Chocolate Raspberry Brownies
Highlighted under: Daily Kitchen
I absolutely love treating myself to a rich and fudgy dessert, and these Chocolate Raspberry Brownies are my ultimate go-to! The combination of intense dark chocolate and tart raspberries creates a flavor explosion that's simply irresistible. I often whip up a batch for gatherings or to indulge in a cozy night in. Plus, they're easy to make and always impress! Whether you enjoy them warm with a scoop of ice cream or chilled with a cup of coffee, they're guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth.
When I first experimented with these brownies, I was amazed at how well the raspberries complemented the chocolate's richness. The fruity acidity cuts through the sweetness, creating a balanced dessert that's not overly indulgent. I made them for a friend’s birthday, and they disappeared in minutes!
One tip I’ve found is to allow the brownies to cool before cutting them. This helps them set up and makes slicing easier. You can even add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top for an elegant touch that enhances the chocolate flavor.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh raspberries
- Fudgy texture that melts in your mouth
- Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in
The Importance of Fresh Raspberries
Fresh raspberries play a pivotal role in this brownie recipe, adding a burst of tartness that beautifully contrasts with the rich chocolate. They not only brighten the flavor profile, but their moisture helps keep the brownies fudgy and add a delightful texture. Use ripe, vibrant raspberries for the best results. If you find them a bit too tart, you can sprinkle them with a teaspoon of sugar and let them sit for a few minutes before folding them into the batter.
For those who might want to use frozen raspberries instead, make sure they are thawed and drained of excess moisture to avoid adding too much water to the batter. While you might notice a slight difference in texture, frozen berries can still provide the same vibrant flavor. Just be gentle when folding them into the batter to prevent them from breaking apart too much.
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Fudgy Texture
The key to achieving that signature fudgy texture lies in the balance of ingredients and baking time. Using both granulated and brown sugar contributes to moisture and chewiness, while the cocoa powder enriches the chocolate flavor without making the brownies feel too dry. When mixing your wet and dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix—overmixing can lead to denser brownies that lack the desired fudginess.
Another crucial element is the baking time. Bake the brownies until the edges are set but the center remains slightly undercooked. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, which indicates that the brownies will continue to set as they cool. If you bake them until the toothpick is completely clean, they may turn out too cakey rather than delightfully fudgy.
Ingredients
For the Brownies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
Instructions
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract until smooth.
Add the Dry Ingredients
Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gently fold until just combined.
Fold in Raspberries
Carefully fold in the fresh raspberries, taking care not to crush them.
Bake the Brownies
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool and Serve
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares.
Enjoy!
Pro Tips
- For added richness, you can incorporate chocolate chips into the batter or drizzle melted chocolate on top of the cooled brownies.
Storing and Serving Your Brownies
Once cooled, these Chocolate Raspberry Brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them fresh for a longer period, consider refrigerating them, which can extend their lifespan to about a week. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before serving, as this will enhance their fudgy texture and flavor profile.
For a delightful serving suggestion, try warming individual squares in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before serving. This creates a gooey center that's irresistible, especially when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. You can also dust the brownies with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance.
Variations and Customizations
This recipe is wonderfully versatile! If you're a fan of nuts, consider adding a cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for an additional crunch. Alternatively, you can mix in chocolate chips—dark or white chocolate chips add another layer of richness and flavor complexity that pairs wonderfully with the raspberries.
For those seeking a gluten-free option, substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend will work nicely. Just ensure that your blend contains a binding agent, or consider adding a tablespoon of cornstarch to maintain structure. Experimenting with different berries, such as blueberries or strawberries, can lead to a delicious twist on the classic flavor pairing.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen raspberries?
Yes, you can use frozen raspberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture in the brownies.
→ How should I store the brownies?
Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
→ What can I serve with these brownies?
These brownies pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Chocolate Raspberry Brownies
I absolutely love treating myself to a rich and fudgy dessert, and these Chocolate Raspberry Brownies are my ultimate go-to! The combination of intense dark chocolate and tart raspberries creates a flavor explosion that's simply irresistible. I often whip up a batch for gatherings or to indulge in a cozy night in. Plus, they're easy to make and always impress! Whether you enjoy them warm with a scoop of ice cream or chilled with a cup of coffee, they're guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Created by: Elara Kensington
Recipe Type: Daily Kitchen
Skill Level: easy
Final Quantity: 16 brownies
What You'll Need
For the Brownies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract until smooth.
Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gently fold until just combined.
Carefully fold in the fresh raspberries, taking care not to crush them.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares.
Extra Tips
- For added richness, you can incorporate chocolate chips into the batter or drizzle melted chocolate on top of the cooled brownies.
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