Why Make This Recipe
Chocolate Cherry Brownies are a delightful treat that combines rich chocolate with the sweet-tart flavor of cherries. They are perfect for any occasion, whether you are celebrating a birthday, having a family gathering, or simply satisfying a chocolate craving. These brownies are easy to make and offer a chewy, fudgy texture that everyone loves. Adding fresh or frozen cherries makes these brownies even more special, providing a burst of flavor in every bite.
How to Make Chocolate Cherry Brownies
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 (445 grams) cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/4 cup (282 grams) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/4 cup (105 grams) natural unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cup (180 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (170 grams) chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 cups (225 grams) cherries, fresh or frozen
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Line a 9×9-inch metal baking dish with parchment paper and grease it.
- Melt the butter in a large, microwaveable bowl for 60 to 90 seconds on high power. Stir in the cocoa powder and sugar until fully dissolved and there are no lumps.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract.
- Gently fold in the flour and salt until no streaks of flour remain. Fold in most of the chocolate chips and cherries, saving some for the top.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips and cherries on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the center is just set, and a tester comes out with a moist crumb. Let them cool completely before cutting.
How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Brownies
You can serve these brownies warm or at room temperature. They are delicious on their own but can be enhanced with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a nice touch.
How to Store Chocolate Cherry Brownies
To store your brownies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap before freezing.
Tips to Make Chocolate Cherry Brownies
- Ensure your eggs are at room temperature to help them mix better into the batter.
- Use fresh cherries if possible for the best flavor. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture.
- Don’t overmix the batter after adding the flour; this keeps the brownies fudgy.
Variation
You can replace cherries with other fruits like raspberries or strawberries for a different flavor. Adding nuts like walnuts or pecans can add an extra crunch to the brownies.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of sugar?
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar for granulated sugar for a different flavor and texture.
2. What if I don’t have cocoa powder?
If you don’t have cocoa powder, you can use unsweetened chocolate instead. Just melt the chocolate and reduce the amount of fat in the recipe to account for it.
3. Can I skip the cherries?
Yes, you can make the brownies without cherries. They will still be tasty! You might want to add an extra cup of chocolate chips or nuts instead.
