Chocolate cake with apricots

Apricot Brownies

Are you looking for a dessert that combines the richness of chocolate with the freshness of fruit? Then this apricot brownie recipe is exactly what you need! A delight that will please the taste buds of everyone, whether it's a family meal or a gathering with friends.

Before we start, let's take a brief look into the history of this recipe. The brownie, a classic chocolate dessert, has its roots in the culinary traditions of many cultures. Combined with apricots, this dessert becomes a special choice, offering not only a rich taste but also a moist and aromatic texture.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:
- 150 g flour
- 150 g sugar
- 120 g butter (at room temperature)
- 3 eggs
- 3 tablespoons cocoa
- 50 g dark chocolate (chopped)
- 150 g natural yogurt (mixed with 50 ml liquid cream)
- ½ packet baking powder
- 12 apricot halves (pitted)
- Butter for greasing the pan
- Sugar for dusting

Step by step:

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. It is essential to have the oven ready before introducing the dessert to ensure even baking.

2. Prepare the pan: Choose a 22x28 cm pan. Grease it well with butter and dust it with sugar. This technique will give the brownies a slightly crispy crust and a sweet taste, perfect for complementing the chocolate and apricots.

3. Make the cream: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with the sugar until you achieve a creamy and fluffy mixture. This step is crucial as it will add air and volume to the dessert.

4. Add the eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This step is important to fully incorporate the ingredients and create a smooth texture.

5. Include the dry ingredients: In another bowl, mix the flour, cocoa, and baking powder. Sift the dry ingredients to avoid lumps. Then, gradually add them to the butter and egg mixture, gently mixing to avoid losing air in the batter.

6. Incorporate the yogurt and chocolate: Add the yogurt mixed with cream and the chopped chocolate. These ingredients will add moisture and a rich taste, and the chocolate will melt during baking, creating delicious surprises inside the brownies.

7. The last step before baking: Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form and gently fold them into the batter using a spatula. This will ensure an airy and fluffy texture.

8. Prepare the apricots: Place the apricot halves cut side down in the pan, then pour the batter over them. This detail will allow the fruit to bake evenly and integrate perfectly into the brownies.

9. Baking: Place the pan in the preheated oven and let the brownies bake for about 30 minutes. It is essential to check for doneness with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the dessert is ready. Be careful not to overbake, as this will dry it out.

10. Cooling and slicing: Once the brownies are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan. After they have completely cooled, carefully turn them onto a platter and cut into portions.

Serving suggestions: These apricot brownies can be served plain or with a dollop of whipped cream on top. Additionally, vanilla ice cream or warm chocolate sauce can add extra flavor.

Possible variations: If you want to experiment, you can replace the apricots with other seasonal fruits, such as peaches or plums. You can also add chopped nuts or almonds to the batter for added texture.

Nutritional information: Each serving has approximately 250 calories. These apricot brownies offer not only a delicious taste but also nutritional benefits, thanks to the yogurt that provides protein and probiotics, while apricots offer essential vitamins and antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, you can use white chocolate, but the taste will be sweeter.

- What should I do if the brownies do not bake evenly?
Make sure you have preheated the oven and mixed the ingredients well. Check the oven temperature; you may need to adjust the settings.

- Can I use Greek yogurt?
Yes, Greek yogurt will give a creamier texture and enhance the flavor.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to get started! These apricot brownies will surely become a favorite dessert in your home. Enjoy!