Description
Indulge in these rich and moist Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies, featuring the perfect balance of tart roasted cherries and deep cocoa flavors. This delightful dessert combines the sweetness of semi-sweet chocolate chips and a tender crumb, enhanced by a light roasting of fresh cherries that intensifies their natural flavor. Ideal for dessert lovers looking for a decadent yet balanced treat.
Ingredients
Cherries
- 2 cups cherries, cut in half (washed and pitted)
- Sprinkle of sugar
Brownie Batter
- 1 1/3 cups white granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 egg yolk
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup oil (canola or vegetable)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup Dutch process cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Roast the Cherries: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the halved cherries evenly over it. Sprinkle a little sugar on top. Roast the cherries for 10 minutes to intensify their flavor. Remove and allow them to cool completely.
- Prepare the Baking Pan: Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F. Spray an 8x8 inch baking pan with non-stick baking spray, then line the bottom and two sides with parchment paper. Spray the parchment paper again to ensure easy removal of brownies.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, Dutch process cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Set aside for later use.
- Beat Eggs and Sugar: Using a mixer with a whisk attachment, beat the white granulated sugar, two large eggs, and one egg yolk on high speed for about 5 minutes until the mixture is thick and pale.
- Incorporate Butter, Oil, and Vanilla: While continuing to mix on low speed, slowly add the slightly cooled melted butter, oil, and vanilla extract to the egg and sugar mixture. Remove the mixer once combined.
- Fold in Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula. Be careful to fold gently to maintain the airiness in the batter for a tender texture.
- Add Roasted Cherries and Chocolate Chips: Take half of the roasted cherries and gently fold them into the batter along with all the semi-sweet chocolate chips until just combined.
- Pour and Bake: Spread the brownie batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven at 325°F for 40 to 50 minutes. The brownies are done when the edges are set but the center is still slightly underdone for optimal fudginess.
- Add Final Touches: Immediately after baking, sprinkle the top with remaining chocolate chips. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan to set.
- Freeze and Serve: Place the cooled pan in the freezer for 15 minutes to firm up the brownies, then remove from the pan using the parchment paper. Top with the remaining half of the roasted cherries, cut into 16 servings, and serve.
Notes
- Roasting the cherries enhances their natural sweetness and adds a subtle caramelized flavor.
- Use Dutch process cocoa powder for a richer, smoother chocolate flavor.
- Folding the dry ingredients gently helps maintain a light texture in the brownies.
- Do not overbake to retain a moist, fudgy center.
- Cooling and freezing the brownies helps in clean cutting and improves texture.
- If preferred, you can substitute oil with melted butter entirely for a richer taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American