Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe

If you’re a fan of rich, fudgy brownies with a delightful twist, you are going to fall head over heels for these Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies. This recipe takes the classic chocolate brownie and elevates it with cherries that are roasted to bring out their natural sweetness and deepen their flavor. Combined with melty chocolate chips throughout, these brownies are a luscious blend of tart and sweet, with a moist, dense texture that keeps you reaching for just one more bite. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll quickly become your go-to dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple, no-fuss essentials that work together to create that perfect balance of rich chocolate and fruity brightness. Each plays a vital role in texture, flavor, and appearance, making every bite irresistibly satisfying.

• Cherries (2 cups, cut in half): Fresh, washed, and pitted cherries are roasted to bring out their deep, sweet flavor and add juicy bursts in your brownies.
• White granulated sugar (1 1/3 cups): Sweetens the batter and helps to create a tender crumb.
• Large eggs (2) and 1 egg yolk: Eggs provide structure and richness to the brownies while keeping them moist.
• Unsalted butter (5 tablespoons, melted): Adds luxurious richness and helps the batter come together smoothly.
• Oil (1/3 cup, canola or vegetable): Works with butter to keep brownies wonderfully moist and tender.
• Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the chocolate flavor and adds a warm aroma.
• All-purpose flour (3/4 cup): Gives the brownies their structure without making them cakey.
• Dutch process cocoa powder (3/4 cup): Delivers deep, intense chocolate flavor with a smooth finish.
• Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Lightens and softens the texture for that perfectly tender bite.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and boosts overall flavor.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Melted pockets of chocolate add gooey richness and extra chocolate goodness.

How to Make Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Step 1: Roast the Cherries

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the halved cherries in a single layer. Sprinkle a little sugar over them to bring out their natural juices as they roast. Pop them in the oven for about 10 minutes. The roasting intensifies their sweetness and gives them a beautiful soft texture that contrasts perfectly with the dense brownie.

Step 2: Prep Your Baking Pan

After the cherries cool down, lower your oven temperature to 325°F. Grease an 8×8 baking pan with non-stick spray and line the bottom and two sides with parchment paper, spraying the paper as well. This ensures your brownies will lift out neatly when baked.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Sift together the flour, Dutch cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt into a bowl. Setting these dry ingredients aside now and incorporating them gently later will keep your brownies tender and fudgy rather than tough.

Step 4: Whip up the Sugar and Eggs

Using a mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the sugar, eggs, and extra egg yolk at high speed for five minutes. This step is key because incorporating air creates a lighter texture and ensures your brownies are beautifully moist yet set.

Step 5: Add the Butter, Oil, and Vanilla

Slowly pour in the melted butter, oil, and vanilla extract while mixing on low speed. This combination enriches the batter and adds that signature smoothness and decadent flavor.

Step 6: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Remove the mixing bowl from the mixer and gently fold in the sifted dry ingredients with a rubber spatula. Be careful to keep as much air in the batter as possible—this will help your brownies stay soft and delicate.

Step 7: Incorporate Roasted Cherries and Chocolate Chips

Take half of your roasted cherries and fold them along with the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the brownie batter until just combined. This way, the cherries stay evenly distributed throughout, and melty pockets of chocolate give you that blissful richness.

Step 8: Bake the Brownies

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it to an even thickness. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges look set while the center remains slightly undercooked—this ensures a moist, fudgy interior. Right after removing from the oven, sprinkle with extra chocolate chips to melt on top while it cools.

Step 9: Chill and Finish

Let your brownies cool completely in the pan. For clean, perfect slices, pop the whole pan into the freezer for 15 minutes. Once chilled, take them out, arrange the remaining roasted cherries on top for added freshness and cut into squares.

How to Serve Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of lightly whipped cream can beautifully complement these brownies. A few fresh cherries or a sprig of mint atop each square adds a lovely pop of color and freshness that pairs perfectly with the deep chocolate flavor.

Side Dishes

Though these brownies are delicious on their own, serving them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce takes them to festival-worthy heights. For a lighter approach, try fresh berries on the side—they bring a refreshing contrast that brightens every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party twist, cut the Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies into mini squares and serve them on a decorative platter with small forks. Alternatively, create brownie parfait cups layered with whipped cream and cherry compote for a stunning visual and taste experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen is warm, keeping them in the fridge will help maintain their texture while preventing spoilage.

Freezing

You can freeze these brownies for longer storage. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They keep beautifully frozen for up to three months without losing their flavor or fudginess.

Reheating

To enjoy your brownies warm, allow frozen pieces to thaw at room temperature, then reheat briefly in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This will freshen their gooey texture and make the chocolate chips delightfully melty once again.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh for Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry to avoid extra moisture in the batter. Roasting frozen cherries works well, but fresh cherries do offer a slightly better texture and flavor.

Why do we roast the cherries before adding them to the batter?

Roasting enhances the cherries’ natural sweetness and softens them, which adds a delicious depth of flavor and juicy texture that pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate brownies.

Can I substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips for another type?

Yes, feel free to use dark chocolate chips for a more intense flavor, white chocolate for sweetness contrast, or even chopped chocolate bars for varied texture.

What if I want cakey rather than fudgy brownies?

This particular recipe is designed for fudgy brownies. To make them cakier, you could try reducing the butter and oil slightly and increasing the flour, but I’d recommend trying the recipe as is to enjoy its signature richness.

Is it necessary to chill the brownies before cutting?

Chilling the brownies makes cutting easier and helps hold their shape, especially since the center remains slightly underbaked to keep them moist and fudgy. It’s a small step that yields cleaner slices and a better presentation.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the way cherries and chocolate harmonize in these Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies. Every step, from roasting the cherries to the final cool and cut, is designed to draw out the best flavors and textures. Give this recipe a try—you’ll discover a new favorite that’s perfect for sharing with friends, gifting, or simply indulging yourself on any day that calls for a special sweet treat.

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