Description
Cherry Chocolate Brownies Recipe
Ingredients:
200g dark chocolate, melted
150g butter, melted
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup fresh or canned cherries, pitted
1/2 cup chocolate chips
Steps:
1. Preheat oven:
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Make the batter:
Whisk melted butter and sugar until combined.
Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
Sift in flour, cocoa powder, and salt, then fold until just combined.
3. Add cherries and chocolate chips:
Gently fold in cherries and half of the chocolate chips.
4. Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the center is set.
5. Cool and serve:
Let the brownies cool before cutting into squares and garnishing with extra cherries.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect brownies every time. First, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for easier mixing. When melting the chocolate and butter, use a double boiler or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently to prevent burning. When whisking the butter and sugar, aim for a pale, creamy mixture to incorporate air. After adding the dry ingredients, fold gently with a spatula until no flour streaks remain; overmixing develops gluten, leading to a cakey texture. For the cherries, pat them very dry with paper towels if using canned or fresh to avoid excess moisture. Finally, use the toothpick test for doneness—it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Serving Suggestions
These decadent brownies are versatile. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert. For a gourmet touch, drizzle with a salted caramel or raspberry sauce. They pair wonderfully with a cup of strong coffee or a glass of cold milk. For a festive presentation, dust with powdered sugar or top with a few gold-leafed fresh cherries.
How-to Summary
To make Cherry Chocolate Brownies: Preheat oven to 175°C and prepare a pan. Mix melted butter and sugar, then blend in eggs and vanilla. Fold in sifted dry ingredients. Gently incorporate pitted cherries and half the chocolate chips. Spread batter in the pan, top with remaining chips, and bake for 25-30 minutes. Cool completely before slicing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, but do not thaw them. Toss them in a tablespoon of the measured flour while still frozen to prevent bleeding and sinking.
What’s the best chocolate to use?
Use a good-quality dark chocolate with 60-70% cocoa for a rich, deep flavor that isn’t overly sweet.
How should I store these brownies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. They also freeze well for up to 3 months.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for reliable results.
My brownies turned out too cakey. What happened?
This is often due to overmixing the batter after adding the flour, or using too much flour. Measure your flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding wet cherries: Excess liquid ruins the brownie’s fudgy texture.
- Overbaking: This is the top cause of dry brownies. Start checking at 25 minutes.
- Using hot melted butter/chocolate: Let it cool slightly before adding to sugar and eggs to avoid cooking the eggs.
- Cutting while warm: The brownies need time to set. Patience ensures clean slices.
- Not lining the pan: Always use parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
Conclusion
This Cherry Chocolate Brownie recipe combines rich, fudgy chocolate with the bright, tart burst of cherries for an irresistible treat. By following the detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can achieve bakery-quality results at home. Whether for a special occasion or a simple indulgence, these brownies are sure to impress. Enjoy the process and the delicious outcome!