Prepare to elevate your dessert game this holiday season with our truly irresistible **Bourbon Cherry Brownies**. Crafted from scratch with love and premium ingredients, these brownies aren’t just a treat; they’re an experience. Imagine rich, fudgy chocolate infused with the distinct warmth of bourbon and studded with juicy, bourbon-soaked cherries. They’re guaranteed to be the star of any gathering and make for the most thoughtful, homemade DIY gift that will leave a lasting impression.
Crafting the Perfect Bourbon Cherry Brownie Recipe: A Taste of Yosemite
Our journey to create the ultimate Bourbon Cherry Brownies isn’t just about baking; it’s also a celebration of local flavors and hidden gems. This year, we’ve had the pleasure of partnering with Visit Yosemite Madera County, uncovering the incredible experiences this region offers. Oakhurst, often hailed as the southern gateway to the majestic Yosemite National Park, is more than just a convenient base for explorers; it’s a vibrant community brimming with unique attractions.
One such unforgettable stop in Oakhurst is Oakhurst Spirits. Nestled in the heart of this charming town, Oakhurst Spirits is a craft distillery renowned for its exceptional small-batch spirits. During a visit, you can indulge in a tasting experience featuring their exquisite whiskey, uniquely spiced rum, delicate lavender vodka, refreshing lemon-flavored vodka, and of course, the star of our recipe: their incredible bourbon. It’s this very bourbon that infuses our brownies with an unparalleled depth and warmth, setting them apart from ordinary chocolate treats.
The distillery’s convenient location right off Highway 41 makes it an easy and delightful detour on your way to or from Yosemite. While in Oakhurst, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the diverse culinary scene. The town boasts a fantastic array of Oakhurst restaurants, offering everything from casual bites to upscale dining. We’ve certainly fallen in love with many of the local establishments, and we highly recommend making a full day of your Oakhurst visit, combining spirits tasting with a delicious meal.
Why These Bourbon Cherry Brownies are a Must-Make
Every time I bake these brownies, I’m reminded of why they’ve become a household favorite. My husband, John, consistently declares them the best brownies he has ever tasted in his life! And honestly, there’s no greater compliment for a baker. Even my usually discerning mother-in-law was completely smitten. After just one bite, she confessed that a plate full of these could barely last an hour in her presence, that’s how utterly delicious they are.
Their intense chocolate flavor, combined with the subtle oak and caramel notes from the bourbon and the sweet-tart burst of cherries, creates a symphony of tastes that is truly addictive. It’s this perfect balance that makes them universally loved and highly sought after. I am already planning to bake numerous batches of these chocolate cherry brownies with bourbon for holiday gifts this year. They are a thoughtful, personal, and undeniably delicious way to show appreciation to friends, family, and neighbors.
Exploring the Wonderful World of Baking with Bourbon
Working with bourbon in the kitchen has been an absolute delight. Its complex flavor profile adds a sophisticated twist to both sweet and savory dishes. While we’re still perfecting our bourbon cocktail recipes (rest assured, they’re coming soon!), we’ve already shared several other fantastic bourbon-infused creations that you might enjoy:
- Bourbon Glazed Kielbasa Bites: A perfect appetizer for parties.
- Slow Cooker Bacon Bourbon Meatballs: Rich, savory, and incredibly easy.
- Bourbon Little Smokies: Another crowd-pleasing snack.
- Bourbon Pecan Pralines: A delightful Southern-inspired candy.
- Bourbon Baked Ham: Elevate your holiday dinner with this flavorful glaze.
- Bourbon Banana Bread: A comforting classic with a boozy twist.
As you can see, bourbon is incredibly versatile, adding a layer of depth and character that transforms ordinary dishes into extraordinary culinary experiences.
Essential Tools and Ingredients for Perfect Brownies
To ensure your Bourbon Cherry Brownies turn out perfectly fudgy and flavorful, having the right tools and high-quality ingredients is key:
- 8×8 Inch Baking Pan: This recipe is specifically designed for an 8×8 inch pan, yielding perfectly thick and chewy brownies. A smaller pan might result in overly dense brownies, while a larger one could make them too thin.
- Parchment Paper: A true baker’s secret weapon! Lining your pan with parchment paper not only prevents sticking but also creates convenient “handles” to easily lift the entire batch of brownies out for neat cutting and serving. It also makes cleanup a breeze.
- High-Quality Cocoa Powder: We recommend using a good quality unsweetened cocoa powder, such as Hershey’s, to achieve that deep, rich chocolate flavor that forms the backbone of these brownies.
The Secret to Success: Perfectly Bourbon Soaked Cherries
The magic in these brownies truly begins with the bourbon-soaked cherries. For this recipe, I allowed maraschino cherries to luxuriate in Oakhurst Spirits Bourbon for a couple of weeks. While my original plan was to soak them for just a day or two, life (as it often does) intervened, and three glorious weeks passed. The result? Even more intensely flavored cherries that contributed an incredible depth to the brownies.
Don’t fret if you don’t have weeks to spare; even a day or two of soaking will impart a wonderful bourbon essence. For an even more complex flavor profile, you could experiment with different types of cherries. Darker, tart cherries or a mix of various cherry varieties would also be absolutely delicious, offering different notes and textures. The key is to ensure they are fully submerged in the bourbon to absorb all that wonderful flavor.
We are incredibly excited for you to try these cherry brownies! They have quickly become one of our most requested and cherished dessert recipes, and we are confident they will become a favorite in your home too. Their unique blend of flavors makes them perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to elegant holiday parties.
Looking for more culinary inspiration? Dive into our extensive collection of recipes, including mouth-watering copycat recipes, decadent dessert recipes, and incredibly convenient Crock Pot recipes. You’re sure to find something delicious to make!
Stay connected with Tammilee Tips for all our latest recipe posts and culinary adventures! Follow us on MSN, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Bourbon Cherry Brownies
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Ingredients
- ¾ cup Maraschino cherries soaked in bourbon
- ¾ cup Unsalted Butter, at room temperature
- 5 ½ Ounce good quality dark chocolate, chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup superfine sugar (caster sugar)
- ¾ cup All Purpose Flour sifted, for a lighter texture
- ¾ teaspoon Baking Powder sifted
- 2 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder, for deep chocolate flavor
- pinch Salt, to enhance flavors
Instructions
- To begin, set up a double boiler (or a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, ensuring the bowl doesn’t touch the water). Add the unsalted butter and chopped dark chocolate to the top bowl. Gently stir until both are completely melted and smooth. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly. It’s crucial that the chocolate mixture is not hot when combined with the egg mixture.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking from the start.
- Line an 8-inch square baking pan with non-stick parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides. This overhang acts as “handles” to easily lift the brownies out of the pan once cooled, making cutting and serving effortless.
- In a separate large bowl, using an electric hand mixer (or stand mixer), beat the large eggs and superfine sugar together on medium-high speed. Continue beating for 5-7 minutes until the mixture is pale yellow, thick, and almost meringue-like in consistency. When you lift the beaters, a ribbon of batter should slowly fall back into the bowl and hold its shape for a few seconds before dissolving. This step incorporates air, which contributes to the brownies’ fudgy texture.
- Gently fold the cooled chocolate and butter mixture into the beaten egg and sugar mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to deflate the airy egg mixture.
- In a small bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt. Sifting helps prevent lumps and ensures an even distribution of ingredients. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough brownies.
- Drain the bourbon-soaked cherries, reserving the liquid for an optional drizzle later. Gently pat the cherries dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Carefully fold the drained cherries into the brownie batter. Distribute them evenly throughout the mixture.
- Pour the batter into the prepared 8-inch baking pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly into all corners of the pan, ensuring a consistent thickness.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. It should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter, and ideally not completely clean (which would indicate overbaking).
Kitchen Tools
- Parchment Paper
- 8X8 Inch Baking Pan
- Electric Hand Mixer
- Double Boiler (or heatproof bowl and saucepan)
- Sifter (or fine-mesh sieve)
Notes for Perfection
Resting is Key: It’s tempting to cut into these delicious brownies right away, but for the best texture and clean cuts, allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan, preferably for a few hours or even overnight. This resting period allows them to set properly, ensuring that perfect fudgy consistency.
Storage: Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months; simply wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
Holiday Gift Ideas: Once cooled, cut the brownies into neat squares and arrange them in decorative boxes or cello bags. Tie with a festive ribbon and add a small tag for a truly impressive homemade holiday gift.
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 117