If you’re a chocolate lover who appreciates a little fruity twist, this Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine rich, fudgy brownies packed with the deep, caramelized flavor of roasted cherries — each bite is a perfect harmony of gooey chocolate and sweet-tart cherries. These brownies are indulgent yet straightforward to make, perfect for sharing with friends or keeping all to yourself on a cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe lies in its simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from intensifying the chocolate flavor to providing that luscious, chewy texture and juicy bursts of cherry goodness.
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: This gives your brownies their deep, rich chocolate flavor without any added sweetness.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure to your brownies, ensuring they’re perfectly fudgy but not cakey.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the brownies and helps balance the tartness of the cherries beautifully.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds a hint of molasses flavor and keeps the brownies moist and chewy.
- 3 large eggs: Bind everything together while contributing to the smooth, dense texture.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted): Provides richness and a velvety mouthfeel, enhancing the overall flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups fresh cherries (pitted and halved): Roasting these intensifies their natural sweetness and adds a wonderful depth to each bite.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Elevates all the flavors with its warm, fragrant notes.
- Pinch of salt: Accentuates the chocolate and cherries while balancing the sweetness.
How to Make Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s important to have everything ready so your brownies bake evenly. Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of your freshly baked brownies later.
Step 2: Roast the Cherries
Spread the pitted and halved cherries on a baking sheet and roast them for about 15 minutes. This step is pure magic—roasting brings out their natural sugars, transforming the cherries into luscious, caramelized gems that add complexity and sweetness to your brownies.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. This combination ensures your brownies get a perfect balance of texture and rich chocolate flavor.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients and Roasted Cherries
Take another bowl and blend your melted butter with the eggs, vanilla extract, and the roasted cherries that you just pulled from the oven. This mixture will be the luscious foundation of your batter, packing it with moisture and flavor.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet cherry-chocolate mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently and just until everything is combined to avoid overmixing, which could make your brownies tough instead of delightfully fudgy.
Step 6: Bake Your Brownies
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing out the top. Place it in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs clinging to it — that’s the sweet spot of fudginess.
How to Serve Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your brownies by topping them with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate. For an extra indulgent touch, add a few fresh cherries or even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to heighten all those rich flavors.
Side Dishes
These brownies pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream for a classic dessert combo. Alternatively, a dollop of whipped cream or a cup of hot coffee or tea can round out your experience perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your brownies into bite-sized squares for parties or layer them between slices of cake for a decadent chocolate cherry dessert trifle. Serving them warmed with a drizzle of cherry syrup can also turn this simple treat into a show-stopping finale.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your brownies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay deliciously fudgy for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick snacks or unexpected guests.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these incredible brownies later, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge.
Reheating
To enjoy warm brownies, heat individual pieces in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. The warmth brings out the gooey texture and intensifies the roasted cherry flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh for this Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe?
Yes, you can. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before roasting to avoid soggy brownies. Roasting will still bring out that lovely caramelized flavor.
What if I don’t have an 8×8-inch pan? Can I use a different size?
Absolutely! If your pan is larger, your brownies may be thinner and require less baking time. If smaller, they’ll be thicker and might need slightly more time. Keep a close eye and test with a toothpick!
Can I substitute butter with oil in this recipe?
You can substitute melted butter with an equal amount of neutral oil, like vegetable or canola oil. However, butter adds flavor and richness that oil won’t replicate exactly.
How do I prevent my brownies from drying out?
Don’t overbake and be sure to check them early with a toothpick. Also, storing them in an airtight container immediately after cooling helps maintain moisture.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe?
Definitely! Toss in a handful of chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips with the dry ingredients for an extra texture and flavor boost—cherries and nuts are a classic combo.
Final Thoughts
The Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe is one of those recipes that feels special but is surprisingly simple to make. That combination of rich chocolate and irresistible roasted cherries is utterly unforgettable. I promise once you try it, these brownies will become a beloved staple in your baking rotation. So, go ahead, treat yourself and others to this jewel of a dessert—you won’t regret it!
Print
Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies combine rich, fudgy cocoa with the sweet, caramelized flavor of oven-roasted cherries. Perfectly moist and deeply chocolatey, they offer a delightful twist to classic brownies with bursts of tart cherry goodness in every bite. Ideal for dessert lovers looking to elevate their brownie game with a fruity, roasted touch.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- Pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Fruit
- 1 1/2 cups fresh cherries (pitted and halved)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Roast the Cherries: Spread the pitted cherry halves evenly on a baking sheet. Roast them in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes until they become caramelized and slightly soft, enhancing their natural sweetness.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Ensure all dry components are well combined for an even batter.
- Combine Wet Ingredients and Roasted Cherries: In a separate bowl, blend the melted unsalted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Then gently fold in the roasted cherries, distributing them evenly without mashing.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the brownies tender.
- Bake the Brownies: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into 16 squares. This resting time helps them set perfectly for clean slices.
Notes
- Roasting cherries intensifies their flavor and reduces excess moisture, ensuring brownies are not soggy.
- If fresh cherries are unavailable, frozen cherries can be used but should be thawed and patted dry before roasting.
- For a richer brownie, consider adding chocolate chips or nuts to the batter.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to extend freshness.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend.
