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Did you know that roasting fruit can amplify its natural sweetness? Picture this: fresh cherries transforming into juicy, jammy morsels that take your dessert game to a whole new level. That’s exactly what I love about these Roasted Cherry Brownies! The recipe combines the classic fudgy brownie texture with the vibrant flavor of oven-roasted cherries, creating an irresistible treat that’s both decadent and uniquely delightful.
Not only do these brownies offer a fun twist on a beloved classic, but they also come together quickly, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving something sweet, these brownies are sure to impress your family and friends. Plus, they’re freezer-friendly, so you can always have a batch on hand for sudden dessert emergencies!
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I can’t wait for you to try your hand at making these Roasted Cherry Brownies. Ready to explore this delicious recipe together? Scroll down to get started!
Why are Roasted Cherry Brownies a must-try?
Irresistible Taste: The delightful blend of fudgy chocolate and roasted cherries creates a flavor explosion that will have you coming back for seconds!
Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, whipping up these brownies is a breeze, even for beginner bakers!
Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap fresh cherries for frozen or canned options, making this recipe adaptable to whatever you have on hand.
Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: These brownies are guaranteed to impress guests, making them perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.
Freezer-Friendly: Bake a batch and store extras in the freezer for a delectable treat ready whenever you need it! Want a similar sweet treat? Try my copycat cosmic brownies for another rich chocolate delight!
Roasted Cherry Brownies Ingredients
• The following ingredients come together to create a dessert that you won’t be able to resist!
For the Brownies
- Sweet Cherries – These are the star of the show, adding vibrant flavor and texture; try using Bing cherries for the best results.
- Granulated Sugar – This adds just the right amount of sweetness for both the cherries and the batter.
- Semisweet Chocolate Chips – Provides a rich chocolate flavor; divide it to melt and fold in for extra fudginess.
- Vegetable Oil – Ensures a moist brownie, helping to create that tender crumb.
- Light Brown Sugar – This adds depth and moisture, complementing the granulated sugar beautifully.
- Large Eggs (room temperature) – Essential for binding, they help create a delightful structure in the brownies.
- Vanilla Extract – A dash enhances the overall flavor, making each bite irresistible.
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides the necessary structure for the brownies’ chewy texture.
- Dutch-Processed Cocoa Powder – Richens the flavor; substituting with regular cocoa is fine, but may affect the taste.
- Kosher Salt – A pinch elevates the sweetness and balances the rich chocolate flavors.
For Roasting Cherries
- Granulated Sugar – Used to toss the halved cherries, amplifying their natural sweetness during roasting.
Enjoy exploring the delightful world of these Roasted Cherry Brownies!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Roasted Cherry Brownies
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). To prepare the cherries, wash them thoroughly, then halve and pit them. In a bowl, toss the halved cherries with granulated sugar to enhance their sweetness. Spread the cherries evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast them in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes. You'll know they're ready when they’re softened and slightly caramelized, exuding a delightful aroma.
Step 2
Once the cherries are roasted, lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the brownies. While the oven is cooling down, grab a 9x9-inch baking dish and spray it generously with non-stick spray to ensure easy release later. This is a crucial step for achieving perfect edges on your Roasted Cherry Brownies.
Step 3
Next, take a microwave-safe bowl and combine ½ cup of chocolate chips with a splash of vegetable oil. Heat this mixture in the microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until silky smooth and fully melted. This melted chocolate will add to the richness of your brownies, ensuring they stay fudgy and moist.
Step 4
In a stand mixer, combine the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, room temperature eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed for about 5-6 minutes, or until the mixture becomes light and creamy in color. This aeration process is key to achieving a delightful texture in your Roasted Cherry Brownies, helping them rise beautifully in the oven.
Step 5
Once your wet ingredients are fluffy, slowly mix in the melted chocolate mixture. Make sure to blend it thoroughly to ensure the chocolate is evenly distributed throughout the batter, which will deepen the flavor profile of your brownies. Watch as the glossy batter begins to form, full of enticing chocolate goodness.
Step 6
In a separate bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, Dutch-processed cocoa powder, and kosher salt until well mixed. This step will help to create a uniform dry mixture, ensuring that the dry ingredients are evenly incorporated into the wet batter later on, resulting in that perfect chewy texture.
Step 7
Gently fold the dry mixture into your chocolate batter. Make sure to mix until just combined; overworking it may lead to tougher brownies. Once the batter is combined, fold in the remaining ¾ cup of chocolate chips and half of the roasted cherries. These additions will create delightful bursts of flavor throughout your Roasted Cherry Brownies.
Step 8
Pour the rich batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes. The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs rather than wet batter. Keep an eye on them, as you want them fudgy, not dry.
Step 9
When your Roasted Cherry Brownies are out of the oven, let them cool in the baking dish for a bit. For the final touch, sprinkle the remaining roasted cherries on top. Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting them into squares, which will enhance their chewy texture and make for beautiful presentation. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Roasted Cherry Brownies Variations
Get ready to make these delightful brownies even more personalized and scrumptious!
- Dark Chocolate: Swap semisweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate for a richer, more intense cocoa flavor. It's a wonderful choice for chocolate lovers!
- Milk Chocolate: Prefer a sweeter profile? Use milk chocolate chips instead of semisweet. The creamy texture will add an enticing sweetness to your brownies.
- Frozen Cherries: Use frozen cherries straight from the freezer. No roasting needed! Just toss them into the batter for added moisture and fruity bursts.
- Canned Cherries: Substitute maraschino cherries or cherry pie filling for a quicker option. Just reduce bake time slightly to avoid overcooking.
- Cake-Like Brownies: For a fluffier texture, add ¾ cup of flour and 1.5 tablespoons of baking powder. You’ll end up with delightful cake-like brownies!
- Spiced Up: Elevate the flavor by adding a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of almond extract to the brownie batter for a warm, cozy note.
- Nutty Crunch: Fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch that beautifully complements the soft chocolate and cherries!
- Cheesecake Swirl: For an indulgent twist, create a cheesecake batter with cream cheese, sugar, and an egg. Swirl it into the brownie batter before baking for a rich riff on your treats!
What to Serve with Roasted Cherry Brownies?
Indulge your senses by creating a well-rounded meal that highlights these rich, fudgy treats.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing that never fails! The creamy, cold texture perfectly balances the warm, gooey brownies, creating a blissful contrast.
- Fresh Berries Salad: A mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds a refreshing tartness, enhancing the sweetness of the roasted cherries in your dessert.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a luscious, creamy element, making each bite even more decadent.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling rich chocolate sauce over the brownies intensifies the chocolate flavor while adding an extra layer of indulgence.
- Coffee: A warm cup of rich coffee or espresso rounds out the meal beautifully, as the bitterness complements the sweetness of the brownies.
- Mint Tea: For something lighter, a refreshing mint tea cleanses the palate between bites of the fudgy brownies, enhancing their vibrant flavors.
- Nutty Caramel Sauce: Drizzling homemade nutty caramel sauce adds a crunchy texture and irresistible sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the chocolate.
- Coconut Macaroons: These chewy, sweet desserts echo the flavor of the brownies, and their textural difference provides an enjoyable contrast for the palate.
How to Store and Freeze Roasted Cherry Brownies
Airtight Container: Store cooled Roasted Cherry Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days to maintain their fudgy texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight freezer bag. They can last in the freezer for 2-3 months.
Reheating: When you're ready to enjoy your brownies, heat them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, just until warm, to bring back that gooey goodness.
Avoid Refrigeration: Refrigerating brownies is not recommended, as it can dry them out and compromise their texture.
Expert Tips for Roasted Cherry Brownies
Use Room Temperature Eggs: This helps the batter combine more evenly, leading to a smoother texture in your Roasted Cherry Brownies.
Don’t Overbake: Check for doneness at the 30-minute mark. Brownies should be soft in the center—aim for moist crumbs on a toothpick!
Roast Properly: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper when roasting cherries to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Experiment with Cherries: If using frozen or canned cherries, adjust baking time slightly and expect a different texture. Roasting is optional but highly recommended!
Avoid Overmixing: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just incorporated to keep your brownies fudgy and tender.
Make Ahead Options
These Roasted Cherry Brownies are perfect for busy home cooks who want to enjoy a decadent dessert without the last-minute rush! You can roast the cherries up to 24 hours in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can prepare the brownie batter, minus the chocolate and cherries, up to 3 days ahead; just be sure to refrigerate it to maintain its freshness. When you're ready to bake, simply melt the chocolate, fold it into the batter along with the roasted cherries, and bake as directed. This way, you'll have freshly baked brownies with minimal effort, allowing you to savor that delicious fudgy goodness while saving time!
Roasted Cherry Brownies Recipe FAQs
Can I add fresh cherries to a brownie mix?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries can be added directly into your brownie mix, just be sure to pit and chop them into smaller pieces. For a special twist, consider roasting the cherries first as I describe in the recipe, as it enhances their sweetness and adds a lovely texture.
What are the three types of brownies?
There are primarily three types of brownies: fudgy, cake-like, and chewy. Fudgy brownies have a rich, dense texture, cake-like brownies are less dense and lighter, and chewy brownies strike a balance between the two. My Roasted Cherry Brownies lean toward the fudgy side, with the addition of roasted cherries creating a delightful contrast.
How to prepare fresh cherries for a pie?
To prepare fresh cherries for a pie, first wash them thoroughly, then remove the stems and pit them. Halve the cherries and toss them with a bit of sugar (to your taste) and cornstarch to help thicken the pie filling as it cooks. Let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes to allow the sugars to release their juices.
What is the secret to moist brownies?
The secret to moist brownies lies in using the right fat and not overbaking them. For these Roasted Cherry Brownies, I recommend using vegetable oil for moisture, along with room temperature eggs, which will help bind the ingredients properly. Always check for doneness around the 30-minute mark—look for moist crumbs on the toothpick to ensure you keep that fudgy texture!
How do you store leftover brownies to keep them fresh?
To keep your Roasted Cherry Brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. If you have more brownies than you can handle, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight freezer bag to freeze. They can last up to 2-3 months this way. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to restore that delicious gooey texture.
Indulgent Roasted Cherry Brownies That Will Steal Your Heart
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare the cherries by washing, halving, and pitting them. Toss with granulated sugar and roast for about 10 minutes.
- Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x9-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine ½ cup of chocolate chips with vegetable oil. Heat in 15-second intervals until melted.
- In a stand mixer, mix granulated sugar, light brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until light and creamy.
- Slowly mix in the melted chocolate until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Fold the dry mixture into the chocolate batter, then fold in the remaining chocolate chips and half of the roasted cherries.
- Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
- Let cool, top with remaining roasted cherries, and cut into squares.
Nutrition
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs for better mixing.
- Check brownies at 30 minutes to prevent overbaking.
- Line baking sheets when roasting cherries to prevent sticking.
- Adjust baking time for frozen or canned cherries.
- Avoid overmixing when combining wet and dry ingredients.
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