Chocolate Raspberry Brownies
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
I absolutely adore making these Chocolate Raspberry Brownies. The delightful combination of sweet raspberries and rich chocolate creates a dessert that is both decadent and refreshing. Whenever I bake these brownies, the aroma fills my kitchen, and I can’t help but feel a surge of excitement. They’re perfect for sharing with friends or indulging in a moment of personal bliss. Plus, the vibrant color of raspberries peeking through the fudgy texture is simply beautiful. Let's dive into this delicious recipe!
When I first experimented with chocolate and raspberry together, I was surprised by how well the tartness of the raspberries cut through the richness of the chocolate. This brownie recipe became an instant favorite in my household. It combines the classic fudgy brownie with a swirl of raspberry purée that not only adds flavor but also a pop of color.
A tip I learned along the way is to slightly underbake the brownies. This ensures a gooey center that balances perfectly with the tart berries. Trust me, these brownies are best enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Why You'll Love These Brownies
- The perfect balance of rich chocolate and tart raspberries
- Fudgy, melt-in-your-mouth texture
- Beautiful presentation that impresses guests
Understanding the Ingredients
The key to achieving the rich taste in these Chocolate Raspberry Brownies lies in the quality of your chocolate and cocoa powder. Opt for high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder, as it enhances the chocolate flavor without overpowering the sweetness of the raspberries. Additionally, ensure your butter is unsalted for better control over the final sweetness; the salt in the recipe helps to balance out the flavors beautifully.
Fresh raspberries are crucial to this recipe, providing not just vibrant color but also a burst of tart flavor that contrasts perfectly with the sweet brownie base. If fresh raspberries are out of season, you can successfully substitute them with frozen raspberries, but be mindful to thaw and gently drain them beforehand to prevent excess moisture in your batter.
Baking Tips for Success
To achieve the desired fudgy texture, be careful not to overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, resulting in a lighter, cake-like texture rather than the dense, fudgy result you want. Gently fold in the raspberries to maintain their shape and ensure they are evenly distributed without breaking apart.
Pay close attention to baking time. Begin checking for doneness at the 20-minute mark, as all ovens vary. You want a toothpick to come out with a few moist crumbs attached, indicating that the brownies are perfectly baked. Overbaking will lead to dry brownies, which can ruin the delightful texture.
Ingredients
Ingredients
Brownie Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh raspberries (plus extra for topping)
Make sure to use fresh raspberries for the best flavor!
Instructions
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
Melt the Butter
In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, remove from heat, and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture and stir until well combined.
Add Raspberries
Gently fold in the raspberries until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Bake the Brownies
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool and Serve
Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before cutting into squares. Serve warm with extra raspberries on top.
Enjoy your delicious brownies!
Pro Tips
- For an added touch, drizzle some melted chocolate on top before serving.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These brownies store well, making them a great make-ahead treat. Allow them to cool completely in the pan before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to four days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Wrap each brownie in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last up to three months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen brownies, simply thaw them at room temperature for about an hour, or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to refresh them. I recommend enjoying them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast to the fudgy freshness of the chocolate and raspberries.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
These Chocolate Raspberry Brownies can be served warm for added gooeyness or at room temperature for a more structured slice. For an extra touch, top them with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate ganache. Consider serving with whipped cream and a few additional fresh raspberries to enhance the presentation.
If you're feeling adventurous, try adding different mix-ins to the batter, such as chopped nuts for crunch or a bit of espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor. You can also experiment with different fruits, like diced strawberries or cherries, to see which combinations you enjoy most.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen raspberries?
Yes, frozen raspberries work well too! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before adding.
→ What type of chocolate is best for this recipe?
I recommend using high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for the best flavor.
→ How do I store leftover brownies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
→ Can I add nuts to the brownies?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a nice texture to the brownies.
Chocolate Raspberry Brownies
I absolutely adore making these Chocolate Raspberry Brownies. The delightful combination of sweet raspberries and rich chocolate creates a dessert that is both decadent and refreshing. Whenever I bake these brownies, the aroma fills my kitchen, and I can’t help but feel a surge of excitement. They’re perfect for sharing with friends or indulging in a moment of personal bliss. Plus, the vibrant color of raspberries peeking through the fudgy texture is simply beautiful. Let's dive into this delicious recipe!
Created by: Keira Dalton
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 brownies
What You'll Need
Brownie Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh raspberries (plus extra for topping)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, remove from heat, and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture and stir until well combined.
Gently fold in the raspberries until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before cutting into squares. Serve warm with extra raspberries on top.
Extra Tips
- For an added touch, drizzle some melted chocolate on top before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g