Apple Brownie with Dark Chocolate and Cranberries

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

Melt the Dark Chocolate:
In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate. You can do this by microwaving it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or melting it over a double boiler. Once melted, set it aside to cool slightly.

Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs. Add the applesauce and optional orange zest. Stir until smooth.

Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix the starch, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine evenly.

Make the Brownie Batter:
Pour the melted chocolate into the wet mixture and stir until combined. Add the dry ingredients and mix until a smooth batter forms. Fold in the dried cranberries.

Bake the Brownie:
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly with a spatula. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Serve:
Allow the brownie to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve.

Serving and Storage Tips: