Chocolate Raspberry Brownies
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
I absolutely love making Chocolate Raspberry Brownies because they combine the rich flavors of chocolate with the tartness of fresh raspberries, creating a decadent dessert that never fails to impress. The moment I take these warm brownies out of the oven, the aroma fills my kitchen, and I can hardly wait to dig in! They are perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to casual family dinners, and their simplicity makes them a go-to recipe in my collection. The combination of creamy chocolate and juicy raspberries is simply irresistible!
When I first experimented with adding raspberries to my brownie mix, I was shocked at how well the flavors complemented each other. The tartness of the raspberries cuts through the richness of the chocolate, creating a balance that’s both satisfying and refreshing. Each bite offers a hint of fruitiness that makes these brownies stand out from your typical chocolate dessert.
I recommend using fresh raspberries if you can find them, but frozen ones work just as well. Just be sure to fold them in gently to keep the batter's texture intact. These brownies also taste amazing when served slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh raspberry tang
- Fudgy texture with a hint of fruitiness
- Quick to prepare and bake, perfect for any occasion
Baking Tips for Perfect Brownies
For optimal results, use a kitchen scale to measure your ingredients, especially the cocoa powder and flour. Accurate measurements can drastically affect the texture of your brownies, ensuring they rise properly and achieve that fudgy consistency. Avoid overmixing the batter after adding the dry ingredients; you want to combine them just until you no longer see dry flour to keep your brownies tender and moist.
Pay attention to the baking time, as ovens can vary significantly. I recommend starting to check the brownies at the 25-minute mark. They should have a shiny top and begin to pull away from the edges of the pan when done. If a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, your brownies are perfectly baked. Remember, they will continue to cook slightly once removed from the oven.
Ingredient Insights
The combination of butter and sugars is crucial for creating the right texture in your brownies. The butter not only contributes to the richness of the chocolate flavor but also helps give the brownies a desirable fudgy texture. If you're looking for a lighter version, you can substitute half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce, though the texture will differ slightly.
Fresh raspberries are not just for flavor; they add moisture and a visually appealing contrast to the dense chocolate. If you can’t find fresh raspberries, you can use frozen ones. Just be sure to thaw them and pat them dry to prevent excess moisture from altering the brownie batter. Their tartness balances the sweetness of the brownies beautifully, making every bite delightful.
Serving and Storing Your Brownies
These Chocolate Raspberry Brownies are best served warm, straight from the oven, but they also store beautifully. Once cooled, you can keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. When freezing, cut them into squares first, so you can enjoy just a piece at a time without thawing the whole batch.
For an added treat, consider adding a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream when serving. This not only enhances the chocolate-raspberry flavor but also adds a delightful creaminess that contrasts nicely with the fudgy texture. Feel free to sprinkle a few extra raspberries on top for a vibrant touch before serving.
Ingredients
For the Brownies
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
Instructions
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
Melt the Butter
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Mix the Sugars and Eggs
Add granulated sugar and brown sugar to the melted butter. Stir until combined, and then add the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix well until the mixture is glossy.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
Fold in Raspberries
Gently fold in the fresh raspberries, taking care not to break them too much.
Bake the Brownies
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool and Serve
Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Cut into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.
Pro Tips
- For an extra touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled brownies or serve with whipped cream for an indulgent dessert.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your brownies turn out too dry, it may be due to overbaking or too much flour. To avoid this in the future, ensure you measure your flour accurately and check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested baking time. If you prefer a gooier brownie, consider slightly reducing the baking time next round or adding a bit of extra butter to the batter.
Conversely, if your brownies seem too fudgy or underbaked, check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer. Sometimes, home ovens can run cooler than indicated. You might also want to give the batter a bit more mixing to incorporate air, which can help achieve that lighter texture.
Variations to Try
For a nutty twist, try adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter. About a cup will do, and they complement the raspberries beautifully. You can fold them in with the raspberries to create delightful pockets of crunch throughout. If you're feeling adventurous, experiment with adding a splash of orange zest or a teaspoon of almond extract for an unexpected flavor profile!
For those who prefer a more intense chocolate flavor, consider using dark chocolate cocoa powder instead of the regular unsweetened variety. This will deepen the chocolate notes and pair exceptionally well with the tartness of the raspberries. You can also choose to swirl in some melted chocolate before baking for an extra-rich brownie experience.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen raspberries?
Yes, frozen raspberries can be used, but be sure to fold them in gently to avoid breaking them apart too much.
→ How should I store leftover brownies?
Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
→ Can I substitute the butter with oil?
While oil can be used in brownies, it may alter the texture slightly. I recommend sticking to butter for the best results.
→ How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies; if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are done. If it comes out clean, they may be overcooked.
Chocolate Raspberry Brownies
I absolutely love making Chocolate Raspberry Brownies because they combine the rich flavors of chocolate with the tartness of fresh raspberries, creating a decadent dessert that never fails to impress. The moment I take these warm brownies out of the oven, the aroma fills my kitchen, and I can hardly wait to dig in! They are perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to casual family dinners, and their simplicity makes them a go-to recipe in my collection. The combination of creamy chocolate and juicy raspberries is simply irresistible!
Created by: Hallie Foster
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 brownies
What You'll Need
For the Brownies
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Add granulated sugar and brown sugar to the melted butter. Stir until combined, and then add the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix well until the mixture is glossy.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
Gently fold in the fresh raspberries, taking care not to break them too much.
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Cut into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.
Extra Tips
- For an extra touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled brownies or serve with whipped cream for an indulgent dessert.
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