Cherry Almond Brownies Recipe

Introduction

Cherry Almond Brownies are a delightful twist on the classic brownie, combining the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with the sweet-tart flavor of cherries and the warm, nutty taste of almonds. This indulgent treat is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a decadent dessert to impress guests or simply craving something sweet to satisfy your chocolate fix.

These brownies are packed with layers of flavor and texture. The moist, dense brownie base is complemented by the juicy cherries and the subtle crunch of toasted almonds. The result is a rich and flavorful dessert that offers a bit of everything — chocolate, fruit, and nuts — all wrapped up in one delightful bite. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, Cherry Almond Brownies are easy to prepare and sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love Cherry Almond Brownies

• Delicious Flavor Combination: The sweetness of the cherries pairs beautifully with the rich chocolatey goodness of the brownies. The almonds add a subtle crunch and warmth, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Perfect Texture: These brownies offer the best of both worlds — the chewy, fudgy texture of a classic brownie with the added bite of almonds and the soft, juicy pop of cherries. The combination of these textures makes each bite a delicious experience.
• Visually Appealing: The red cherries and brown almonds create a beautiful contrast against the dark chocolate base, making these brownies as stunning to look at as they are to eat. They’re perfect for serving at parties, gatherings, or special occasions.
• Simple Ingredients: With basic ingredients like butter, flour, sugar, and cocoa powder, along with cherries and almonds, these brownies come together quickly and easily. The simple ingredients make them a great option for both novice and experienced bakers alike.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, baking for a family get-together, or just satisfying your sweet tooth, Cherry Almond Brownies are perfect for any occasion.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 16 brownies
• Calories per Serving: Around 250-300 calories per brownie, depending on portion sizes and ingredients.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 250-300 kcal
• Fat: 15-18g
• Carbohydrates: 30-35g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 20-25g

Ingredients

For the Cherry Almond Brownies:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and chopped
• ½ cup sliced almonds, toasted
• Optional: ½ cup dark chocolate chips (for extra chocolate flavor)

For the Topping (Optional):

• ¼ cup sliced almonds
• ½ cup chopped cherries

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray. This will prevent the brownies from sticking and make it easier to remove them from the pan once they’ve cooled.

2. Toast the Almonds

If you’re using sliced almonds, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and toast them in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until they become fragrant and slightly golden. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. Once toasted, set them aside to cool.

3. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Stir them together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The melted butter will help create a rich and fudgy texture in the brownies.

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. The eggs help bind the ingredients together and provide the moist texture that brownies are known for.

4. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. The cocoa powder provides the rich chocolate flavor, while the baking powder helps the brownies rise slightly. The salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor of the chocolate.

5. Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense brownies. The batter should be thick and slightly glossy.

6. Fold in the Cherries and Almonds

Gently fold in the chopped cherries and toasted almonds. If you’re using dark chocolate chips, you can fold those in as well. The cherries will add moisture and a sweet-tart flavor, while the almonds provide a delightful crunch.

7. Pour the Batter into the Baking Pan

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Use a spatula to smooth the top, ensuring the batter is evenly distributed in the pan.

8. Optional Topping

If you’d like to add a decorative topping to your brownies, sprinkle the reserved sliced almonds and chopped cherries on top of the batter. This will give the brownies a beautiful finish and an extra burst of flavor.

9. Bake the Brownies

Bake the brownies in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. Be careful not to overbake the brownies, as they can become dry. The edges should be set, and the center should still be slightly soft and fudgy.

10. Cool and Slice

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once they’re fully cooled, slice them into 16 squares using a sharp knife. These brownies are best enjoyed at room temperature, but you can also serve them warm for an extra indulgent treat.

Tips for Perfect Cherry Almond Brownies

• Use Room Temperature Eggs: Using eggs that are at room temperature helps the batter come together more smoothly and ensures an even texture in the brownies.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing the brownie batter can lead to dense, tough brownies. Mix the ingredients until just combined, and be gentle when folding in the cherries and almonds.
• Toast the Almonds: Toasting the almonds enhances their flavor and brings out a deeper, nuttier taste. It also adds a nice texture to the brownies.
• Check for Doneness: Brownies can go from perfectly fudgy to dry in a matter of minutes, so it’s important to check for doneness around the 35-minute mark. The brownies will continue to cook slightly once they’re removed from the oven, so a toothpick with a few moist crumbs is the perfect sign of doneness.
• Chill Before Slicing: If you find that your brownies are a bit too soft to cut cleanly, refrigerating them for about 30 minutes before slicing can help them firm up and make for cleaner cuts.

Variations of Cherry Almond Brownies

• Chocolate Cherry Brownies: Add extra chocolate chips to the batter for an even richer, more chocolatey flavor. You could also drizzle melted chocolate over the brownies for a decadent finish.
• Gluten-Free Cherry Almond Brownies: To make these brownies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that the cocoa powder and other ingredients you use are certified gluten-free as well.
• Cherry Almond Swirl Brownies: For a fun twist, create a marbled effect by swirling cherry preserves or jam into the brownie batter before baking. This will add an extra burst of cherry flavor and a visually striking effect.
• Cherry and White Chocolate Brownies: Swap the dark chocolate for white chocolate chips to create a lighter, creamier contrast to the tartness of the cherries.

Storage and Shelf Life

Cherry Almond Brownies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for later. Once the brownies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.

If you want to store them for a longer period, you can freeze the brownies. Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen brownies can last for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for 30 minutes, or heat them up in the microwave for a few seconds for that fresh-baked taste.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Cherry Almond Brownies

Pair these Cherry Almond Brownies with complementary treats to enhance your dessert experience:

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve the brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert pairing. The creamy ice cream contrasts wonderfully with the rich, fudgy brownies.
• Whipped Cream and Fresh Cherries: Top your brownies with a dollop of whipped cream and a few fresh cherries for an elegant and light finish.
• Coffee or Espresso: The deep flavors of coffee or espresso balance the sweetness of the brownies, creating a sophisticated dessert experience.
• Berry Compote: A side of mixed berry compote will provide a fruity, slightly tart contrast to the rich chocolate and cherries in the brownies.

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Conclusion

Cherry Almond Brownies are a delicious and decadent dessert that brings together the best of both worlds: rich, fudgy brownies with the sweet-tart flavor of cherries and the warm, nutty crunch of almonds. This irresistible treat is sure to please chocolate lovers and fruit enthusiasts alike.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, hosting a party, or simply satisfying a chocolate craving, these brownies are sure to be a hit. With their simple ingredients, easy preparation, and mouthwatering flavor, Cherry Almond Brownies are destined to become a favorite in your baking collection. Enjoy every fudgy, fruity, and nutty bite!