Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe

If you’re anything like me and love a rich, fudgy treat with a little fruity surprise, you’re going to adore this Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe. Imagine biting into a decadent brownie with roasted cherries melting into every bite—it’s the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth while feeling a bit fancy. Stick around because I’m sharing all the secrets to getting these brownies just right, plus some personal tips that’ll save your bake every time.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe plays its part in creating the ideal balance of fudgy texture, rich flavor, and juicy bursts of fruit. Here’s why I choose these specific ingredients and a few tips for shopping smart.

• Cherries: Fresh, ripe cherries give you that juicy pop and subtle tartness; roasting brings out their natural sugars. Frozen cherries work, just drain well and pat dry before roasting.
• White granulated sugar: This is your classic sweetener, helping to tenderize the batter and provide sweetness without overpowering.
• Eggs & Egg yolk: Eggs add structure, moisture, and richness while the extra yolk boosts the fudgy texture.
• Unsalted butter: Melted and slightly cooled so it incorporates smoothly without cooking the eggs, adds flavor and chewiness.
• Oil (canola or vegetable): Keeps the brownies soft and moist for days without making them greasy.
• Pure vanilla extract: Boosts the overall flavor and enhances the chocolate notes.
• All-purpose flour: Provides the right amount of structure so your brownies aren’t cakey.
• Dutch process cocoa powder: For deep, smooth chocolate flavor with less acidity than natural cocoa powder.
• Cornstarch: A secret weapon for tenderness—it lightens the texture, keeping brownies soft and crumbly but firm.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the rich flavors.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melty pockets of chocolate throughout that pair perfectly with the tart cherries.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of my favorite things about this Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want it a bit nuttier, more chocolaty, or even dairy-free, these brownies welcome your tweaks.

• Nutty Addition: I often toss in chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch that balances the softness and adds a little earthiness.
• Dairy-Free Swap: For friends with allergies, swapping butter with coconut oil works beautifully without sacrificing moisture.
• Extra Cherry Flavor: Try adding a splash of cherry liqueur or cherry extract for a more pronounced cherry zing if you’re a die-hard fan.
• Less Sweet Version: Reduce sugar by a quarter cup if you prefer your brownies less sweet; the roasted cherries still add natural sweetness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Roast Those Cherries to Sweeten the Story

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, spread out the halved, pitted cherries evenly, and sprinkle them lightly with sugar. Roast them for about 10 minutes—this step is crucial because it caramelizes the cherries, amplifying their sweetness and reducing excess moisture. After roasting, let them cool completely so they don’t make your batter watery later.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pan and Dry Ingredients

While your cherries are cooling, reduce the oven temperature to 325°F. Spray an 8×8-inch pan with baking spray, then line the bottom and two sides with parchment paper, spraying again to ensure easy release. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, Dutch process cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt—this ensures there are no lumps and your dry mix is light and airy.

Step 3: Whip Sugar and Eggs Until Fluffy

Using a mixer with a whisk attachment, beat the granulated sugar, whole eggs, and extra yolk on high speed for about 5 minutes. This step takes patience but trust me, it makes the batter airy and gives your brownies that perfect fudgy but light texture.

Step 4: Gently Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Meanwhile, melt the butter and let it cool just a bit. Add the butter, oil, and vanilla extract to the egg mixture and mix on low speed until combined. Now, remove the bowl from your mixer and gently fold in the dry ingredients using a rubber spatula—be gentle here to keep all the air you just whipped in. You’ll want to fold until just combined without overmixing.

Step 5: Add Cherries and Chocolate Chips

Fold half of your roasted cherries and all the chocolate chips into the batter. You’ll see the glossy, luscious mix come together as you fold. Pour it into the prepared pan and spread evenly, smoothing the top with your spatula.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake for 40 to 50 minutes. Your best indicator that they’re done? The edges should be set and a little firm, but the center will look slightly underbaked—that’s exactly how you want it for fudgy brownies. Remove from the oven, sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top, and let the brownies cool completely before popping them in the fridge or freezer for a quick chill to set.

Step 7: Decorate and Serve

Once cooled, freeze the brownies for about 15 minutes to firm them up for neat slicing. Then, gently lift them out using the parchment edges, top with the remaining roasted cherries for gorgeous pops of color, and cut into 16 generous squares. You’re officially ready to indulge!

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping these brownies with a few fresh cherries or a light dusting of powdered sugar for a pretty touch when serving. If I’m feeling indulgent, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream plus a drizzle of chocolate sauce is heavenly—the cold creaminess balances the rich chocolate and tangy cherries perfectly.

Side Dishes

I usually pair these brownies with a fresh fruit salad or a simple whipped cream—nothing too heavy because the brownies themselves are pretty rich. A cup of black coffee or a creamy latte is also my go-to beverage companion here.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged these brownies on a rustic wooden board with cherries scattered around, fresh mint leaves, and little chocolate curls. It perfectly elevates the look for a casual dessert spread or afternoon tea party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature if I plan to eat them within 2 days. If it’s warmer or longer than that, I pop them in the fridge, wrapped tightly—they keep their fudgy texture surprisingly well against the chill.

Freezing

Freezing these brownies is a lifesaver if you want to prep ahead or save some for later. I slice them first, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze beautifully and thaw quickly at room temperature.

Reheating

To warm them up, I usually microwave a brownie for 15-20 seconds—just enough to soften the chocolate without drying out the brownie. You can also reheat in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5-7 minutes wrapped loosely in foil.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe has become a personal favorite and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time I bake it. The way the tangy roasted cherries blend with that rich, fudgy chocolate is just magic. It feels special but is surprisingly simple to pull off, even on a busy afternoon. I really hope you give this recipe a try and love it as much as I do—because honestly, brownies this good are worth every minute spent in the kitchen!

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