Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe

If you’re a fan of rich, fudgy brownies combined with the burst of juicy cherries, then you’re in for a treat. This Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe is one of my all-time favorites because it perfectly balances intense chocolate flavor with the bright tartness of roasted cherries. When I first tried this, I was blown away by how the roasted cherries add a subtle caramelized sweetness that punches up the whole brownie experience — and I know you’ll love it just as much as I do!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe plays a key role in delivering that luxurious texture and bold flavor. I always recommend using good-quality cocoa powder and fresh cherries for the best results.

• Cherries: Fresh and pitted cherries get roasted first to intensify their flavor — that’s the secret star!
• White granulated sugar: Provides the classic sweetness and helps with the brownies’ structure.
• Large eggs & egg yolk: These add richness and help bind everything together perfectly.
• Unsalted butter: Melted butter brings decadent flavor; I find unsalted keeps the sweetness balanced.
• Oil (canola or vegetable): Adding oil keeps the brownies soft and keeps them from drying out, even after a day or two.
• Pure vanilla extract: A must for rounding out the deep chocolate notes.
• All-purpose flour: The base that gives the brownies their structure.
• Dutch process cocoa powder: This gives the brownies a rich and smooth chocolate flavor without bitterness.
• Cornstarch: Helps create a tender crumb and lightens the texture slightly.
• Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melt into pockets of gooey chocolate in every bite — yum!

Variations

I love that this Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe is easy to tweak to your taste or dietary preferences. Whether you want it extra fudgy, a bit nutty, or even dairy-free, there’s room to make it yours.

• Add nuts: I often toss in chopped walnuts or pecans for some crunch — it adds such a great contrast to the soft brownies.
• Swap chocolate chips: Dark chocolate chips give an even more intense flavor, while white chocolate offers a sweet surprise.
• Make it vegan: Use your favorite vegan butter and a flax egg substitute; I tried this once, and the results were deliciously fudgy!
• Berry twist: Substitute cherries with raspberries or a mixed berry blend for a different fruity zing.

How to Make Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Cherries for Maximum Flavor

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Spread the halved, pitted cherries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and sprinkle them lightly with sugar. Roast for about 10 minutes until they’re slightly caramelized and juicy. I discovered this trick because fresh cherries can sometimes taste bland in baked goods, but roasting brings out this wonderful deep flavor that really makes these brownies stand out. After roasting, let them cool completely before adding to the batter.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Lower the oven temperature to 325°F. Grab an 8×8-inch baking pan, spray it with non-stick cooking spray, and line the bottom plus two sides with parchment paper. Spray again to ensure your brownies release easily once baked. This step saves me headaches when it comes to clean cuts and serving.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, Dutch process cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. This helps avoid lumps and keeps your brownies smooth and tender.

Step 4: Whip Up the Eggs and Sugar

In a separate mixing bowl, use a mixer fitted with a whisk attachment to beat the granulated sugar, eggs, and an extra egg yolk on high speed for about 5 minutes. This step is key because it adds air, giving your brownies a lovely lift and a slightly cakey texture while still maintaining moistness.

Step 5: Add Butter, Oil, and Vanilla

Melt the unsalted butter then let it cool just slightly before mixing it into the eggs along with the oil and vanilla extract on low speed. This prevents cooking the eggs and ensures everything blends smoothly.

Step 6: Fold in Dry Ingredients Gently

Remove the mixer, then using a rubber spatula, fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet batter carefully. You want to keep as much air as possible so be gentle here! This technique really helps the brownies come out airy without being cakey.

Step 7: Add Half the Roasted Cherries and Chocolate Chips

Fold in half of the roasted cherries along with the semi-sweet chocolate chips until just combined. It’s important not to overmix; otherwise, you’ll lose that lightness we worked so hard to create.

Step 8: Bake and Cool

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are set but the center still looks slightly underbaked. This is what gives you the perfect fudgy texture. Once out of the oven, immediately top with extra chocolate chips and let the brownies cool completely in the pan.

Step 9: Chill and Finish

Freeze the cooled brownies in the pan for about 15 minutes. This step makes them easier to lift out without breaking. Remove from the pan, then top with the remaining roasted cherries. Slice and serve. I love how the cherries on top add a fresh, eye-catching finish!

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe

Garnishes

I like keeping garnishes simple for this recipe — a few fresh cherries or a light dusting of powdered sugar adds just the right touch. Sometimes, I drizzle a bit of melted dark chocolate for extra flair. These garnishes highlight the cherry and chocolate flavors without overwhelming the brownies.

Side Dishes

To complement the richness of these brownies, I often serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A cup of strong coffee or a glass of cold milk also pairs beautifully, balancing the sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to stack these brownies on a rustic wooden board with cherries scattered around for a lovely presentation that feels festive and inviting. You can also cut the brownies into bite-sized squares, skewer them with a cherry on top, and serve as elegant dessert bites — a real crowd-pleaser at parties!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They stay soft and delicious if you don’t leave them out too long. For best texture, I recommend bringing them back to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

These brownies freeze beautifully. I wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When I’m ready to eat, I let them thaw on the counter for about an hour, and they taste almost as fresh as when first baked.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy your brownies warm, pop a piece in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. This melts the chocolate chips slightly and revives that fresh-baked feel. Just be careful not to overheat or they’ll dry out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe is one I come back to time and again because it just hits all the right notes — fudgy, rich, with a pop of cherry tartness that keeps you wanting more. It’s my go-to dessert when I want to impress friends or just treat my family to something special that feels homemade and heartfelt. Give it a try and I promise these brownies will become a favorite in your kitchen, too!

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