Introduction to Roasted Cherry Brownies There’s something magical about the combination of chocolate and cherries, isn’t there? Roasted Cherry Brownies bring that magic right to your kitchen. These brownies are not just a dessert; they’re a warm hug after a long day. Whether you’re looking to impress friends or simply treat yourself, this recipe is a quick solution that delivers rich, fudgy goodness in every bite. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll find that these brownies are perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive into this delightful treat that’s sure to become a favorite! Why You’ll Love This Roasted Cherry Brownies These Roasted Cherry Brownies are a game-changer for dessert lovers. They’re incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. The rich, fudgy texture combined with the sweet-tart flavor of roasted cherries creates a taste sensation that’s hard to resist. Plus, they bake in just 25 minutes! You’ll impress your friends and family without spending hours in the kitchen. What’s not to love? Ingredients for Roasted Cherry Brownies To create these delightful Roasted Cherry Brownies, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Here’s what you’ll gather: Fresh cherries: The star of the show! Their natural sweetness shines when roasted, adding a burst of flavor. Olive oil: A drizzle helps caramelize the cherries, enhancing their taste and texture. Granulated sugar: This sweetener balances the rich cocoa and complements the cherries perfectly. Unsweetened cocoa powder: For that deep chocolate flavor, it’s essential for fudgy brownies. All-purpose flour: This gives structure to the brownies, ensuring they hold together beautifully. Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors, making them pop. Baking powder: A little leavening agent to help the brownies rise slightly, giving them a nice texture. Unsalted butter: Melted for richness, it adds moisture and a lovely buttery flavor. Large eggs: They bind everything together and contribute to the brownies’ fudgy consistency. Vanilla extract: A splash of this adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor. Feel free to get creative! For an extra crunch, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. All ingredient quantities are listed at the bottom of the article for easy reference and printing. How to Make Roasted Cherry Brownies Making Roasted Cherry Brownies is a straightforward process that yields delicious results. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a rich, fudgy treat in no time! Step 1: Preheat the Oven Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. This step is crucial because it ensures even baking. A hot oven helps the brownies rise properly, giving them that perfect texture. So, don’t skip this step! Step 2: Roast the Cherries Next, prepare your cherries. Toss the pitted and halved cherries with a tablespoon of olive oil. Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast them for about 15 minutes until they’re soft and slightly caramelized. This roasting process intensifies their flavor, making them a delightful addition to your brownies. Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients While the cherries are roasting, grab a large mixing bowl. Combine the granulated sugar, cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Whisk them together until they’re well blended. Proper mixing here is key; it ensures that the cocoa and baking powder are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. These wet ingredients are essential for creating that fudgy texture we all love in brownies. The melted butter adds richness, while the eggs bind everything together. Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients Now, it’s time to bring the two mixtures together. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies, and we want them to be soft and fudgy! Step 6: Fold in Roasted Cherries Once your batter is ready, gently fold in the roasted cherries. This step adds bursts of flavor throughout the brownies. Use a spatula to carefully incorporate them without breaking them apart too much. You want those lovely cherry pieces to shine in every bite! Step 7: Bake the Brownies Pour the brownie batter into a greased 8×8-inch baking pan. Spread it evenly, then pop it into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. Step 8: Cool and Slice Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the pan. This cooling process is important; it helps them set up nicely. After about 10-15 minutes, slice them into squares. Serve them warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the delightful combination of chocolate and roasted cherries! Tips for Success Use ripe cherries for the best flavor; they should be sweet and juicy. Don’t skip the roasting step; it enhances the cherries’ natural sweetness. Measure your ingredients accurately for consistent results. Let the brownies cool completely before slicing for cleaner edges. Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Equipment Needed Mixing bowls: A set of various sizes is handy; you can use any large bowl you have. Whisk: Essential for mixing; a fork can work in a pinch. Baking pan: An 8×8-inch pan is ideal; a 9×9-inch pan will also do. Spatula: Great for folding in cherries; a wooden spoon works too. Oven mitts: Safety first! Use any thick cloth to protect your hands. Variations of Roasted Cherry Brownies Nutty Delight: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture that complements the fudgy brownies. Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these brownies suitable for gluten-sensitive friends. Dark Chocolate Twist: Use dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa for a richer chocolate flavor that will satisfy any chocolate lover. Minty Fresh: Incorporate a teaspoon of peppermint extract for a refreshing minty flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate and cherries. Vegan Version: Replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water and use a plant-based butter alternative to create a vegan-friendly treat. Serving Suggestions for Roasted Cherry Brownies Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm brownies with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast. Fresh Whipped Cream: Top with a dollop of whipped cream for added richness. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle chocolate sauce over the brownies for an indulgent touch. Fresh Mint: Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness. FAQs about Roasted Cherry Brownies Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh? Absolutely! Frozen cherries work well, but make sure to thaw and drain them first. This prevents excess moisture from affecting the brownie texture. How do I store leftover brownies? Store your Roasted Cherry Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. Can I make these brownies ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the batter a day in advance and bake it when you’re ready. Just remember to let the batter sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe? If you need an egg substitute, try using 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water). Both options work well in brownies! Can I add other fruits to the brownies? Definitely! Feel free to experiment with other fruits like raspberries or blueberries. Just keep in mind that the baking time may vary slightly. Final Thoughts Baking Roasted Cherry Brownies is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience that fills your kitchen with warmth and delightful aromas. Each bite offers a perfect balance of rich chocolate and sweet-tart cherries, creating a moment of pure bliss. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or savoring them solo, these brownies bring joy to any occasion. They’re quick to make, yet they feel special enough to impress. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the magic of Roasted Cherry Brownies brighten your day! Isabella Roasted Cherry Brownies: A Delicious Recipe You Must Try! Delicious roasted cherry brownies that are rich and fudgy, perfect for dessert lovers. Print Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 25 minutes minsTotal Time 35 minutes mins Servings: 9 servingsCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 180 Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? 1 cup fresh cherries pitted and halved1 tablespoon olive oil1 cup granulated sugar1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder1/2 cup all-purpose flour1/4 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon baking powder1/2 cup unsalted butter melted2 large eggs1 teaspoon vanilla extract Method Preheat the oven to 400°F.Toss the pitted cherries with olive oil and spread them on a baking sheet.Roast for 15 minutes until they are soft and slightly caramelized. Remove from the oven and let cool.In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar, cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Whisk until well blended.In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.Gently fold in the roasted cherries.Pour the brownie batter into a greased 8×8-inch baking pan.Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.Allow to cool in the pan before slicing into squares. Nutrition Serving: 1brownieCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 3gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 16g Notes For a richer flavor, try adding 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the brownie batter. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!