Cherry brownies combine rich chocolate with the tartness of cherries for a delicious treat. When you bake them, the warm chocolate aroma fills the air, and the cherries add a burst of sweetness to every bite.
Why We Love Cherry Brownies
Cherry brownies are more than just an exciting twist on the classic brownie recipe. Here’s why they are such a beloved dessert:
Tart Meets Sweet
The combination of chocolate and cherries is a timeless flavor duo. The rich, fudgy texture of brownies pairs beautifully with the bright, slightly tart taste of cherries. The contrast between the sweet, dense brownie and the refreshing fruit creates a perfectly balanced bite.
Texture Appeal
The texture of cherry brownies is what makes them stand out. While brownies are traditionally fudgy and chewy, the cherries add a burst of juiciness that makes each bite more interesting. The cherries soften while baking, infusing their flavor into the brownies without overwhelming the chocolate.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Cherry brownies are incredibly versatile. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a summer BBQ, or just craving something sweet, these brownies fit the bill. Their eye-catching appearance and delicious flavor make them a hit at any event, and they’re sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Health Benefits of Cherries
While no dessert should be considered a health food, cherries do offer some benefits. They are rich in antioxidants, which help fight inflammation, and they provide a good source of vitamin C, which supports your immune system. Cherries can also contribute to better sleep and improve heart health. So, the next time you indulge in cherry brownies, know that you’re getting a little nutritional boost along with your treat!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Cherries (fresh or frozen): 1 cup, pitted
- Dark Chocolate or Semi-Sweet Chocolate: 6 oz (melted)
- Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick)
- Granulated Sugar: 3/4 cup
- Eggs: 2 large
- All-Purpose Flour: 1/2 cup
- Cocoa Powder: 1/4 cup
- Baking Powder: 1 tsp
- Salt: 1/4 tsp
- Vanilla Extract: 1 tsp
Optional Ingredients (for variations)
- Chopped Walnuts or Almonds: 1/2 cup
- Cherry Liqueur: 1 tbsp
- White Chocolate Chips: 1/2 cup
These ingredients come together to create the rich and indulgent flavor that cherry brownies are known for. The addition of chocolate and cherries, of course, is the star of the show. You can also customize this recipe by adding chopped nuts or a dash of cherry liqueur for an extra burst of flavor.
How to Make Cherry Brownies
Making cherry brownies is easy, and it all comes down to a few simple steps. Let’s get baking!
Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Melt the Chocolate
In a heatproof bowl, melt the chocolate and butter together, stirring until smooth and well combined. You can do this either in a microwave or over a double boiler on the stovetop.
Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add the melted chocolate mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until fully combined.
Add Dry Ingredients
Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, making sure not to overmix the batter.
Add Cherries
Gently fold in the cherries, ensuring that they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. The cherries will soften and release their juices as they bake, which adds to the brownies’ delicious texture.
Bake
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
Cool and Serve
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. If you can, let them cool in the fridge for an hour or two to help them set and hold their shape.
Expert Tips for Perfect Cherry Brownies
To ensure your cherry brownies turn out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips:
Use Quality Chocolate: The better the chocolate, the better the flavor. Opt for high-quality dark chocolate (at least 60% cocoa) for a richer, more intense taste.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense, heavy brownies.
Use Fresh Cherries: While frozen cherries work well, fresh cherries provide the best flavor. Make sure to pit them and chop them into smaller pieces so they bake evenly.
Check Doneness: Test the brownies with a toothpick around the 25-minute mark. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the brownies are done. If not, give them a few more minutes.
Let It Cool: Patience is key! Let the brownies cool fully in the pan to prevent them from falling apart when you cut them.
Variations of Cherry Brownies
While the classic cherry brownie recipe is delicious on its own, there are plenty of fun variations you can try to keep things interesting.
Cherry Almond Brownies: Add chopped almonds to the brownie batter for a bit of crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the cherries.
Chocolate-Cherry Marble Brownies: For a more indulgent twist, swirl in a cream cheese or vanilla batter to create a marble effect. This adds a creamy texture that complements the rich chocolate and tart cherries.
Cherry Cheesecake Brownies: Add a layer of cheesecake batter on top of the brownie batter for a decadent cheesecake swirl that pairs perfectly with the cherries.
Gluten-Free Cherry Brownies: If you’re gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. These brownies will still be just as fudgy and delicious!
Serving Suggestions for Cherry Brownies
When it comes to serving cherry brownies, there are several ways to elevate this dessert even further:
Serve with Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream adds extra creaminess to the brownies.
Pair with Coffee or Hot Chocolate: Cherry brownies go wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate. The rich chocolate flavor pairs perfectly with a hot beverage.
Perfect for Parties: These brownies are perfect for any gathering. For an extra special touch, drizzle some chocolate sauce or cherry syrup on top before serving.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What makes cherry brownies different from regular brownies?
Cherry brownies have the unique twist of adding fresh or frozen cherries to the classic brownie batter. The result is a combination of rich chocolate and tart, juicy cherries that create a flavor explosion in every bite.
Can I use dried cherries in this recipe?
Yes, you can use dried cherries instead of fresh ones, but be sure to chop them into smaller pieces and soak them in water for about 10 minutes before adding them to the batter. This will help rehydrate them and bring out their sweetness.
How can I store leftover cherry brownies?
Store your cherry brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you need them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Can I add other fruits to cherry brownies?
Absolutely! You can experiment with adding other fruits like raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries for a different flavor profile that complements the cherries.
Are cherry brownies healthier than regular brownies?
While cherry brownies still contain sugar and butter, cherries provide some health benefits, such as antioxidants and vitamins. If you opt for dark chocolate, you’re also getting a slightly healthier option compared to milk chocolate.
Cherry Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 cup cherries fresh or frozen, pitted
- 6 oz dark chocolate melted
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a heatproof bowl, melt the chocolate and butter together, stirring until smooth and well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add the melted chocolate mixture and stir until fully combined.
- Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, making sure not to overmix the batter.
- Gently fold in the cherries, ensuring that they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. If possible, let them cool in the fridge for an hour or two for the best results.