These Chocolate Cherry Brownies are a luscious fusion of fudgy chocolate and tart cherries. With a rich, gooey texture and a burst of fruity flavor, these brownies are perfect for any chocolate lover. Follow this simple recipe to make a batch that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients
- For the Brownies:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved (if using frozen, thaw and drain well)
- For the Topping (Optional):
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Melt the Butter and Sugar: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the granulated sugar until combined.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat the eggs in a small bowl and then stir them into the butter and sugar mixture. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Sift together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
5. Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Add Cherries: Gently fold the halved cherries into the batter, being careful not to overmix.
7. Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The brownies should be set around the edges but slightly soft in the center.
8. Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan on a wire rack. Once completely cool, cut into squares. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Tips for Success
- Cherry Preparation: If using fresh cherries, make sure they are pitted. If using frozen cherries, thaw them completely and drain them to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
- Check for Doneness: Brownies can continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven due to residual heat, so be careful not to overbake.
- Fudgy Texture: For extra fudginess, slightly underbake the brownies and let them cool completely before cutting.