Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that will wow your friends and family, then these Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies are just the thing! Imagine biting into a fudgy chocolate brownie, only to discover sweet roasted cherries nestled within. This recipe is not just delicious; it also brings together the rich flavors of chocolate and the bright taste of cherries in a way that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or just treating yourself after a long week, these brownies are perfect for any occasion.

What makes this recipe truly special is how easy it is to whip up. You don’t need to be a baking pro to impress with these delightful treats! Plus, they’re perfect for sharing (if you can resist eating them all yourself).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fudgy goodness: These brownies are incredibly moist and rich, offering the ultimate chocolate experience.
• Simple preparation: With straightforward steps, you can have these delicious brownies ready in no time.
• Versatile treat: Perfect for celebrations, cozy nights in, or even as a sweet gift for loved ones.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike fall in love with this irresistible combination of chocolate and cherries.
• Make-ahead option: Bake these brownies ahead of time and store them for an easy dessert whenever you need it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for these Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies is simple and fun! You likely already have some of these wholesome items in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

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 and make these brownies your own with some fun variations:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Mix in spices: A dash of cinnamon can elevate the flavor profile beautifully.
• Use different fruits: Swap out cherries for raspberries or strawberries if you prefer another berry flavor.
• Try different chocolates: Experiment with dark or milk chocolate chips based on your taste preference.

How to Make Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Step 1: Roast the Cherries

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread those beautiful cherry halves across it. Sprinkle them lightly with sugar before popping them into the oven for 10 minutes. This step caramelizes their natural sugars, enhancing their sweetness and flavor—trust me, it’s worth it!

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Once your cherries have cooled, turn your oven down to 325°F. Grab an 8×8 baking pan and spray it with non-stick spray. To ensure easy removal later, line the bottom and two sides with parchment paper, then give it another light spray. This little trick will make serving your brownies so much easier!

Step 3: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. This step is key as it helps aerate your dry mix and ensures no lumps remain—nobody wants clumpy brownies!

Step 4: Whip Up the Batter

Now it’s time to get mixing! In another bowl, use a whisk attachment to beat together the sugar, eggs, and egg yolk on high for about five minutes until fluffy. While that’s happening, melt your butter until slightly cool before adding it along with oil and vanilla to the egg mixture on low speed. Gently fold in your dry ingredients using a rubber spatula to keep all that lovely air intact.

Step 5: Fold in Cherries & Chocolate Chips

Take half of those perfectly roasted cherries and add them to your brownie batter along with the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Gently fold everything together until well combined—this is where all that deliciousness comes together!

Step 6: Bake Your Brownies

Pour that luscious brownie batter into your prepared pan and smooth it out. Bake for about 40-50 minutes; look for edges that are set but keep an eye on that center—it should be slightly underdone because it’ll continue cooking as it cools. Don’t forget to sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top right before taking them out!

Step 7: Cool & Serve

Once baked, let those brownies cool completely in the pan. For added deliciousness, freeze them briefly for about 15 minutes before removing from the pan. Top with remaining roasted cherries before slicing into squares and serving! Enjoy every gooey bite—you deserve it!

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and these tips will help you create the best Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies possible!

• Use fresh cherries: Fresh cherries bring a burst of flavor and juiciness to your brownies. They complement the rich chocolate perfectly and provide a lovely texture contrast.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Gently folding in the dry ingredients helps maintain that fudgy texture. Overmixing can lead to denser brownies, which might not be as light and airy.

• Check for doneness carefully: Since every oven is different, keep an eye on your brownies as they bake. The edges should appear set while the center remains slightly soft; this is key for achieving that gooey brownie feel.

• Let them cool completely: Patience is key! Allowing your brownies to cool in the pan ensures they set properly and makes cutting them much easier.

• Experiment with chocolate types: Feel free to swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark or milk chocolate if you prefer. This simple change can create a whole new flavor profile for your brownies!

How to Serve Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

These sumptuous brownies are not only delicious but also visually appealing! Here are some fun ideas on how to present this delightful dessert.

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a creamy texture and a hint of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate.

• Chocolate drizzle: Drizzling some melted chocolate over the top before serving creates an elegant look and enhances the chocolatey goodness in every bite.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The classic pairing of warm brownies with cold vanilla ice cream is irresistible. The creamy ice cream melts into the warm brownie, creating a decadent dessert experience.

• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances the richness of the brownies. Consider using berries or citrus fruits for a zesty twist that cuts through the sweetness.

• Coffee or tea: A cup of your favorite coffee or herbal tea complements the flavors of these brownies perfectly. The warmth and slight bitterness of coffee enhance the sweet notes in your dessert.

These serving suggestions will surely impress your family and friends while elevating your Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies to new heights! Enjoy every chocolaty bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies are perfect for meal prep! They keep well, making them an excellent treat to have on hand for cravings or when entertaining guests.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer them chilled, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

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

Reheating

• To reheat, simply place a brownie in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warmed through.
• If you prefer a crispier texture, pop them back into a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about these delicious brownies!

Can I make Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute eggs with a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water). Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens.

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

The brownies are done when the edges are set but the center is slightly underdone. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs attached.

What’s the best way to enjoy Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies?

These brownies are delightful on their own, but you can serve them warm with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream or drizzle some chocolate sauce on top for extra indulgence!

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen cherries work well too. Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before adding them to your batter.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies as much as I do! Their fudgy texture paired with roasted cherries creates an irresistible dessert that will surely impress your friends and family. Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share your creations with loved ones—after all, treats taste better when shared! Happy baking!