Today, we’re diving into the world of cherry brownies. Imagine sinking your teeth into a fudgy, chocolatey brownie, only to be greeted by juicy bursts of sweet cherries in every bite. It’s a match made in baking heaven, and we’re about to show you how to create these little squares of summery bliss right in your own kitchen.
The dreamiest marriage of flavours, the rich, velvety chocolate perfectly complements the sweet and tangy cherries, creating a riot of taste that’ll have you reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds!).
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a moment to appreciate the beauty of cherries. These ruby-red gems are nature’s gift to bakers, and they’re in the spotlight today. Bursting with antioxidants and natural sweetness, cherries add a pop of colour and flavour to these brownies that’s a match made in heaven. I used the fabulous Italian Fabri Amareena cherries in syrup because they are everything you could ever want from a cherry in a brownie. You can order them on www.amazon.co.uk or www.souschef.co.uk or www.ocado.com
Now, let’s talk fudginess—the holy grail of brownie perfection. Our recipe calls for just the right balance of butter, chocolate, and cocoa powder, resulting in a moist and fudgy texture that’s sure to make you weak in the knees. These brownies DELIVER!
Now, the best part—making these cherry brownies is a breeze! With simple pantry staples and a handful of cherries, you’ll be well on your way to creating them BUT I must warn you, these brownies are so indulgent, they should come with a “guilty pleasure” warning! But let’s be real, sometimes you just need to throw caution to the wind and have a cheat day. And believe me, these Chocolate and Cherry Brownies are worth cheating for!
Ingredients you’ll need:
- Unsalted butter: For that buttery goodness that complements the chocolate and cherries.
- Semi-sweet chocolate: The key to achieving that deep, rich chocolate flavour in the brownies.
- Caster sugar: To add just the right amount of sweetness.
- Eggs: Use room temperature eggs for smooth incorporation into the batter.
- Plain flour: The foundation of our brownies, providing the desired texture.
- Cocoa powder: For an intense chocolate taste and dark color.
- Baking powder: To help the brownies rise, but only slightly.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall taste.
- Cherries in syrup: The star ingredient! Sweet, succulent cherries soaked in their own syrup to elevate the brownies to a whole new level.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Melt butter and chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl or Bain Marie, melt the unsalted butter and semi-sweet chocolate until smooth and glossy. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Beat eggs and sugar: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk the room temperature eggs and caster sugar until well combined and slightly frothy.
- Incorporate the chocolate mixture: Slowly pour the melted chocolate and butter into the egg and sugar mixture, stirring continuously until fully incorporated.
- Add dry ingredients: Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and a pinch of salt into the chocolate mixture. Gently fold the dry ingredients until you have a smooth batter.
- Prepare the cherries: Drain the cherries from their syrup but reserve some for drizzling.
- Add the cherries: Gently fold the cherries into the brownie batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
- Bake to perfection: Preheat your oven to 160C FAN / 180C / 350°F and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are browning but there’s a slight wobble to the centre.
- Cool and enjoy: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan and then chill so they’re easier to cut neatly.
- Cut and savour: Slice the Chocolate Fudge Cherry Brownies into squares, and treat yourself to an irresistible dessert experience.
Tips for Brownie Perfection:
- Quality chocolate matters: Use high-quality semi-sweet chocolate for a richer and more indulgent brownie.
- Customize the sweetness: Depending on your preference, you can adjust the sweetness by using more or less syrup from the cherries.
- Extra cherries on top: Serve the brownies with cherries on the side and a drizzle of the syrup.
Storage:
Store any leftover Chocolate Fudge Cherry Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To maintain their freshness, you can also refrigerate them for up to a week.
These Chocolate Fudge Cherry Brownies are the epitome of a delightful dessert experience that combines the best of chocolate and cherries in one heavenly bite. So, don’t wait – gather your ingredients and let your taste buds rejoice in the blissful harmony of flavours!
Happy baking!
Preheat your oven to 160C FAN / 180C / 350°F. Grease and line a 20cm / 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
Ingredients
METHOD
In a microwave-safe bowl or a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water, melt the unsalted butter and dark chocolate together until smooth and well combined. Stir occasionally. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the caster sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Gradually pour the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, stirring continuously until the batter is smooth and evenly mixed.
Add the flour to the chocolate batter and fold it in gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Gently fold in the cherries and swirl the cherry syrup into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
Bake the brownies in the preheated oven for approximately 35 minutes, or until the edges have crisped but the centre is still wobbly. Be careful not to overbake.
Remove the pan from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, refrigerate the brownies in the pan for at least 1 hour to firm up before slicing.
Once chilled, lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper, and then slice them into squares.
Enjoy these rich and decadent Dark Chocolate Cherry Brownies as a delightful treat for any occasion or to gift. The combination of dark chocolate and sweet cherries makes them utterly irresistible!