Black Currant Tea Brownies
Indulge in these sophisticated Black Currant Tea Brownies, where the earthy depth of steeped black currant tea meets the richness of dark chocolate. The base is a dense, fudgy brownie that stays moist thanks to a blend of butter and eggs. A light brushing of crème de cassis and fruit preserves adds a tart, fruity brightness that cuts through the sweetness, while a final layer of silky bittersweet chocolate ganache provides a luxurious finish. These brownies are perfect for elegant dinner parties, holiday cookie exchanges, or as a special treat with afternoon tea. They offer a complex flavor profile that is both comforting and refined, making them a standout dessert for any occasion.
Description
Indulge in these sophisticated Black Currant Tea Brownies, where the earthy depth of steeped black currant tea meets the richness of dark chocolate. The base is a dense, fudgy brownie that stays moist thanks to a blend of butter and eggs. A light brushing of crème de cassis and fruit preserves adds a tart, fruity brightness that cuts through the sweetness, while a final layer of silky bittersweet chocolate ganache provides a luxurious finish. These brownies are perfect for elegant dinner parties, holiday cookie exchanges, or as a special treat with afternoon tea. They offer a complex flavor profile that is both comforting and refined, making them a standout dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup boiling water
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon black currant flavoured tea leaves
- 2 squares (1 ounce each) unsweetened chocolate
- 1 stick (4 ounces) butter
- 2 eggs, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon creme de cassis
- 1/4 cup black currant preserves
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
Directions
- 1 Preheat the oven to 350°F and butter an 8-inch square baking pan.
- 2
Pour the boiling water over 2 teaspoons of the tea leaves and let steep for 5 minutes, then strain into a small bowl.- 3
Melt the unsweetened chocolate with the butter over low heat and let cool for 10 minutes.- 4
Beat the eggs at high speed until blended, gradually beat in the sugar, then beat in the melted chocolate mixture and 3 tablespoons of the strained tea.- 5
Fold in the flour and salt until just blended, then pour the batter into the prepared pan.- 6
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is shiny and firm to the touch.- 7
Combine the remaining strained tea with the crème de cassis and brush this mixture over the warm brownies.- 8
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan.- 9
Melt and strain the black currant preserves, then brush them evenly over the cooled brownies.- 10
Heat the heavy cream until hot, then steep the remaining tea leaves in it for a few minutes before stirring in the finely chopped bittersweet chocolate until smooth to create a ganache.- 11
Let the ganache cool slightly until thickened, then spread it over the brownies.- 12
Let the ganache set before cutting and serving.NoteStore leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.
If you cannot find black currant flavored tea, you can substitute with regular black tea and add a bit more crème de cassis or black currant jam to the ganache for flavor.
For a vegan version, substitute the butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs, and use a dairy-free chocolate and heavy cream alternative.
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