Roasted Cherry Brownies (Printable version)
Fudgy chocolate squares studded with sweet roasted cherries for an irresistible summer dessert.
# What You'll Need:
→ Roasted Cherries
01 - 1 1/2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
02 - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
03 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Brownie Batter
04 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing
05 - 6 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped
06 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
07 - 1/4 cup light brown sugar
08 - 2 large eggs
09 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
10 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
11 - 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
12 - 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Toss pitted and halved cherries with 1 tablespoon sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Spread on prepared baking sheet and roast for 12-15 minutes until juicy and slightly caramelized. Let cool completely.
03 - Reduce oven temperature to 350°F. Grease an 8-inch square baking pan and line with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
04 - Set a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Melt butter and chopped chocolate together, stirring constantly until smooth. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
05 - Whisk granulated and brown sugars into melted chocolate mixture. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and salt.
06 - Sift flour and cocoa powder into the batter. Gently fold until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
07 - Gently fold most of the roasted cherries into the batter, reserving a few pieces for topping.
08 - Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Scatter reserved roasted cherries evenly over the surface.
09 - Bake for 25-28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs. Do not overbake for fudgy texture.
10 - Cool completely in the pan before lifting out using parchment overhang. Cut into squares and serve.
# Expert advice:
01 -
- The roasted cherries become little pockets of jammy sweetness that cut through all that rich chocolate
- Something magical happens when fruit juices mingle with fudgy brownie batter
02 -
- Overbaking is the enemy of fudgy brownies, so start checking at the 25 minute mark
- The roasted cherries release moisture, so these might take slightly longer than plain brownies
03 -
- Line your baking pan with parchment paper that overhangs the sides for effortless removal
- A toothpick with moist crumbs means perfect, but wet batter means they need more time