Hey there! Are you ready to indulge in a decadent treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you craving for more? Well, look no further because I have the perfect recipe for you - Roasted Cherry Brownies! These gooey and chocolatey delights are a delightful blend of rich chocolate brownies and tangy roasted cherries. Trust me, once you try these, you'll never look at regular brownies the same way again.
Why You'll Love These Roasted Cherry Brownies
I make these brownies when I want to impress my friends and family with a unique twist on a classic dessert. The combination of the fudgy brownie base and the burst of flavor from the roasted cherries is simply irresistible. My family goes crazy for these brownies because they are the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Plus, they make the whole house smell like a chocolate paradise while baking!
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make these delightful Roasted Cherry Brownies:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
Optional substitutions: If you're in a hurry, you can use a boxed brownie mix instead of making the brownie batter from scratch. I sometimes use dark chocolate cocoa powder for an extra rich flavor. You can also experiment with different types of cherries, like rainier cherries or black cherries, depending on what's available.
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a square baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix well after each addition.
5. Stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
7. Gently fold in the fresh cherries until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
10. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares and serving.
Notes
Through trial and error, I've discovered that using fresh cherries gives the best flavor and texture to these brownies. However, if you can't find fresh cherries, you can use frozen cherries that have been thawed. Just make sure to pat them dry before adding them to the batter.
Variations
I love experimenting with different flavors, and here are a few variations I've tried with these brownies:
1. Dark Chocolate Orange Brownies: Add 1 tablespoon of orange zest to the batter for a citrusy twist.
2. Almond Joy Brownies: Sprinkle some shredded coconut and chopped almonds on top of the batter before baking for a delightful crunch.
3. Mint Chocolate Brownies: Add ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract to the batter for a refreshing minty flavor.
Equipment
If you don't have a square baking pan, you can use a rectangular pan and adjust the baking time accordingly. It might take a few minutes less to bake since the batter will be spread out thinner.
Storage
These Roasted Cherry Brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Although, I must confess, in my house, they never last more than a day!
Serving Suggestions
I personally love to enjoy these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The combination of warm brownies and cold ice cream is simply heavenly! You can also dust some powdered sugar on top or drizzle them with melted chocolate for an extra indulgence.
Pro Tips
1. Make sure to pit the cherries before adding them to the batter. Biting into a cherry pit can ruin the whole experience!
2. If you're in a hurry and can't wait for the brownies to cool completely, you can pop them in the refrigerator for a while to speed up the cooling process.
3. Don't worry if the batter looks a bit weird after adding the cherries. The moisture from the cherries might cause the batter to look slightly lumpy, but it will all come together beautifully in the oven.
FAQ
Q: Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh cherries?
A: Yes, you can use frozen cherries that have been thawed. Just make sure to pat them dry before adding them to the batter.
Q: Can I use a different type of fruit instead of cherries?
A: Absolutely! You can experiment with other fruits like raspberries, strawberries, or even blueberries. Just keep in mind that the baking time might vary depending on the fruit's moisture content.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your apron and get ready to bake these delectable Roasted Cherry Brownies. I guarantee they will become a new favorite in your household. Enjoy!
Roasted Cherry Brownies
Indulge in a decadent treat that combines rich chocolate brownies with tangy roasted cherries for a delightful burst of flavor that will leave you craving for more.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
Directions
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a square baking pan with parchment paper.
-
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined.
-
Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix well after each addition.
-
Stir in the vanilla extract.
-
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
-
Gently fold in the fresh cherries until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
-
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.
-
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
-
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares and serving.