Decadent Merlot Cherry Fudge Brownies
Indulge in the rich, luxurious world of baked desserts with our Decadent Merlot Cherry Fudge Brownies. These fudgy delights combine velvety dark chocolate with the robust flavor of Merlot-soaked cherries, offering a unique twist that will enchant your taste buds. Not only do these brownies deliver an explosion of flavors—sweet cherries infused with wine enveloped in rich chocolate—but they also promise a nostalgia-laced experience that will transport you to dreamy evenings by the fireplace. Perfect for gatherings, romantic dinners, or simply a personal treat, these brownies are sure to create unforgettable memories with every bite.
N/A
Servings
150
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried sweet cherries
6 ounces (chopped (1 1/4 cups))
Merlot
1/2 cup (for soaking cherries)
Dark chocolate (53% cacao)
8 ounces (broken into small sections)
All-purpose flour
1 1/3 cups
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Granulated sugar
1 cup
Butter
1/3 cup (softened)
Eggs
2 large
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch square baking pan.
2
In a small, microwave-safe bowl, combine the dried sweet cherries and Merlot. Microwave on HIGH for 1 minute, then stir and allow to sit for 15 minutes to absorb the wine's flavor.
3
After soaking, drain the cherries and discard the Merlot. Set the cherries aside.
4
In another microwave-safe bowl, add the dark chocolate and heat in the microwave on HIGH for 1 minute. Stir gently, and if needed, continue heating in 10- to 15-second intervals until smooth. Allow the melted chocolate to cool to room temperature.
5
In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Set aside.
6
In a medium mixing bowl, beat together the granulated sugar and softened butter until creamy and well combined.
7
Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, mix in the melted chocolate and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
8
Gradually fold in the flour mixture until just blended. Be careful not to overmix.
9
Gently stir in the drained Merlot-soaked cherries until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
10
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
11
Bake in the preheated oven for 33 to 37 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out slightly sticky (you want that fudgy texture!).
12
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting them into 16 delicious bars.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
17.5g
Carbs
2g
Protein
8.75g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Merlot Cherry Fudge Brownies?
They are rich, fudgy brownies made with dark chocolate and cherries that have been soaked in Merlot wine for a unique, luxurious flavor.
What type of chocolate is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of dark chocolate with 53% cacao, broken into small sections.
How do I prepare the cherries for the brownies?
Combine dried sweet cherries with Merlot in a bowl, microwave for 1 minute, and let them sit for 15 minutes before draining.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long do the brownies need to bake?
Bake the brownies for 33 to 37 minutes.
What size baking pan is required?
A 9-inch square baking pan is needed for this recipe.
How many brownies does this recipe yield?
The recipe yields 16 delicious brownie bars.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
The brownies are done when a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out slightly sticky, ensuring a fudgy texture.
How many calories are in one brownie?
Each brownie contains approximately 150 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each brownie contains 7.5g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in these brownies?
There are 17.5g of carbohydrates per brownie.
How much sugar is in each brownie?
Each serving contains 8.75g of sugar.
How much protein does one brownie provide?
One brownie provides 2g of protein.
Should I use fresh or dried cherries?
The recipe specifically requires 6 ounces of dried sweet cherries.
What should I do with the Merlot after soaking the cherries?
After the cherries have soaked for 15 minutes, drain them and discard the leftover Merlot.
How should the butter be prepared?
The butter should be softened before beating it with the granulated sugar.
What is the best way to melt the dark chocolate?
Microwave the chocolate on HIGH for 1 minute, stir, and continue in 10-15 second intervals until smooth.
Should the eggs be added all at once?
No, the eggs should be added one at a time, beating after each addition until the mixture is light and fluffy.
How should I incorporate the flour?
Gradually fold in the flour mixture until just blended, being careful not to overmix.
Why is it important to let the brownies cool?
Cooling them completely in the pan on a wire rack ensures they set properly before being cut into bars.
Is vanilla extract used in this recipe?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract is mixed in with the melted chocolate and eggs.
What is the role of salt in this recipe?
A half-teaspoon of salt is whisked with the flour to balance the sweetness and enhance the chocolate flavor.
Can I use a different type of wine?
The recipe specifies Merlot for its robust flavor, but you could experiment with other red wines if desired.
What is the texture of these brownies?
The texture is described as fudgy, decadent, and velvety.
What occasions are these brownies best for?
They are perfect for gatherings, romantic dinners, or as a personal treat.
How much flour is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 1/3 cups of all-purpose flour.
How much sugar is needed?
The recipe requires 1 cup of granulated sugar.
Do I need to grease the pan?
Yes, you should grease the 9-inch square baking pan before pouring in the batter.
How much Merlot is used for soaking?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of Merlot for soaking the cherries.
Is this a good recipe for chocolate lovers?
Absolutely, as it uses 8 ounces of dark chocolate to create an explosion of rich chocolate flavor.