Cherry Brownie - a decadent delicacy that combines rich chocolate with the tartness and freshness of cherries, bringing a touch of joy in every bite. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, from gatherings with friends to family parties or simply to savor a sweet moment in the solitude of your home.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20-30 minutes
Total time: 35-45 minutes
Servings: 12
Ingredients:
- 125 g flour
- 350 g sugar (preferably white sugar, but you can try brown sugar for a more caramelized taste)
- 200 g butter (soft, at room temperature)
- 50 g cocoa (choose a high-quality cocoa for an intense flavor)
- 4 large eggs (preferably from free-range hens)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 packet vanilla sugar (or you can use vanilla extract for a more pronounced flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, but recommended for a warm aroma)
- 4-5 handfuls of cherries (pitted; can be fresh or canned)
- Glaze: 1 packet of cold glaze from Dr. Oetker (or homemade from melted chocolate, if preferred)
Instructions:
1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature, especially the butter. This step is essential for achieving a smooth and fluffy batter. Start by taking the butter out of the fridge about an hour before cooking.
2. Mixing the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, add the soft butter and sugar. Use an electric mixer or a wooden spoon to combine them until the mixture becomes creamy and fluffy. This step will take about 3-5 minutes.
3. Adding the eggs: Incorporate the 4 eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This is where you can add the vanilla sugar or extract. Mix until everything is well combined.
4. The dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour, cocoa, baking powder, and cinnamon. Mix them well to avoid lumps. Then, add this mixture to the butter and egg mixture and mix gently until the ingredients come together, being careful not to overmix.
5. Adding the cherries: At this point, it's time to add the cherries. If using canned cherries, make sure to drain them well to avoid a too-wet batter. Gently fold them into the batter, being careful not to crush them.
6. Baking the brownie: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 20x30 cm baking pan or use parchment paper. Pour the batter into the pan and level the surface. Bake the brownie for 20-30 minutes, but check with a cake tester (a toothpick) to ensure it is baked. If the toothpick comes out clean, the brownie is ready. Be careful not to leave it in the oven too long, as the edges can become bitter.
7. Preparing the glaze: Once the brownie has cooled completely, follow the instructions on the glaze packet. You can choose to use melted chocolate glaze for a richer taste. Pour the glaze evenly over the brownie, allowing it to set before cutting the dessert into portions.
8. Serving: The cherry brownie is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it plain or with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a contrast of temperature and texture. Additionally, a caramel sauce would add an extra touch of flavor.
Helpful tips:
- If you want a healthier version, you can replace some of the sugar with honey or maple syrup.
- Instead of cherries, you can experiment with other fruits, such as sour cherries, raspberries, or blueberries. Each variation adds a unique note to your dessert.
- If you desire a more intense flavor, you can add a few drops of almond extract to the batter.
Nutritional benefits: The cherry brownie is not just a delicious dessert but also a source of antioxidants due to the cherries. Cocoa is rich in flavonoids, which have beneficial effects on the heart. Together, these ingredients provide a sweet treat that can be enjoyed in moderation.
Frequently asked questions:
1. What can I do if I don't have cherries?: You can replace the cherries with other sour fruits or try nuts or chocolate for the classic version.
2. How can I store the brownie?: Keep the brownie in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the fridge to keep it fresh longer.
3. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?: You can adapt the recipe using vegan butter and flaxseed or chia eggs.
In conclusion, the cherry brownie is not just a quick dessert but also a symbol of comfort and simple joy. It can become a family favorite and a recipe to share with loved ones. So put on some good music, wear your favorite cooking clothes, and enjoy every step of this delicious culinary adventure!
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20-30 minutes
Total time: 35-45 minutes
Servings: 12
Ingredients:
- 125 g flour
- 350 g sugar (preferably white sugar, but you can try brown sugar for a more caramelized taste)
- 200 g butter (soft, at room temperature)
- 50 g cocoa (choose a high-quality cocoa for an intense flavor)
- 4 large eggs (preferably from free-range hens)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 packet vanilla sugar (or you can use vanilla extract for a more pronounced flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, but recommended for a warm aroma)
- 4-5 handfuls of cherries (pitted; can be fresh or canned)
- Glaze: 1 packet of cold glaze from Dr. Oetker (or homemade from melted chocolate, if preferred)
Instructions:
1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature, especially the butter. This step is essential for achieving a smooth and fluffy batter. Start by taking the butter out of the fridge about an hour before cooking.
2. Mixing the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, add the soft butter and sugar. Use an electric mixer or a wooden spoon to combine them until the mixture becomes creamy and fluffy. This step will take about 3-5 minutes.
3. Adding the eggs: Incorporate the 4 eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This is where you can add the vanilla sugar or extract. Mix until everything is well combined.
4. The dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour, cocoa, baking powder, and cinnamon. Mix them well to avoid lumps. Then, add this mixture to the butter and egg mixture and mix gently until the ingredients come together, being careful not to overmix.
5. Adding the cherries: At this point, it's time to add the cherries. If using canned cherries, make sure to drain them well to avoid a too-wet batter. Gently fold them into the batter, being careful not to crush them.
6. Baking the brownie: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 20x30 cm baking pan or use parchment paper. Pour the batter into the pan and level the surface. Bake the brownie for 20-30 minutes, but check with a cake tester (a toothpick) to ensure it is baked. If the toothpick comes out clean, the brownie is ready. Be careful not to leave it in the oven too long, as the edges can become bitter.
7. Preparing the glaze: Once the brownie has cooled completely, follow the instructions on the glaze packet. You can choose to use melted chocolate glaze for a richer taste. Pour the glaze evenly over the brownie, allowing it to set before cutting the dessert into portions.
8. Serving: The cherry brownie is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it plain or with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a contrast of temperature and texture. Additionally, a caramel sauce would add an extra touch of flavor.
Helpful tips:
- If you want a healthier version, you can replace some of the sugar with honey or maple syrup.
- Instead of cherries, you can experiment with other fruits, such as sour cherries, raspberries, or blueberries. Each variation adds a unique note to your dessert.
- If you desire a more intense flavor, you can add a few drops of almond extract to the batter.
Nutritional benefits: The cherry brownie is not just a delicious dessert but also a source of antioxidants due to the cherries. Cocoa is rich in flavonoids, which have beneficial effects on the heart. Together, these ingredients provide a sweet treat that can be enjoyed in moderation.
Frequently asked questions:
1. What can I do if I don't have cherries?: You can replace the cherries with other sour fruits or try nuts or chocolate for the classic version.
2. How can I store the brownie?: Keep the brownie in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the fridge to keep it fresh longer.
3. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?: You can adapt the recipe using vegan butter and flaxseed or chia eggs.
In conclusion, the cherry brownie is not just a quick dessert but also a symbol of comfort and simple joy. It can become a family favorite and a recipe to share with loved ones. So put on some good music, wear your favorite cooking clothes, and enjoy every step of this delicious culinary adventure!