It's that time of year guys... Valentine's Day is just 2 weeks away! That means it's time to whip up some baked goods for your loved ones. Or you know, just for yourself, especially if your Business Man's not that much of a 'sweets' person.
These brownies are ultra-decadent, stuffed with Dove cherry dark chocolates, and layered with a shortbread crust. And yes, there might be almost an entire pound of butter in one 9x9-inch pan. Watch out Paula, someone's on your heels with butter usage!
But no worries, these are perfectly rich and fudgy so that you only need a small sliver. And then another small sliver. And another after that. So that really you have eaten 2.5 brownies but no one will ever know. ;-)
The Dove cherry dark chocolates are actually a special product for Valentine's Day. I had intended to use some Hershey Raspberry White Creme kisses in these brownies, but after trips to Ray's, Meijer, CVS, and Walgreens, I am pretty sure they do not exist. Even though they are google-able. (See right here.) So, I settled with the Dove cherry dark chocolates. If you're not a big cherry person, you could always swap out the cherry for the Dove caramel... that would be delicious. Or if you get your hands on the Raspberry kisses, let me know.
To prepare shortbread layer, beat butter and sugars until light and creamy. Gradually add salt and flour until combined. Press dough evenly into prepared pan.
To prepare brownie layer, combine the unsweetened chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl set over simmering water; heat, stirring occasionally until completely melted in smooth. Remove from the heat. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and sugar. Whisk in chocolate mixture until well-blended. Whisk in the vanilla extract and salt. Whisk in the flour until just incorporated.
Spread half of the brownie batter over the shortbread crust. Place 20 Dove chocolates evenly over the brownie batter. Spread the remaining batter evenly over the Dove chocolates. Bake in preheated oven 45-50 minutes, until almost set.
Meanwhile, while brownies are baking, coarsely chop remaining Dove chocolates. When the brownies are done, scatter the chopped Dove chocolates over the top of the brownies; return to oven for 3 more minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. Chill the brownies for 2-3 hours before removing and cutting.
**Note: If you would rather, you can use a family-sized brownie mix prepared according to package direction instead of making the brownies from scratch. I'll never tell.
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In running news, the weather was beautiful today! Seriously, 58*F in January is unbelievable. I had mile repeats on the schedule for today and was so excited to run them outside. Even though the wind was a bit treacherous.
I was hoping to do 4x1-mile at 6:20-6:24 with a 0.5 mile jog in between. I completed only three of them, but they were quality!
Happy running! (And baking!)
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But no worries, these are perfectly rich and fudgy so that you only need a small sliver. And then another small sliver. And another after that. So that really you have eaten 2.5 brownies but no one will ever know. ;-)
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| Chocolate layer in the center... oh yea. |
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| DOVE! |
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| Aren't they so cute? Shaped like little hearts and everything. |
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| Bonus points if you have a pink pan to bake them in. |
[Click to PRINT]
Dark Chocolate Cherry Brownies
Servings/Yield
One 9x9-inch pan, about 20 brownies.- For the shortbread layer
- 1 cup butter, softened
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- For the brownie layer**
- 4-oz. unsweetened chocolate, coarsely chopped
- ¾ cup butter, (1 1/2 sticks)
- 1½ cups sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 9-oz. package Dove cherry dark chocolate candies, unwrapped
Method
Preheat oven to 350*F. Line a 9x9-inch pan with foil, and spray with cooking spray.To prepare shortbread layer, beat butter and sugars until light and creamy. Gradually add salt and flour until combined. Press dough evenly into prepared pan.
To prepare brownie layer, combine the unsweetened chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl set over simmering water; heat, stirring occasionally until completely melted in smooth. Remove from the heat. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and sugar. Whisk in chocolate mixture until well-blended. Whisk in the vanilla extract and salt. Whisk in the flour until just incorporated.
Spread half of the brownie batter over the shortbread crust. Place 20 Dove chocolates evenly over the brownie batter. Spread the remaining batter evenly over the Dove chocolates. Bake in preheated oven 45-50 minutes, until almost set.
Meanwhile, while brownies are baking, coarsely chop remaining Dove chocolates. When the brownies are done, scatter the chopped Dove chocolates over the top of the brownies; return to oven for 3 more minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. Chill the brownies for 2-3 hours before removing and cutting.
**Note: If you would rather, you can use a family-sized brownie mix prepared according to package direction instead of making the brownies from scratch. I'll never tell.
Source: Adapted from Picky Palate and Annie's Eats
In running news, the weather was beautiful today! Seriously, 58*F in January is unbelievable. I had mile repeats on the schedule for today and was so excited to run them outside. Even though the wind was a bit treacherous.
I was hoping to do 4x1-mile at 6:20-6:24 with a 0.5 mile jog in between. I completed only three of them, but they were quality!
- Mile 1 - 6:16
- Mile 2 - 6:15
- Mile 3 - 6:24
Happy running! (And baking!)
Comments
And the brownies look amazing!!! This is a sweet even my husband would love. (He's not a big sweets eater... now bacon and fat on the other hand... haha! :) )
@Jess - thanks! I know, what is it about guys and bacon? Although I haven't been known to turn down bacon myself...