There’s something utterly irresistible about brownies, and when you add cranberries and walnuts to the mix, it takes the deliciousness to a whole new level! I remember the first time I made Cranberry Walnut Brownies—it was a rainy afternoon, and so I decided to get adventurous in the kitchen. The tartness of the cranberries paired beautifully with the rich chocolate, while the walnuts added a crunchy texture that made every bite an absolute delight. Trust me, these brownies are everything you didn’t know you needed in your life!
What I love most about this recipe is how it bridges the gap between indulgence and sustenance. It feels like a treat, yet there are some wholesome ingredients nestled in there! Plus, they can impress guests or simply provide a cozy snack for yourself during a Netflix binge. Now, let’s dive into what makes these brownies so special!
What’s in Cranberry Walnut Brownies?
Cranberries: These little gems not only add a punch of tartness but are also chockfull of antioxidants. I often use dried unsweetened cranberries for this recipe, so the flavors balance out perfectly.
Walnuts: Nuts are my go-to for adding a lovely crunch! Walnuts are earthy, buttery, and contain healthy fats. I find that lightly toasting them before adding to the mix brings out their rich flavor.
Dark Chocolate: The heart and soul of any brownie! I recommend at least 70% dark chocolate for an intense flavor, but you can use semi-sweet if that’s your jam.
Butter: A classic ingredient that provides that delightful fudginess. I like to use unsalted butter to control the saltiness in my treats.
Sugar: Sweetness is essential for brownies, and I mix regular granulated sugar with brown sugar for depth. The brown sugar contributes a slight caramel flavor that is to die for.
Flour: All-purpose flour does the trick for achieving that perfectly chewy brownie texture. Don’t go overboard on it, though—too much flour can dry them out!
Eggs: Eggs bind everything together and contribute to that rich, moist texture we all crave in brownies!
Is Cranberry Walnut Brownies Good for You?
While it’s easy to get swept away by the rich, fudgy goodness of these brownies, there are a few health benefits, thanks to some of our key players!
Cranberries: Packed with vitamins C and E, cranberries aid in heart health and may help prevent urinary tract infections. A little tangy goodness is good for more than just flavor!
Walnuts: These are a fantastic source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which support brain health and heart health. They also provide fiber – which we all need in our diets!
Of course, let’s not forget that brownies are still a dessert. Moderation is key, and if you’re watching your sugar intake, try using a sugar substitute or enjoy a smaller portion.
Ingredients
– 1 cup dark chocolate (at least 70%)
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup dried cranberries
– 1 cup walnuts (chopped)
This recipe will yield about 12 delicious brownies.
How to Make Cranberry Walnut Brownies?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate and butter together in 30-second bursts, stirring in between until completely smooth.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Gradually pour the melted chocolate mixture into the sugar mixture while continuing to whisk until fully incorporated.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until there are no dry spots.
6. Gently fold in the dried cranberries and walnuts until evenly distributed.
7. Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
8. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
9. Let them cool in the pan before slicing them into squares.
10. Enjoy your Cranberry Walnut Brownies warm or at room temperature!
Delicious Tips and Tricks
– For a little extra indulgence, top your brownies with a dusting of powdered sugar before serving or drizzle some melted chocolate over the top.
– You can substitute the cranberries for dried cherries or even chopped dried apricots if you want to switch things up.
– Feel free to experiment by adding in some chocolate chips for an even richer brownie!
– These brownies pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream!
I hope you give this delicious recipe a try! There’s nothing quite like the joy of baking fresh brownies to share with friends or to savor on a cozy night in. So roll up your sleeves, grab those ingredients, and enjoy the deliciousness. I can’t wait to hear how they turn out for you! Happy baking!