Raspberry Chocolate Noel Brownies Recipe

There is something truly magical about the combination of rich chocolate and tart raspberries, and this Raspberry Chocolate Noel Brownies Recipe captures that harmony perfectly. These brownies are a festive twist on a classic favorite, with a luscious swirl of raspberry jelly and fresh raspberries scattered on top, delivering bursts of fruitiness in every bite. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or simply craving a decadent dessert, this recipe turns simple ingredients into a show-stopping treat that feels both cozy and elegant.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to enjoying these irresistible brownies. Each component plays a crucial role: the bittersweet chocolate and butter create a glossy, fudgy base, while the espresso powder subtly enhances the chocolate’s depth. Fresh raspberries and raspberry jelly add that signature bright pop, ensuring every bite sings with festive flavor.

• Bittersweet chocolate (4 oz / 120 g): Choose good-quality chocolate for rich, intense flavor and a smooth texture.
• Unsalted butter (½ cup / 115 g): Unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness perfectly, enriching the batter without overpowering.
• Granulated sugar (¾ cup / 150 g): Provides the right balance of sweetness to complement the tart raspberries.
• Large eggs (2, room temperature): They give structure and moisture, helping the brownies stay tender.
• Pure vanilla extract (2 tsp): Adds a warm, aromatic note that enhances all the flavors.
• All-purpose flour (⅔ cup / 85 g): Keeps the brownies chewy, not cakey, letting the chocolate shine through.
• Instant espresso powder (1 tsp): A sneakily delicious ingredient that boosts the chocolate’s richness without any coffee taste.
• Baking powder (½ tsp): Just enough to lift the brownies slightly while maintaining their fudgy consistency.
• Salt (¼ tsp): Balances sweetness and highlights flavor layers.
• Fresh raspberries (½ cup / 85 g, halved): Bursting with natural tartness and a juicy contrast.
• Raspberry jelly (¼ cup / 85 g): Creates beautiful swirls and infuses the brownies with fruity brightness.

How to Make Raspberry Chocolate Noel Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure there is an overhang on the sides. This will make lifting out your brownies a breeze once they’re baked and cooled.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Butter

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the bittersweet chocolate and butter. Heat gently at 50% power for 1 minute, then stir thoroughly. Continue heating in 30-second bursts, stirring after each, until everything is melted and silky. This slow melting method ensures you don’t scorch your chocolate and keeps the texture smooth.

Step 3: Mix in the Sugar

While the chocolate mixture is still warm, stir in the granulated sugar until it is fully incorporated. This step helps dissolve the sugar slightly, contributing to the brownies’ melt-in-your-mouth quality.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time followed by the pure vanilla extract. Mixing at this stage creates a glossy, cohesive batter that’s the hallmark of perfectly fudgy brownies.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Sift together your all-purpose flour, instant espresso powder, baking powder, and salt. Fold these into the batter gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want tender brownies with a dense but moist crumb.

Step 6: Add Raspberry Jelly and Fresh Raspberries

Pour your batter into the lined baking dish, smoothing the top evenly. Drop spoonfuls of raspberry jelly on the surface and use a knife to swirl it through the batter, creating beautiful marbled patterns. Scatter the halved fresh raspberries evenly over the top for bursts of fruit in every square.

Step 7: Bake the Brownies

Bake for 20 minutes, then check for doneness by inserting a toothpick halfway between the center and edge. If it comes out with wet batter, bake for a couple more minutes. Your brownies are ready when the toothpick has a few moist crumbs clinging to it but no raw batter. Remember, the total baking time shouldn’t exceed 25 minutes to maintain that perfect fudgy texture.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Let your brownies cool completely on a wire rack. This step is key to setting the texture and making slicing easier. Use the parchment overhang to lift them out and cut into 9 generous servings to share the joy.

How to Serve Raspberry Chocolate Noel Brownies Recipe

Garnishes

Top your brownies with a dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of melted white chocolate for an elegant finish. Fresh mint leaves or a few extra raspberries add vibrant color and a fresh lift that delights the eyes and palate alike.

Side Dishes

Pair these brownies with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the rich chocolate and tart raspberry flavors. A cup of hot coffee or lightly sweetened chai tea complements the espresso notes beautifully, rounding out your treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the Raspberry Chocolate Noel Brownies Recipe on a rustic wooden board surrounded by whole raspberries and chocolate shards for a stunning dessert spread. Alternatively, cut them into bite-sized squares and thread onto skewers with fresh berries and marshmallows for a festive dessert kebab.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them fudgy and fresh, though if your kitchen is warm, refrigeration is a wiser option.

Freezing

These brownies freeze wonderfully! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe zip-top bag. They stay delicious for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Reheating

To revive a brownie’s molten texture, warm it gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. Serve with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of warm raspberry sauce for an irresistible treat.

FAQs

Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh for the Raspberry Chocolate Noel Brownies Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen raspberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid adding extra moisture to the batter, which could affect the texture.

What is the purpose of the espresso powder in this recipe?

The espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor without giving a noticeable coffee taste. It deepens the richness and complexity, making the chocolate even more decadent.

Can I substitute the raspberry jelly with another flavor?

Absolutely! You can experiment with other fruit preserves like strawberry or cherry, but the classic raspberry jelly provides the perfect balance of tartness that makes this recipe shine.

How do I know when the brownies are perfectly baked?

The key is to insert a toothpick near the edge after 20 minutes of baking. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter, the brownies are done. Overbaking will make them dry instead of fudgy.

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend one-to-one. Make sure it includes xanthan gum or another binder for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

These Raspberry Chocolate Noel Brownies Recipe are more than just a dessert; they’re a celebration on a plate. With their luscious swirl of raspberry jelly and juicy fresh raspberries, combined with rich, fudgy chocolate, every bite is a joy. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try—you’ll quickly see why it’s a treasured favorite of mine during the cooler months and joyous gatherings.

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