Chocolate cherry brownies are a delectable fusion of rich chocolate and sweet, juicy cherries. These brownies have everything you want in a dessert—gooey, fudgy texture, a crackly top, and delicious bursts of cherry in every bite. Whether you’re looking for an easy, indulgent treat to share or a unique twist on a classic brownie, this recipe has you covered. It’s perfect for any occasion and sure to be a hit with your friends and family!
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Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Cherry Brownies
These chocolate cherry brownies are the ultimate dessert, combining the smooth, rich flavor of chocolate with the refreshing sweetness of cherries. They’re quick and easy to make, so you can enjoy a warm, indulgent treat in no time. With their fudgy texture and chewy edges, they deliver a perfect bite every time. The addition of cherries not only enhances the flavor but also adds a pop of color and juiciness that makes these brownies stand out.
Ingredients for Chocolate Cherry Brownies
To make these irresistible brownies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture to the brownies.
• Sugar: Caster or granulated sugar works well to sweeten the brownies.
• All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the brownie batter.
• Eggs: Provides structure and moisture for a fudgy texture.
• Baking powder: Helps the brownies rise slightly while maintaining their dense, fudgy texture.
• Salt: Enhances the sweetness of the chocolate and balances the flavors.
• Cocoa powder: Use unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa for a smooth and deep chocolate flavor.
• Chocolate: Chopped dark or milk chocolate adds richness and extra chocolatey goodness.
• Cherries: Fresh, tinned, or frozen cherries bring a sweet burst of flavor and moisture to the brownies.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you have dietary preferences or missing ingredients, here are some alternatives:
- Gluten-free flour: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
- Vegan: Use plant-based butter and eggs (try a flax egg) for a vegan-friendly alternative.
- Other fruits: If cherries aren’t available, try raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries for a similar fruity burst.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Chocolate Cherry Brownies
Follow these simple steps to bake your chocolate cherry brownies to perfection:
- Preheat the oven to 170°C (338°F). Grease an 8×8-inch baking tin and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Melt the butter and 100g of sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture becomes glossy. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Whisk the eggs and sugar in a large bowl for 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer until pale, fluffy, and doubled in volume.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix the wet and dry ingredients: Gradually fold the melted butter mixture into the egg mixture, followed by the dry ingredients. Stir gently until combined (it’s fine if a few streaks of flour remain).
- Add the chocolate and cherries: Fold in the chopped chocolate and cherries, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared tin and smooth the top. Bake for 38-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with crumbs attached. For a cakier texture, bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- Cool: Let the brownies cool in the tin for at least one hour, or ideally, refrigerate them overnight for a firmer texture.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Chocolate Cherry Brownies
Here are some tips to ensure your chocolate cherry brownies come out perfectly every time:
- Don’t overmix the batter: Stir until the dry ingredients are just incorporated. Overmixing can result in dense brownies.
- Let them cool completely: Wait at least an hour, or better yet, refrigerate them before cutting. This helps the brownies set properly and makes for cleaner slices.
- Shiny top: To get that beautiful glossy, crackly top, beat the eggs and sugar well until they’re light and fluffy. Using high-quality chocolate also contributes to the shine.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
Chocolate cherry brownies are delicious on their own, but you can take them to the next level with these ideas:
- Top with frosting: Add a layer of chocolate frosting or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Serve with ice cream: Vanilla or cherry ice cream pairs perfectly with these brownies for a decadent dessert.
- Make mini brownie bites: Cut the brownies into small squares for easy snacking or party treats.
- Try a gluten-free version: Swap in gluten-free flour to make these brownies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Storing and Freezing Your Brownies
If you have leftovers (or want to prep ahead), here’s how to store your chocolate cherry brownies:
- Room temperature: Keep them in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Refrigerated: Store in the fridge for up to 6 days.
- Freezing: Wrap each brownie slice tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Why Chocolate Cherry Brownies Are a Must-Try
These chocolate cherry brownies are the perfect balance of rich chocolate and sweet fruit. With a fudgy texture, chewy edges, and bursts of cherry flavor, they’re a treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something sweet, this recipe delivers a decadent dessert that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying.
Conclusion
Chocolate cherry brownies are a delightful twist on a classic dessert that combines the richness of chocolate with the sweetness and tartness of cherries. These brownies are incredibly easy to make, and their fudgy texture and chewy edges make them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to impress at a party or simply indulge in something sweet, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create the perfect chocolate cherry brownies that will leave everyone asking for more!
FAQ: Chocolate Cherry Brownies
Can I use frozen cherries in chocolate cherry brownies?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries in this recipe. There’s no need to thaw them before adding them to the batter. However, keep in mind that frozen cherries may add a bit more moisture to the brownies, so you might need to bake them a little longer—around 40-45 minutes instead of the usual 38 minutes.
How do I get a shiny top on my chocolate cherry brownies?
To achieve that glossy, crackly top on your brownies, beat the eggs and sugar until they are light and fluffy, almost doubling in volume. Using high-quality chocolate also helps achieve that shiny finish, so opt for dark or milk chocolate with a higher cocoa content for the best results.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes, you can make these chocolate cherry brownies gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Just ensure that your flour blend is suitable for baking, and you’ll get equally delicious results!
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Chocolate Cherry Brownies
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These chocolate cherry brownies are a fudgy, rich dessert made with fresh or frozen cherries, ensuring a burst of juicy sweetness with every bite. Their gooey center, crackly top, and chewy edges make them irresistible for any occasion. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe is perfect for chocolate and cherry lovers alike.
Ingredients
- 150g unsalted butter, room temperature
- 300g sugar (caster or granulated)
- 3 large eggs
- 115g all-purpose flour
- 70g cocoa powder (unsweetened, Dutch-processed)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 200g chopped chocolate (dark or milk or both)
- 250g cherries (pitted, halved or quartered)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 170°C (338°F) and grease and line an 8×8-inch baking tin with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and 100g of sugar over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, whisk eggs and remaining sugar until pale and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Whisk the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl, then fold into the egg mixture.
- Add the melted butter mixture to the egg mixture, followed by the dry ingredients. Stir gently to combine, but do not overmix.
- Fold in chopped chocolate and cherries until evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared tin and smooth the top. Bake for 38-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with crumbs attached.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely before slicing into squares.
Notes
- If using frozen cherries, there’s no need to thaw them before adding to the batter. You may need to bake them a few minutes longer due to the extra moisture.
- For a cakier texture, bake the brownies for an additional 5 minutes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days at room temperature or up to 6 days in the fridge.
- To freeze, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 38 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 337 kcal
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 204mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 98mg
