Peach-Cherry Crumble Brownies
Highlighted under: Hearty Food Recipes
I absolutely adore these Peach-Cherry Crumble Brownies! Combining the sweetness of ripe peaches with tart cherries results in an irresistible treat. Each bite delivers a burst of fruity flavor layered over a fudgy brownie base, topped off with a crunchy crumble. When I made these for my family, they were gone in no time. The combination of textures and flavors truly makes them a standout dessert for any occasion, from summer picnics to cozy winter evenings.
When I first attempted to make these Peach-Cherry Crumble Brownies, I wanted to create something that captured the essence of summer fruits in a decadent dessert. After testing different combinations, I discovered that the richness of the brownies perfectly complemented the tartness of the cherries while the peaches added natural sweetness. I learned that letting the fruit sit with some sugar before adding it to the batter helped intensify the flavors, making each bite even more delightful.
The crumble topping is key to balancing the fudgy texture of the brownies. I experimented with different toppings, but a simple mix of oats, flour, and butter gave me the ideal crunch. This recipe has become a family favorite, and I hope it brings as much joy to you and your loved ones as it does to mine.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Delightful combination of sweet peaches and tart cherries
- Decadent fudgy brownie base brings satisfaction in every bite
- Crumble topping adds a perfect crunchy texture
Understanding Ingredient Roles
Each ingredient in these Peach-Cherry Crumble Brownies plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor. The unsalted butter not only adds richness to the brownie base but also helps to create a fudgy consistency that pairs beautifully with the fruit. Using granulated sugar enhances the sweetness of the brownies, while cocoa powder provides that deep chocolate flavor we all crave. Keep in mind, if you prefer a less sweet brownie or want to enhance the chocolate flavor, you can reduce the sugar slightly or use dark cocoa powder.
The fruit filling is another highlight of this recipe. Ripe peaches and tart cherries not only bring their unique flavors but also add moisture to the brownies. When selecting fruits, ensure they are fresh and in season for the best taste; overripe fruit can lead to excess moisture, which might make the brownies too gooey. If you can't find fresh peaches or cherries, frozen fruit can be a convenient substitute—just make sure to thaw and drain them before mixing.
Tips for Perfect Layers
Creating distinct layers in your brownies can elevate their appearance and taste. When layering, pour half of the brownie batter into the greased pan and spread it evenly; this foundation is key. A spatula helps achieve an even layer, and tapping the pan gently on the countertop helps remove air bubbles. When adding the fruit filling, make sure to distribute it evenly to avoid sinking; this also ensures that every bite contains a delightful burst of fruit flavor.
Remember, once you've added the crumble topping, bake the brownies until the edges look set and the center still has a slight jiggle. An inserted toothpick should come out with moist crumbs rather than wet batter, indicating they are done without being overcooked. Overbaked brownies can lose their fudginess, so keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking.
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Brownies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
For the Fruit Filling
- 2 cups fresh peaches, diced
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Crumble Topping
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Instructions
Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
Mix the Brownie Batter
In a large bowl, combine melted butter and granulated sugar. Stir in the eggs and vanilla extract. Gradually mix in the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder until just combined.
Prepare the Fruit Filling
In a separate bowl, toss together the diced peaches, halved cherries, sugar, and lemon juice. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow the juices to develop.
Combine Layers
Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Spread the fruit filling evenly over the batter, then pour the remaining brownie batter on top.
Make the Crumble Topping
In a mixing bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Drizzle in melted butter and mix until crumbly. Sprinkle the crumble topping over the brownie batter.
Bake the Brownies
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let cool before slicing.
Pro Tips
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the brownie batter. Additionally, you can substitute the butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These Peach-Cherry Crumble Brownies store beautifully, making them perfect for make-ahead desserts. After cutting them into squares, store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze well too; just wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be thawed at room temperature or heated in the microwave for a few seconds for a warm, gooey treat.
For special occasions, you can prepare the brownie batter and fruit filling one day in advance. Keep the unbaked layers in the fridge, then simply assemble and bake them when you’re ready. This saves time on the day of your gathering while ensuring the brownies are fresh and delicious.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an indulgent dessert that's irresistible. The melting ice cream pairs fantastically with the warm, fudgy brownie and tart fruit flavors. Alternatively, you could drizzle them with a simple homemade caramel sauce to enhance the sweetness and add an extra layer of flavor.
For a decorative touch, dust the brownies with powdered sugar right before serving to give them a rustic yet elegant finish. Adding fresh mint leaves as a garnish can also brighten the overall presentation, making these brownies a stunning centerpiece for any dessert table.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches and cherries. Just make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before adding them to the batter.
→ How do I store the brownies?
Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
→ Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Absolutely! These brownies can be made a day in advance and actually taste better the next day as the flavors have time to meld.
→ What can I add to enhance the flavor?
Consider adding nuts like walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping for extra crunch and flavor.
Peach-Cherry Crumble Brownies
I absolutely adore these Peach-Cherry Crumble Brownies! Combining the sweetness of ripe peaches with tart cherries results in an irresistible treat. Each bite delivers a burst of fruity flavor layered over a fudgy brownie base, topped off with a crunchy crumble. When I made these for my family, they were gone in no time. The combination of textures and flavors truly makes them a standout dessert for any occasion, from summer picnics to cozy winter evenings.
What You'll Need
For the Brownies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
For the Fruit Filling
- 2 cups fresh peaches, diced
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Crumble Topping
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, combine melted butter and granulated sugar. Stir in the eggs and vanilla extract. Gradually mix in the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder until just combined.
In a separate bowl, toss together the diced peaches, halved cherries, sugar, and lemon juice. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow the juices to develop.
Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Spread the fruit filling evenly over the batter, then pour the remaining brownie batter on top.
In a mixing bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Drizzle in melted butter and mix until crumbly. Sprinkle the crumble topping over the brownie batter.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let cool before slicing.
Extra Tips
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the brownie batter. Additionally, you can substitute the butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Total Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 3g