Intro and Brief Recap
Have you ever tasted a dessert that made you feel like you were wrapped in a warm hug? The Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe is exactly that—a delightful blend of rich chocolate combined with the tartness of cherries, creating a sweet symphony in every bite. With their fudgy texture and vibrant flavor, these brownies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply indulging yourself after a long day.
I remember the first time I baked these brownies; the aroma filled my kitchen, drawing my family to the source of the sweet smell. They eagerly gathered around, anticipation sparkling in their eyes. As I cut into the pan, revealing the gooey center studded with juicy cherries, I realized this would become a cherished recipe for years to come. Whether served at a birthday party or enjoyed during a cozy movie night at home, these brownies promise to elevate any moment with their exceptional taste.
Key Ingredients For Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Dark Chocolate: Choose high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for rich flavor and depth.
- Unsalted Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness and enhance flavors without overpowering sweetness.
- Granulated Sugar: This ingredient provides sweetness and helps achieve that lovely chewy texture typical of brownies.
- Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar adds moisture and caramel notes to the brownies.
- Large Eggs: Fresh eggs contribute structure and richness, binding all ingredients together beautifully.
- All-Purpose Flour: This is essential for providing structure; be sure not to overmix once it’s added.
- Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder intensifies the chocolate flavor without adding extra sugar.
- Fresh Cherries: Pitted fresh cherries add bursts of tartness that perfectly complement the chocolate.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Instructions For Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
First Step: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking pan (9×9 inches) with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Second Step: Melt Chocolate and Butter
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt together the dark chocolate and unsalted butter. Stir occasionally until smooth and glossy. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Third Step: Mix Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar and brown sugar with your melted chocolate mixture. Stir until well blended and creamy.
Fourth Step: Add Eggs
Add in the large eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. This step ensures your brownies will have a rich texture.
Fifth Step: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gently fold in all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this will keep your brownies fudgy.
Sixth Step: Add Cherries
Finally, fold in the pitted cherries until evenly distributed throughout the batter. Pour into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
Transfer to your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Let them cool before cutting into squares for serving.
Expert Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Use Quality Ingredients: High-quality chocolate makes all the difference in achieving rich flavor.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your brownies; they should be slightly underbaked for that perfect fudgy texture.
- Add Nuts If Desired: For extra crunch, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans along with the cherries.
Enjoy making these decadent Chocolate Cherry Brownies!
Preparation Tips
To make the best Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe, follow these simple preparation tips to ensure a delicious outcome. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking. Use high-quality chocolate and fresh cherries for the best flavor. When melting the chocolate, do so gently to avoid burning it. Incorporate the cherries into the brownie batter just before pouring it into the baking dish for even distribution.
Baking Instructions
For this Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe, combine your dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another. Gradually mix them together until smooth. Pour half of the brownie batter into your prepared dish. Layer half of the cherries on top and then cover with the remaining batter. Finally, sprinkle the rest of the cherries on top before placing in the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooling and Serving Suggestions
Once baked, allow your brownies to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe is perfect when served warm or at room temperature. Consider dusting with powdered sugar or serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Storage Recommendations
After making this Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe, you may want to store leftovers properly. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual brownies wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.
FAQs
What makes this Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe unique?
This Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe stands out due to its delightful combination of rich chocolate and juicy cherries. The tartness of cherries perfectly balances the sweetness of chocolate, creating a flavor profile that is both indulgent and refreshing.
Can I use frozen cherries in my Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries in this Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe. Just be sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid to prevent sogginess in your brownies. Frozen cherries can add convenience without sacrificing taste.
How do I know when my Chocolate Cherry Brownies are done?
To check if your Chocolate Cherry Brownies are done baking, insert a toothpick into the center of the pan. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, your brownies are ready. Overbaking can lead to dry brownies, so keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking.
What variations can I try with this Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe?
You can experiment with this Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe by adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch or using dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for a richer flavor. Additionally, consider incorporating spices like cinnamon or espresso powder for added depth in flavor.
Indulgent Chocolate Cherry Brownies
Experience the perfect blend of rich chocolate and tart cherries in these irresistible brownies. With a fudgy texture and gooey center, each bite is a delightful treat that brings warmth and joy to any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday celebration or a cozy night in, these Chocolate Cherry Brownies are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt dark chocolate and butter until smooth. Let cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine granulated and brown sugars with the cooled chocolate mixture until creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Gently fold in flour, cocoa powder, and salt until just combined.
- Fold in cherries evenly into the batter, pour into the prepared pan, and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Cool before cutting into squares.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (60g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg