Blackberry with jam

Chocolate Brownie with Jam and Raisins – A Rich and Comforting Delight

When it comes to desserts, brownies hold a special place in the hearts of many. This moist and chocolatey cake, enriched with jam, nuts, and raisins, is perfect for transforming an ordinary afternoon into a memorable experience filled with flavors. Whether you're making it for a gathering with friends or simply to treat yourself, the jam brownie is the ideal recipe. Let’s embark on this delicious dessert-making adventure together!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients

For the batter:
- 1 cup (200 ml) of sugar
- 2 cups of flour
- 1 handful of nuts (preferably toasted)
- ½ cup of oil
- 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder
- 1 cup of boiling water (or sparkling water, pomegranate juice, or soy milk)
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1-2 handfuls of raisins (soaked in rum and vanilla essence)
- 1 teaspoon of orange and lemon zest
- 4 tablespoons of jam (preferably plum, quince, or strawberry)
- Juice of one lemon
- 2-3 handfuls of Turkish delight (cut into cubes)
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon of ground ginger
- A pinch of ground nutmeg
- 1 handful of candied ginger (optional)
- 2 ground cloves
- 1 crushed star anise
- 1 teaspoon of ground coffee
- A pinch of cardamom
- Coconut flakes (optional, for decoration)

For the glaze:
- 3 tablespoons of water
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons of margarine

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preparing the raisins:
Start by soaking the raisins. Place them in a small bowl, add the rum and vanilla essence, and let them absorb the flavors for about 15 minutes. This step will not only enhance the flavor of the raisins but also make them softer and juicier during baking.

2. Preheating the oven:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (moderate heat). This is the ideal temperature to achieve a brownie with a perfect texture.

3. Mixing the dry ingredients:
In a large bowl, sift the flour (optional) and mix it with the sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, nuts (coarsely chopped), and spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, star anise, and cardamom). Adding these spices will not only intensify the flavor but also bring a warm and comforting note.

4. Combining the wet ingredients:
In another bowl, mix the hot water with the oil. Gradually add this mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently to achieve a homogeneous batter. It’s essential not to overmix; otherwise, the brownie will become dense.

5. Adding the final ingredients:
Incorporate the jam, soaked raisins, lemon juice, citrus zest, and diced Turkish delight. These ingredients will add sweetness and texture to your cake.

6. Baking the cake:
Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined baking pan. Bake for about 50 minutes. It’s important to check the cake with a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, it’s done! Remove it from the oven and let it cool.

Preparing the glaze

7. Cocoa glaze:
In a small saucepan, combine the water, sugar, cocoa powder, and margarine. Heat the mixture over low heat until the margarine melts completely and the mixture becomes smooth. Once the cake has cooled, pour the warm glaze over it. If desired, you can sprinkle coconut flakes or dark chocolate on top for an even more appetizing appearance.

Serving suggestions

This brownie with jam and raisins is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it plain or alongside vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Additionally, a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce would add a special touch.

Possible variations

If you want to experiment, you can replace the raisins and Turkish delight with a mix of dried fruits, such as apricots, dates, or prunes. This will add extra flavor and variety to your recipe.

Nutritional benefits

This brownie is a good source of antioxidants due to the cocoa and nuts. Raisins and dried fruits add fiber, while the jam provides a boost of vitamins. However, it’s worth noting that it is a dessert that contains sugar and fats, so enjoy it in moderation!

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use jams from other fruits? Yes, you can experiment with any type of jam you prefer, ensuring it has a thicker consistency.
- What type of nuts are most suitable? Pecan nuts or almonds can add a distinctive touch to your cake.
- Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe? Yes, you can adjust the amount of sugar according to your preferences, but keep in mind that the brownie may be less sweet.

Conclusion

The jam brownie is a recipe that blends tradition with innovation, offering you a delicious and comforting cake. This dessert is not only a treat for the taste buds but also an opportunity to enjoy your time in the kitchen. Remember: every bite tells a story, and every cake you make is a gift you give to your loved ones. So, unleash your creativity and enjoy every moment spent cooking!