for easy removal later. In a mixing bowl, combine ¾ cup of all-purpose flour, ¾ cup of Dutch process cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon of salt by sifting them together. This helps incorporate air into your dry ingredients for that fudgy texture we crave. In another bowl, whisk together 1 ⅓ cups of granulated sugar with 2 large eggs and 1 egg yolk for about 5 minutes until pale and fluffy.

Folding in the cherries and chocolate chips

As the sugar and egg mixture grows, melt 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter and let it cool. Once cooled, mix in ⅓ cup of canola or vegetable oil and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Now it’s time to combine the two mixtures! Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet, folding gently with a rubber spatula. This delicate approach ensures your brownies remain fluffy while still being rich and dense. Finally, fold in half of the roasted cherries and 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. The moment these chocolate chips start to melt with the warm batter? Pure magic!

Baking to perfection

Pour your brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 40-50 minutes, keeping a close eye on it. The edges should be firm while the center remains slightly undercooked—it will continue to set as it cools. For an indulgent finish, sprinkle some extra chocolate chips on top just before you pull them out of the oven!

Cooling and serving your brownies

Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan, which typically takes about 30-40 minutes. For best results, pop them in the freezer for 15 minutes to achieve that perfect cut! Once chilled, top with the remaining roasted cherries for that stunning presentation. Slice into squares and serve these amazing roasted chocolate cherry brownies to friends and family—trust me, they won’t last long on the table!

Each bite of these brownies is a celebration of flavors, combining the richness of chocolate with the tart sweetness of cherries. Happy baking!

Variations on Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Vegan Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Craving a plant-based twist? Substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce! For a rich flavor, use unsweetened applesauce in a 1:1 ratio for eggs. Swap regular butter for coconut oil, and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free. You’ll be surprised at how delicious these vegan roasted chocolate cherry brownies can be—just as fudgy and packed with that wonderful cherry goodness!

Gluten-Free Chocolate Cherry Brownies

No problem if gluten isn’t your friend! Simply replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that your chocolate chips are gluten-free as well. The end result? A batch of moist brownies that rivals the original. In fact, the roasted cherries add an extra layer of flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate—perfect for everyone to enjoy!

For more tips on gluten-free baking, check out the resources from the Gluten Intolerance Group to help you through your cooking adventures!

Cooking tips and notes for Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Ensuring your brownies stay fudgy

To keep your roasted chocolate cherry brownies delightfully fudgy, avoid overbaking them. When you notice that the edges are set but the middle is slightly underdone, it's time to pull them out of the oven. This will create that gooey texture everyone loves!

Storing brownies for maximum freshness

For the best freshness, let your brownies cool completely before storing them. You can keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If you want to enjoy them later, consider freezing them! Simply wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. This helps maintain their rich flavor and moist texture. For more tips on brownie storage, check out this expert guide.

Serving Suggestions for Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Pairing with Ice Cream or Whipped Cream

To elevate your roasted chocolate cherry brownies, consider serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of whipped cream. The cold creaminess perfectly contrasts with the rich, fudgy texture of the brownies, creating a delightful dessert experience. If you're feeling adventurous, try a flavored ice cream like cherry vanilla or dark chocolate for an extra layer of taste.

Creative Toppings to Enhance Your Dessert Experience

Don’t stop at just ice cream! Enhance your brownies with exciting toppings such as:

Fresh mint leaves for a burst of freshness
Chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for added crunch
A drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for extra indulgence
Sifted powdered sugar for a classic touch

These simple additions can completely transform your roasted chocolate cherry brownies into a gourmet dessert that impresses friends and family alike. For more inspiration on topping ideas, check out Food Network's dessert section.

Time Breakdown for Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Preparation Time

Getting ready for your roasted chocolate cherry brownies will take around 20 minutes. This includes washing and pitting those juicy cherries, measuring your ingredients, and prepping your baking pan.

Cooking Time

Once you're all set up, the baking magic happens over 45 minutes. You'll want to keep an eye on the brownies, ensuring the edges set while the center stays wonderfully fudgy.

Total Time

In total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 5 minutes from start to finish. This timeline makes these brownies not just delicious but also a feasible treat for your busy day!

For more insights, check out related articles on Baking Tips or Fresh Ingredient Pairings to elevate your brownie game. Happy baking!

Nutritional information for Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Calories per brownie

Each serving of these delightful roasted chocolate cherry brownies contains approximately 239 calories. This makes them a satisfying yet indulgent treat that won't completely derail your healthy eating goals.

Key nutritional components

These brownies provide more than just calories; they also offer a variety of essential nutrients:

Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 13g (with saturated fat at 6g)
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 21g

In addition to their rich flavor, the roasted cherries bring natural sweetness and antioxidants to the table. Think of them as a delicious way to add a fruit serving to your day! Plus, this dessert is relatively low in sodium, making it a smart choice for occasional indulgence.

For a deeper dive into the health benefits of ingredients like cherries, check out authoritative sources like Healthline or NutritionData. Remember, balance and moderation are key!

FAQs about Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Can I substitute fresh cherries with another fruit?
Absolutely! While fresh cherries are the star of these roasted chocolate cherry brownies, you can swap them out for other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or even diced strawberries. Just remember to adjust the sugar based on the fruit's sweetness, or you might end up with brownies that are too sweet or tart.

What’s the best way to store leftover brownies?
To keep your brownies moist and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to prolong their freshness, consider freezing them! Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to three months.

How do I achieve the perfect brownie texture?
The key to fudgy brownies lies in not overmixing the batter once you add the dry ingredients. Gently fold until just combined, and remember that a slightly underdone center adds to that delightful chewy texture. Keep an eye on baking time, as every oven varies. For even more tips, check out expert advice on achieving brownie perfection here.

Conclusion on Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

In summary, roasted chocolate cherry brownies offer a delightful treat that's both indulgent and comforting. With the rich chocolate flavor complemented by the natural sweetness of the roasted cherries, these brownies are sure to impress. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the joy they bring with every bite!