Introduction
Ever wished you could bake something amazing without spending hours in the kitchen? These Decadent Chocolate Cherry Brownies are your answer! We’re taking everyday ingredients – chocolate, cherries, and a touch of magic – and transforming them into fudgy, chewy squares of pure brownie bliss. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy night in, this recipe is as easy as it is delicious. Get ready for brownie heaven!
Why This Works
This recipe works because it strikes the perfect balance between rich, decadent chocolate and the bright, juicy burst of cherries. The simple method ensures perfectly fudgy brownies every time, and the ingredients are readily accessible, making it a winner for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike! These brownies are seriously hard to resist!
Key Ingredients
- 🍫 1 cup unsweetened chocolate, chopped
- 🧈 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 🍯 1 cup granulated sugar
- 🥚 2 large eggs
- 🥚 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 🍒 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 🥣 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 🥄 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 🤏 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This is super important for easy removal later!
2️⃣ In a large bowl, melt the butter and chocolate together. Stir until smooth and creamy. You can do this gently in the microwave or over a double boiler on the stovetop – whichever works for you!
3️⃣ Once melted, add the sugar and mix well until fully combined.
4️⃣ Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Don’t overmix; just until everything is nicely incorporated.
5️⃣ In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
6️⃣ Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
7️⃣ Gently fold in the cherries, making sure to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
8️⃣ Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
9️⃣ Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Don’t overbake – you want fudgy brownies!
🔟 Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This helps them set up nicely.
Handy Tips
- Use good quality chocolate for the best flavor!
- If using frozen cherries, make sure to pat them dry before adding them to the batter. Excess moisture can affect the texture.
- For extra chocolatey goodness, add a cup of chocolate chips to the batter along with the cherries.
Heat Control
Baking at 350°F (175°C) ensures that the brownies bake evenly and achieve that perfect fudgy texture. Overbaking will result in dry brownies, so keep a close eye on them towards the end of the baking time. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, not completely clean.
Crunch Factor
These brownies have a delightful chewiness, thanks to the combination of melted chocolate and the flour. The cherries add a juicy burst of texture that contrasts beautifully with the fudgy brownie base. It’s the perfect balance of soft and slightly chewy!
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For extra intense chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate instead of unsweetened chocolate.
- Add a pinch of espresso powder to the batter for a mocha-flavored twist.
- For easier cutting, chill the brownies completely before cutting them into squares. A sharp knife helps too!
Storage Tips
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Gift Packaging Ideas
These brownies make a wonderful gift! Package them in a pretty tin or box, lined with parchment paper. Tie a ribbon around the box and add a personalized tag. You could even include a small scoop and a little note about how much you enjoyed making them.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Nutty Cherry Brownies: Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
🌟 White Chocolate Cherry Brownies: Replace 1/2 cup of the unsweetened chocolate with white chocolate.
🌟 Spicy Cherry Brownies: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon to the batter.
🌟 Orange Zest Cherry Brownies: Add the zest of one orange to the batter for a citrusy twist.
Troubleshooting
- Brownies are dry: You may have overbaked them. Next time, check for doneness a few minutes earlier.
- Brownies are cracked on top: This is sometimes due to overbaking or uneven heat. Try rotating the pan halfway through baking.
- Brownies are too gooey: You might have underbaked them. Try adding a few minutes of baking time.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen cherries? Yes, just make sure to pat them dry before adding them to the batter.
- Can I make these brownies in a smaller pan? Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the baking time accordingly. Start checking for doneness around 20 minutes.
- Can I substitute the butter? You can try using vegan butter, but the result might be slightly different.
- How long do the brownies last? Stored properly, they should last for about 3 days at room temperature.
Conclusion
These Decadent Chocolate Cherry Brownies are guaranteed to be a hit with everyone! They’re rich, fudgy, and bursting with juicy cherries – a perfect combination of flavors and textures. So grab your ingredients, get baking, and prepare for brownie overload! Don’t forget to share your creations and tag us on social media – we can’t wait to see your baking masterpieces!
Cherry Bomb Brownies
Deliciously fudgy brownies infused with tart cherry flavor and topped with a cherry glaze.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pitted cherries, chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry preserves
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350u00b0C (175u00b0F) and grease a 9x9 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and sugar until well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped cherries gently into the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- While the brownies are baking, prepare the cherry glaze by mixing cherry preserves, lemon juice, and powdered sugar in a small bowl.
- Once the brownies are done, let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, drizzle the cherry glaze over the brownies, slice, and serve.
Tips
- For extra cherry flavor, add a splash of cherry juice to the batter.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 3 days.