Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe
If you’re ready to fall head over heels for a show-stopping chocolate dessert, these Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies are about to become your new obsession. Imagine fudgy, decadent brownies with bursts of tart, juicy cherries and pockets of melted chocolate—a blissful marriage of chocolate and fruit that’ll have everyone begging for seconds. The secret? Roasting fresh cherries to deepen their flavor before folding them into a chocolate-rich brownie batter. These brownies are as easy to make as they are irresistible, perfect for treating yourself or wowing a whole crowd.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies doesn’t require anything fancy—just simple, purposeful ingredients that each bring something special to the party. From rich Dutch cocoa to juicy cherries, every element harmonizes to create that unforgettable flavor and cloud-soft texture.
- Cherries (2 cups, halved and pitted): Use fresh, sweet cherries for their bright, robust flavor. Roasting them deepens their natural sweetness and adds a stunning pop of color.
- Sugar for cherries (sprinkle): Just a dusting enhances their caramelized juiciness when roasted.
- White granulated sugar (1 1/3 cup): Adds sweetness but also helps create the chewy, fudgy texture brownie dreams are made of.
- Large eggs (2) and 1 egg yolk: The whole eggs add structure and richness, while the extra yolk ups the fudginess factor.
- Unsalted butter (5 TBSP, melted): Buttery melt-in-your-mouth texture and toasty depth of flavor are thanks to real butter.
- Oil (1/3 cup, canola or vegetable): Oil gives these brownies their moist crumb that stays oh-so-tender for days.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 tsp): Rounds out the chocolate and cherry flavors with fragrant warmth.
- All-purpose flour (3/4 cup): A modest amount ensures structure without making the brownies cakey.
- Dutch process cocoa powder (3/4 cup): Produces dark, intensely chocolatey brownies—this is where the magic happens.
- Cornstarch (1 TBSP): A not-so-secret weapon for that silky, soft bite.
- Salt (1 tsp): Balances the sweetness and amps up the chocolate’s complexity.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): For melty, gooey pockets of chocolate in every slice—don’t skip!
How to Make Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies
Step 1: Roast the Cherries
Start off by preheating your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then spread your halved, pitted cherries across the surface in a single layer. Sprinkle them lightly with sugar—this helps coax out their juices and caramelizes them just enough. Roast the cherries for 10 minutes until they’re glistening and fragrant. Once done, let them cool completely so they keep their shape when mixed into your brownie batter.
Step 2: Prep Your Baking Pan
While your cherries are cooling, turn the oven temperature down to 325°F. Grab an 8×8-inch pan and coat it all over with non-stick spray. For the easiest slice and release, line the bottom and two sides with parchment paper (leave a little overhang as handles), then give another spritz of non-stick spray for good measure. This step is worth it for flawless, unbroken brownies!
Step 3: Sift the Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk or sift together the flour, Dutch process cocoa, cornstarch, and salt. Sifting makes sure there are no lumps and gives you light, even brownies. Set this dry mix aside while you work on the eggs and sugar magic that makes these brownies so luscious.
Step 4: Whip Eggs and Sugar
Using a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, or a hand mixer, beat the white granulated sugar, two eggs, and one egg yolk together on high speed for a full 5 minutes. This isn’t just for sweetness—it’s crucial for aerating the batter, resulting in those signature crackly tops and tender interior. You want the mixture to be pale, thick, and almost tripled in volume.
Step 5: Incorporate Butter, Oil, and Vanilla
While the eggs and sugar are mixing, melt your unsalted butter and let it cool slightly so it doesn’t scramble the eggs. With the mixer on low, pour in the melted butter, oil, and vanilla extract, blending just until combined. This trio ensures the brownies are richly flavored, ultra-moist, and truly decadent.
Step 6: Fold in Dry Ingredients
Remove the bowl from the mixer and add your sifted dry ingredient mix to the wet mixture. Gently fold everything together with a rubber spatula using broad, sweeping motions. Take care not to overmix—you want to preserve the air you whipped in earlier, which helps achieve that perfect fudgy texture.
Step 7: Add Cherries and Chocolate Chips
Divide your roasted cherries, placing half into the brownie batter. Add in all of the chocolate chips, then fold just until everything is evenly distributed. The roasted cherries will gently marble the batter, creating little pockets of fruity brightness in every bite.
Step 8: Bake Until Perfect
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle with a handful of extra chocolate chips if you want extra gooeyness on top! Bake for 40–50 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are set and slightly pulling away from the pan, while the center stays just a bit underdone. Resist the urge to overbake for the ultimate fudgy bliss. Let them cool completely in the pan before moving on.
Step 9: Chill and Slice
For those perfectly clean, bakery-worthy bars, slip the pan into the freezer for about 15 minutes. This helps the brownies firm up just enough for easier slicing. Once chilled, lift the brownies out using the parchment handles, top with the remaining roasted cherries, then slice and serve. Every piece is a mosaic of glossy cherries and rich chocolate.
How to Serve Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies
Garnishes
To make your Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies truly irresistible, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar, a handful of extra chocolate chips, or a little fresh cherry on top of each square. For a gourmet finish, a whisper of flaky sea salt or a drizzle of warm chocolate ganache will make them extra memorable.
Side Dishes
These brownies play well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of lightly whipped cream, or even a tangy crème fraîche. If you’re feeling adventurous, a few spoonfuls of cherry compote or fresh berries on the side highlight their fruitiness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies in individual parchment-lined boxes for edible gifts, or stack squares on a pretty cake stand for a bake-sale centerpiece. For a more playful approach, sandwich two brownies with cherry or chocolate ice cream for an unforgettable twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled and sliced, store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The cherries keep them extra moist, but if your kitchen is warm, pop them in the fridge and let them come to room temperature before serving, so the chocolate stays gooey and luscious.
Freezing
Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies freeze beautifully. Wrap each brownie square individually in plastic wrap, then tuck them all into a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave to revive that fresh-baked softness.
Reheating
For a just-baked taste, zap a brownie square for 10–15 seconds in the microwave or warm for 5 minutes in a 300°F oven. This perks up both the chocolate and cherries, making every bite as dreamy as the day they were baked.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! If using frozen cherries, thaw and drain them well before roasting. They may release a bit more juice, but roasting will still concentrate their flavor. Just spread them out on the baking sheet so they roast—not steam.
What kind of cocoa powder works best?
Dutch process cocoa powder is ideal, lending a rich, deep chocolate flavor and gorgeous dark color to your brownies. If you only have natural cocoa powder, you can substitute it, but your brownies may be a little lighter in color and flavor.
How do I know when the brownies are baked perfectly?
The key to perfect Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies is baking them until the edges are set and the center is just slightly underdone—it should look a bit glossy. They’ll continue to cook as they cool, ensuring that fudgy, molten crumb.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Start checking for doneness at around 45 minutes—the edges should not be overcooked. It’s a terrific way to make extra for parties or gifts.
Are these brownies nut-free?
Yes! As written, this Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownie recipe contains no nuts. If you’d like to add crunch, feel free to fold in some toasted walnuts or pecans with the chocolate chips.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies bring together bold chocolate and jammy fruit in every square. Give them a try and feel free to put your own spin on them—you just might find your new favorite sweet indulgence!
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Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavor of Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies, a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of cherries with the decadence of chocolate. These brownies are a perfect balance of fudgy and fruity, making them a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
Roasted Cherries:
- 2 cups Cherries, cut in half (washed, pitted)
- Sprinkle of sugar
Brownie Batter:
- 1 1/3 cups White granulated sugar
- 2 Large eggs
- 1 Egg yolk
- 5 TBSP Unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup Oil (canola or vegetable)
- 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup All-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup Dutch process cocoa powder
- 1 TBSP Cornstarch
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven and roast cherries: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread cherries over parchment paper, sprinkle with sugar, and bake for 10 minutes. Let cool.
- Prepare pan and batter: Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease an 8×8 pan with non-stick spray and line with parchment paper. Sift flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt in a bowl. Beat sugar, eggs, and egg yolk until fluffy. Add butter, oil, and vanilla, then fold in dry ingredients gently.
- Combine cherries and chocolate: Add half of the roasted cherries to the batter along with chocolate chips. Pour into the pan and bake for 40-50 minutes.
- Finish and serve: Top with extra chocolate chips, cool in the pan, freeze briefly, then top with remaining cherries, cut, and serve.
Notes
- You can use frozen cherries if fresh ones are not available.
- Adjust the sugar according to your preference for sweetness.
- Experiment with different types of chocolate for varied flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies, Cherry Brownies, Chocolate Brownies, Fudgy Brownies
