Chocolate Cherry Brownies are a delightful fusion of rich, fudgy chocolate and the sweet, tart flavor of cherries. This decadent dessert offers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, making it a favorite among dessert enthusiasts. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, these brownies are sure to impress.
Ingredients
To create these delectable brownies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (226 grams), melted
- Granulated Sugar: 1 cup (200 grams)
- Large Eggs: 2
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup (120 grams)
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: 1/2 cup (45 grams)
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Fresh or Frozen Cherries: 1 cup (150 grams), pitted and chopped
- Semisweet Chocolate Chips: 1/2 cup (90 grams)
Preparation
Follow these steps to prepare your Chocolate Cherry Brownies:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure a tender texture.
- Add Cherries and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chopped cherries and semisweet chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper overhang, cut into squares, and enjoy.
Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your brownies turn out perfect, be mindful of the following common mistakes:
- Overmixing the Batter: Mixing the batter too vigorously can lead to dense, tough brownies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Cold eggs and butter can cause the batter to seize. Allow them to come to room temperature before mixing.
- Incorrect Oven Temperature: Baking at too high a temperature can cause the edges to overcook while leaving the center underdone. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
- Not Measuring Flour Properly: Scooping flour directly from the bag can result in too much flour. Instead, spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
- Skipping the Cooling Time: Cutting into the brownies while they’re still warm can cause them to fall apart. Allow them to cool completely for the best texture.
Ingredient Alternatives
If you’re missing some ingredients or prefer substitutions, consider the following:
- Butter: Use an equal amount of vegetable oil or melted coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- Granulated Sugar: Substitute with an equal amount of brown sugar for a deeper, molasses-like flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Cocoa Powder: Dutch-processed cocoa powder can be used instead of natural cocoa powder for a milder flavor.
- Cherries: Dried cherries can be used; just ensure they’re chopped and soaked in warm water for 10 minutes before adding to the batter.
Tips and Tricks
Enhance your baking experience with these helpful tips:
- Enhance Chocolate Flavor: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the batter to intensify the chocolate taste.
- Prevent Sinking Cherries: Toss the chopped cherries in a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter to prevent them from sinking to the bottom.
- Check for Doneness: Start checking the brownies at the 25-minute mark by inserting a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- Add Nuts: For added texture, fold in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, along with the cherries and chocolate chips.
- Serve Warm: For a decadent treat, serve the brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Suggestions
- Add a Layer of Ganache: After baking your brownies, top them with a smooth, rich chocolate ganache for an extra layer of indulgence. This will add shine and a deeper chocolate flavor, making them even more decadent.
- Mix in More Fruit: If you’re a fan of fruity flavors, consider adding a mix of berries like raspberries, blueberries, or even strawberries. The tartness of these fruits will complement the sweetness of the chocolate and cherries perfectly.
- Use Cherry Liqueur: For an adult twist, add a tablespoon of cherry liqueur such as Kirsch or Cherry Heering to the batter. This enhances the cherry flavor and adds a unique depth to your brownies.
- Top with Ice Cream: Serve your brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla, chocolate, or cherry ice cream on top. The combination of hot brownies and cold ice cream creates a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
- Add a Crunch: For a bit of crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds on top of the batter before baking. These add a great texture and nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the richness of the chocolate and cherries.
- Create a Swirl: To make the brownies even more visually appealing, try creating a swirl by adding a few tablespoons of cherry jam or raspberry sauce on top of the batter. Use a knife to swirl the jam into the batter before baking.
- Top with Whipped Cream: For a lighter finish, top each brownie with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. This adds a creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the dense, fudgy brownies.
- Make It a Brownie Sundae: Turn your brownies into a sundae by adding layers of caramel sauce, whipped cream, and a cherry on top. This transforms the simple brownie into a fun, crowd-pleasing dessert.
- Add a Sprinkle of Sea Salt: A sprinkle of sea salt on top of the brownies right before baking or after they’ve cooled adds a delightful contrast to the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the brownies.
- Try Different Cherry Varieties: If fresh cherries aren’t in season, try using jarred or canned cherries in syrup. For a more intense cherry flavor, opt for maraschino cherries or sour cherries, which will stand out more in the rich brownie base.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, frozen cherries work perfectly well in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them, drain any excess liquid, and pat them dry with paper towels before adding them to the batter. This helps prevent the batter from becoming too wet. - How do I store the brownies?
You can store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them for a longer period, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. - Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! To make a larger batch, simply double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking pan. Be sure to adjust the baking time, checking for doneness at the 30-minute mark. - How can I make the brownies more fudgy?
For a fudgier texture, slightly underbake the brownies by removing them from the oven when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The residual heat will continue to cook them as they cool. - Can I substitute the butter with oil?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with an equal amount of vegetable oil or melted coconut oil. This will alter the flavor slightly, but it will still result in a moist and delicious brownie. - Can I add nuts to the brownies?
Absolutely! Walnuts or pecans are great additions to these brownies. Fold in about 1/2 cup of chopped nuts along with the cherries and chocolate chips to add some crunch and texture. - How can I intensify the chocolate flavor?
Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the batter. This will enhance the chocolate flavor without making the brownies taste like coffee. - Can I use different types of chocolate?
Yes! Feel free to use dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet chocolate for a richer flavor. You can also try a mix of milk and dark chocolate for a balanced taste. - How do I prevent the cherries from sinking to the bottom?
Toss the chopped cherries in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter. This will help them stay suspended throughout the brownies rather than sinking to the bottom. - Can I use a different type of fruit?
Yes, you can substitute the cherries with other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or even diced strawberries. Keep in mind that the moisture content may vary depending on the fruit you choose. - Can I freeze the brownie batter?
Yes, you can freeze brownie batter for up to 3 months. Just prepare the batter, place it in an airtight container, and freeze. When ready to bake, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed. - Can I make these brownies without eggs?
Yes, you can use an egg substitute like flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon of flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) or chia seeds. Another option is to use unsweetened applesauce, replacing each egg with 1/4 cup of applesauce.
Conclusion
Decadent Chocolate Cherry Brownies are a truly indulgent dessert that combines the richness of chocolate with the sweetness and tartness of cherries. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, celebrating a special occasion, or simply treating yourself, these brownies are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. With simple ingredients and a straightforward preparation method, you can easily create these irresistible brownies in no time. By following the tips, avoiding common mistakes, and experimenting with ingredient alternatives, you can personalize this recipe to suit your preferences. So, go ahead, bake these delicious brownies, and enjoy the perfect blend of flavors and textures
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Decadent Chocolate Cherry Brownies
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (240g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup (175g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup (150g) fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and chopped
- 1/2 cup (90g) cherry jam (optional for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth and well combined.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped cherries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.
- If desired, drop spoonfuls of cherry jam on top of the batter and use a knife or toothpick to swirl it into the batter for added flavor.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake for a fudgy texture.
- Let the brownies cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting into squares.
- Serve and enjoy your decadent chocolate cherry brownies!