Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

If you’re looking for a dessert that will delight your taste buds and warm your heart, you’ve come to the right place! These Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies are a cherished favorite in my kitchen. The rich fudgy chocolate brownies paired with the sweet and slightly tart roasted cherries make for a match made in heaven. They’re perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings—whenever you need a little sweetness in your life.

What makes this recipe truly special is how easy it is to prepare. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up these delightful brownies that everyone will love. Whether you’re treating yourself or bringing a batch to share, these brownies are sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of fudgy chocolate and roasted cherries creates an irresistible taste sensation.
• Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone from kids to adults will enjoy these delightful treats.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake them in advance and store for a sweet treat whenever the craving strikes!
• Perfectly Fudgy Texture: The brownies are moist and rich, offering the ultimate chocolate experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create these delectable Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies, gather some simple, wholesome ingredients. They come together beautifully to deliver that delicious flavor everyone loves!

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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with these variation ideas:

• Add some nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch and extra flavor.
• Mix in spices: A dash of cinnamon or espresso powder can elevate the chocolate flavor even more.
• Use different fruits: Try substituting roasted raspberries or blueberries for a fun twist!
• Go vegan: Swap out eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based butter for a vegan version.

How to Make Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Step 1: Roast the Cherries

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the halved cherries over the parchment and sprinkle them with sugar. Baking them for about 10 minutes brings out their natural sweetness and intensifies their flavor. Let them cool while you prepare the brownie batter.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan

Lower your oven temperature to 325°F. Grab an 8X8 pan and spray it with non-stick baking spray. Line the bottom and two sides with parchment paper for easy removal later, then spray again lightly. This step ensures your brownies come out perfectly without sticking!

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, Dutch process cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. This helps to combine everything evenly and eliminates any lumps in your dry ingredients. Set this aside while we work on the wet mixture.

Step 4: Whip Up the Wet Ingredients

Using a mixer with a whisk attachment, beat together the white sugar, large eggs, and egg yolk on high speed for about 5 minutes until it’s light and fluffy. While that’s mixing, melt your butter until just warm—not hot! Then add in the melted butter, oil, and vanilla extract while mixing on low speed. This step creates that rich texture we crave.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Carefully remove your bowl from the mixer and gently fold in your sifted dry ingredients using a rubber spatula. Be gentle here; we don’t want to deflate all that lovely air we whipped into our egg mixture! Now add half of those beautiful roasted cherries along with the semi-sweet chocolate chips—fold until just combined.

Step 6: Bake Your Brownies

Pour your brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for about 40-50 minutes until the edges are set but the middle is still slightly underdone—this gives us that fudgy texture we love! Once baked, top with extra chocolate chips before letting it cool completely in the pan.

Step 7: Chill & Serve

After cooling down, pop those brownies into the freezer for about 15 minutes—they’re easier to cut that way! Once chilled, lift them out using the parchment paper, top them with remaining roasted cherries, cut into squares, and enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Making these brownies is a delightful experience, and with a few extra tips, you can take them to the next level!

• Use fresh cherries: Fresh cherries will give the brownies a burst of flavor and natural sweetness that frozen varieties can’t match. Plus, they add a lovely visual appeal.

• Don’t overmix the batter: When folding in the dry ingredients, be gentle! Overmixing can lead to dense brownies instead of the fudgy texture we all love.

• Check for doneness carefully: Since the middle should remain slightly underdone, use a toothpick to check; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. This ensures that your brownies stay nice and fudgy.

• Cool completely before cutting: Letting your brownies cool completely allows them to set properly, making them easier to cut into neat squares without falling apart.

• Experiment with toppings: Don’t hesitate to add unique toppings like a sprinkle of sea salt or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent touch!

How to Serve Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

These brownies are not only delicious but also visually stunning! Here are some creative ways to present your delightful dessert.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar on top gives your brownies an elegant finish.
• Fresh mint leaves: A few sprigs of fresh mint can brighten up the presentation and add a pop of color.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, serve with whipped coconut cream for added creaminess and flavor.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The classic pairing! The creamy ice cream contrasts beautifully with the rich brownies and roasted cherries.
• Fresh fruit salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad complements the richness of the brownies while adding some nutritious benefits.
• Coffee or espresso: A warm cup served alongside enhances the chocolate flavors and makes for a cozy dessert experience.
• Chocolate sauce: Drizzling some homemade or store-bought chocolate sauce on top elevates the indulgence factor!

Now that you’re armed with these tips and serving suggestions, gather your ingredients and get ready to impress everyone with your Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies are perfect for meal prep! You can make them in advance, and they store beautifully, allowing you to enjoy a delicious dessert any time.

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, refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing

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

Reheating

• To reheat, remove the desired number of brownies from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• For a warm treat, pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about these delightful brownies!

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

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that your blend is suitable for baking!

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

Yes, you can! Just thaw and drain any excess liquid before using them. This way, your brownies will still have that lovely cherry flavor without being too watery.

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

These brownies are delicious on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream or whipped coconut cream for an extra special treat!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies! They’re not only a sweet indulgence but also a great way to celebrate fresh cherries. I invite you to try this recipe out—I’m sure it will become a favorite in your household. Happy baking!