Skip to main content

Brownies with Caramel, Fig, and Cherry Jam

Greece is more synonymous with flaky, honeyed pastries than gooey brownies, but amid the hills of Crete, Epicurious member Lisa Lindy swirls a figgy-cherry caramel into a chocolaty batter before baking it into a moist-in-the-middle brownie. These fruity delights will provide sticky fingers and happy faces on kids and adults like.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 16 to 20 squares

Ingredients

FOR JAM

3/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons water
1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
4 ounces dried black Mission figs
4 ounces dried tart cherries
1 1/2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar

FOR BROWNIES

8 ounces bittersweet chocolate
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 1/4 cups sugar
3 large eggs
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
6 ounces chocolate chips
Special equipment: 13 by 9 by 2-inch pan

Preparation

  1. MAKE JAM

    Step 1

    In a small pot over moderately high heat, bring the sugar and water to a boil. Cook the sugar until light golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and carefully stir in the cream.

    Step 2

    Add the figs, cherries, and balsamic vinegar, stirring to combine. Let the mixture rest until the fruit is softened, about 10 minutes.

    Step 3

    Transfer the mixture to a food processor and process until smooth.

  2. MAKE BROWNIES

    Step 4

    Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter and flour a 13 by 9-inch pan.

    Step 5

    In a small pot over moderately low heat, stir the bittersweet chocolate and butter until melted. Remove from the heat and cool for about 15 minutes.

    Step 6

    In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Add the cooled chocolate mixture and whisk to combine. Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into the mixing bowl and gently stir to combine. Fold in the chocolate chips.

    Step 7

    Transfer the batter to the prepared pan. Dollop the jam on top of the batter and, using a knife, swirl it into the batter. Bake the brownies until a toothpick inserted into the center is barely clean, 20 to 25 minutes. Cool the brownies completely in the pan before cutting and serving.

The Epicurious Cookbook
Read More
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Put that half-full tub to use with recipes that go beyond the Italian American classics.
This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.
Like Sri Lankan cashew curry and vegan stuffed shells.
Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.