Why Make This Recipe
Chocolate Cherry Brownies are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavor of chocolate with the sweetness of cherries. Making these brownies is simple and rewarding, perfect for any occasion or just to satisfy your sweet tooth. They are sure to impress your family and friends, and they are a great way to enjoy the classic pairing of chocolate and fruit.
How to Make Chocolate Cherry Brownies
Ingredients
- 4 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, (60-70% cocoa, roughly chopped)
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon espresso powder
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
Directions
- Position the rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch metal pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, and spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
- Combine the chopped chocolate, ¼ cup of cocoa powder, and espresso powder in a heatproof bowl.
- Heat the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until it simmers vigorously, about 5 minutes. Swirl it occasionally. Pour the hot butter over the chocolate mixture and let it sit for 2 minutes. Whisk until smooth.
- In a large bowl, whisk the sugar, eggs, egg yolk, and vanilla until light and fluffy, about 5-7 minutes, using an electric mixer. Then mix in the vegetable oil.
- Pour the melted chocolate mixture into the bowl and mix until combined.
- Sift together the remaining cocoa powder, flour, cornstarch, and salt. Fold this mixture gently into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Carefully fold in the cherry pie filling, making sure to keep the cherries intact.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
- Let the brownies cool completely before cutting.
How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Brownies
Serve these brownies warm or at room temperature. You can enjoy them plain, or for an extra treat, top them with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A drizzle of chocolate sauce also goes well to enhance the flavors.
How to Store Chocolate Cherry Brownies
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before freezing.
Tips to Make Chocolate Cherry Brownies
- Ensure the butter simmers properly; this helps melt the chocolate smoothly.
- Don’t overmix the batter after adding the flour, as this can make the brownies tough.
- Let the brownies cool completely for the best texture when cutting them.
Variation
You can swap the cherry pie filling for other fruit pie fillings like blueberry or raspberry to create different flavor profiles. You can also mix in chocolate chips or nuts for added texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use chocolate chips instead of chopped chocolate?
Yes, you can use chocolate chips. Just make sure to choose good quality semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips.
2. Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
3. How can I tell when the brownies are done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are done. If it’s wet with batter, they need more time.
