Why Make This Recipe
Cherry Chocolate Brownies are a delightful treat that combines two beloved flavors: rich chocolate and sweet cherries. This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves brownies and wants to add a fruity twist. They are great for parties, family gatherings, or simply enjoying at home with a cup of coffee or tea. The addition of cherry jam gives these brownies a unique flavor and texture that will impress your friends and family.
How to Make Cherry Chocolate Brownies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 ounces (66g) bittersweet chocolate, broken into pieces
- 1/2 cup (100g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/2 cup (70g) all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup (40g) Dutch-processed cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Swirls of cherry jam
- 2/3 cup (115g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cup (175g) confectioners sugar
- 1 teaspoon cherry extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup cherry jam
- 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream
Directions
For the Brownies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix the melted butter and broken pieces of bittersweet chocolate until smooth.
- Add the light brown sugar and granulated sugar to the bowl. Mix well.
- Beat in the eggs and vanilla until fully combined.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the chocolate mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan. Add swirls of cherry jam on top.
- Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips over the batter.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let it cool before cutting into squares.
For the Cherry Buttercream:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the butter and confectioners’ sugar.
- Add cherry extract, vanilla extract, and cherry jam. Mix until creamy.
- If the frosting is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream until you reach the desired consistency.
How to Serve Cherry Chocolate Brownies
Serve these brownies on a nice plate or cut them into squares for easy serving. Drizzle some additional cherry jam or a dollop of cherry buttercream on top for an extra treat. Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delicious dessert.
How to Store Cherry Chocolate Brownies
To store your Cherry Chocolate Brownies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze the brownies for up to three months. Just make sure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Tips to Make Cherry Chocolate Brownies
- Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter to keep the brownies fudgy.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of cherry jam to your liking.
- Let the brownies cool completely before frosting for the best results.
Variation
You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch. If you like, try substituting the cherry jam with raspberry or strawberry jam for different fruity flavors.
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry jam?
A: Yes, you can use fresh cherries. Just chop them finely and fold them into the brownie batter before baking.
Q: How can I make these brownies gluten-free?
A: You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Q: Can I make the brownies ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can make these brownies a day or two in advance. Just store them properly in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
