Craving a dessert that’s both intensely fudgy and bursting with fruity sweetness? Look no further than these incredible cherry pie filling brownies! This recipe is a delightful fusion of rich, decadent brownies swirled with the vibrant flavor of cherry pie filling. It’s an easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. Trust me, once you try these brownies, you’ll be hooked!
These cherry pie brownies are more than just a dessert; they’re an experience. Imagine sinking your teeth into a square of ultra-fudgy brownie, only to be met with pockets of warm, gooey cherry pie filling. The combination of chocolate and cherry is a classic for a reason – it’s simply irresistible. And the best part? This brownies with cherry pie filling recipe is surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner bakers. The recipe focuses on making a delicious brownie base that is easy to follow.
I remember the first time I made these brownies. I was hosting a small gathering for friends, and I wanted to make something a little more exciting than just plain brownies. I had a can of cherry pie filling in the pantry, and the idea popped into my head to swirl it into the brownie batter. The result was an instant hit! Everyone raved about the combination of flavors and textures, and these cherry pie brownies quickly became a requested dessert.
What Makes This Recipe Special
This brownies with cherry pie filling recipe stands out because it uses a foolproof, fudgy brownie base that perfectly complements the sweet and tart cherry pie filling. The key is to create a brownie that’s dense and moist enough to hold the cherry filling without becoming soggy. We will discuss how to do that below. Also the recipe uses a store bought cherry pie filling that makes the recipe very easy to make and approachable for beginner cooks.
The Perfect Brownie Base
The foundation of any great cherry pie brownie is, of course, the brownie itself. This recipe uses a fudgy brownie recipe, characterized by its rich, dense texture and intense chocolate flavor. Unlike cakey brownies, fudgy brownies are made with a higher proportion of fat (butter and/or chocolate) and a lower proportion of flour. This creates a moist, almost melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s simply divine.
To achieve the perfect fudgy texture, it’s important to use good-quality ingredients and to avoid overbaking. Overbaking can dry out the brownies and make them cakey. Look for brownies with cherry pie filling recipe that emphasizes a fudgy or chewy brownie base.
The Cherry Pie Filling Factor
The cherry pie filling is what takes these brownies from ordinary to extraordinary. The sweet-tart flavor of the cherries provides a delightful contrast to the rich chocolate, creating a flavor combination that’s both satisfying and addictive. Choosing the right cherry pie filling is key to achieving the best results.
Canned cherry pie filling is perfectly acceptable for this recipe, and it’s a convenient option for busy bakers. Look for a brand that uses good-quality cherries and has a balanced flavor profile – not too sweet, not too tart. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can even make your own homemade cherry pie filling. The key is to cook the cherries until they’re soft and juicy, and to thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency. For best results, try and match the quality of your brownies with the quality of the cherry filling. Don’t spend hours and lots of money making high quality brownies, just to swirl in low quality cherry filling.
The cherry pie filling not only adds flavor but also contributes to the overall texture of the brownies. The pockets of warm, gooey cherries create a delightful contrast to the fudgy brownie, making each bite a textural delight. Don’t worry about the filling sinking; the consistency of the batter and the filling should prevent this. Adding a little almond extract can help enhance the cherry flavor even more.
Ingredients for a Fantastic Cherry Brownie
Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible brownies with cherry pie filling recipe:
- Flour
- Sugar (Granulated and Brown)
- Cocoa Powder
- Unsalted Butter
- Eggs
- Vanilla Extract
- Salt
- Canned Cherry Pie Filling
A few notes on specific ingredients: I prefer unsalted butter so I can control the amount of salt in the recipe. For the cocoa powder, unsweetened cocoa powder will work best, but you can use dutch processed cocoa powder. Also, make sure to use large eggs. Small or medium eggs will affect the final baking process. Also when measuring your flour, be careful to measure it by weight, or fluff the flour before you scoop it out of the container. Pressing the flour in the container will affect the final baked good.
Baking Your Brownies
Follow these steps carefully to ensure your brownies turn out perfectly every time:
- Preheat your oven and grease a square baking pan
- Melt your butter in a large bowl
- Add the sugar and cocoa powder to the bowl and mix until it is well combined
- Add the vanilla and eggs. Mix well
- Add the flour and combine until just mixed. Do not overmix
- Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan.
- Spoon dollops of cherry pie filling over the brownie batter.
- Pour the remaining brownie batter over the cherry pie filling.
- Use a knife or skewer to swirl the cherry pie filling into the brownie batter.
- Bake for the appropriate time.
- Let cool completely before cutting.
Tips for Success
Here are some extra tips to help you create the perfect batch of brownies with cherry pie filling recipe:
- The most important thing is to not overbake the brownies. Start checking after 20 minutes.
- Make sure to use good-quality ingredients. The taste will reflect it.
- To ensure every bite has cherry, try to distribute them evenly across the batter.
- Store your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature.
Variations and Add-Ins
Want to customize your brownies with cherry pie filling recipe? Here are a few fun variations to try:
- Add chocolate chips for even more chocolatey goodness.
- Add chopped walnuts for a nice nutty crunch.
- Try different pie fillings, such as blackberry or blueberry.
Serving Suggestions
These brownies are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with a few simple accompaniments:
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
- Drizzle with chocolate sauce for an extra dose of chocolate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about this recipe:
- Yes, you can use a different type of pie filling.
- Yes, you can make these brownies ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container.
- You can store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
- Yes, you can freeze these brownies for up to two months.
- Make sure not to overmix or overbake your brownie batter. These are common mistakes when making cakey brownies.
Wrapping it Up
These brownies with cherry pie filling recipe are a delightful twist on a classic dessert. The combination of rich, fudgy brownies and sweet-tart cherry pie filling is simply irresistible. Give this recipe a try, and I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Now, it’s your turn! Bake up a batch of these amazing cherry pie brownies and share your creations with friends and family. Don’t forget to tag me in your photos so I can see your beautiful brownies!
