Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe
If you’ve ever wished for a brownie that delivers the perfect balance of decadent chocolate and juicy, slightly tangy fruit, these Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies are about to become your go-to favorite. Imagine deep, fudgy chocolate colliding with caramelized, ruby-red roasted cherries in every bite. This treat brings together the comfort of a classic brownie with a burst of vibrant cherry flavor. Whether you’re sharing with friends or savoring a square (or two) with coffee, these brownies promise to delight chocolate lovers and fruit fans alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the magical things about Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies is how each simple ingredient truly shines. From pantry staples to the star cherries themselves, everything has a role in creating rich flavor, luscious texture, and irresistible color.
- Unsalted butter: Always start with real melted butter for the richest, moistest crumb in your brownies.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps achieve that shiny, crackly brownie top.
- Large eggs: Eggs give the brownies structure and a soft, fudgy texture.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash deepens the chocolate flavor and rounds out the sweetness.
- All-purpose flour: The classic base keeps your brownies tender but dense.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Go for a high-quality cocoa powder to really make that rich chocolate flavor pop.
- Baking powder: A little goes a long way to lift the brownies just enough for the perfect bite.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and makes the chocolate taste even more intense.
- Roasted cherries: Fresh or frozen cherries, roasted until juicy and caramelized, transform each bite into something special.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: They melt into pockets of chocolate deliciousness, making these brownies absolutely irresistible.
How to Make Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies
Step 1: Roast the Cherries
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Toss your fresh or thawed, pitted cherries with a little sugar, then spread them out on a lined baking sheet. Roast for about 15 minutes, or until they’re soft, glossy, and just starting to caramelize around the edges—this step deepens their flavor and brings out their natural juiciness. Let them cool while you prep your batter.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter and sugar. Stir until the mixture is thick and slightly glossy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to create a smooth, cohesive mixture. Now add that fragrant vanilla extract and watch the aroma fill your kitchen.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This even distribution ensures your Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies bake up with the perfect texture and no unpleasant pockets of unmixed cocoa or rising agents.
Step 4: Make Your Brownie Batter
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until everything is just combined. Careful not to over-mix; you want your brownies to stay rich and fudgy, not cakey.
Step 5: Fold in the Goodies
Now, gently fold in your cooled, roasted cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips. You’ll see bright red pops and glossy chocolate running through the thick batter—promise yourself a taste of the finished result, because it’s almost too tempting already!
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into a greased 9×9-inch baking pan, spreading it evenly into the corners. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Check with a toothpick near the center; it should come out with just a few moist crumbs for the ultimate fudgy bite. Let your Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies cool completely before slicing—this is key for clean, picture-perfect pieces!
How to Serve Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies
Garnishes
A beautiful garnish elevates your brownies from homey treat to charming dessert. Dust the tops with a light shower of powdered sugar, scatter on a few extra chocolate chips, or add a swirl of whipped cream. If you want to play up the cherry theme, top each square with a fresh cherry when they’re in season!
Side Dishes
Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies pair blissfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or even a silky spoonful of mascarpone. For a refreshing contrast, try serving with macerated berries or a drizzle of simple cherry sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, cut your brownies into bite-sized squares and spear them with decorative picks for easy serving. Layer brownie cubes with whipped cream and cherries in small glasses for a brownie parfait, or stack them high for an eye-catching dessert platter. The rich color and visible cherry pieces make them a showstopper no matter how you serve them.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This not only keeps them moist but also allows the cherry and chocolate flavors to meld even more. If your kitchen tends to be warm, you can also store them in the fridge—just bring them to room temperature before enjoying for the best texture.
Freezing
These brownies freeze beautifully! Slice and wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature or in the fridge overnight, and they taste just-baked once again.
Reheating
If you love a warm, gooey brownie, reheat individual pieces in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds. The chocolate chips get wonderfully melty, and the cherries become even juicier. Top with ice cream or extra cherries for an irresistible treat.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries for Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain them well first. Roasting draws out extra moisture and concentrates their flavor, giving you the same caramelized results as fresh fruit.
What if I prefer a cakier brownie?
If you like a less fudgy texture, try adding another egg or reducing the butter by a couple of tablespoons. These tweaks will make your Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies a bit lighter—but don’t worry, the cherry and chocolate flavors will still shine.
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch and nutty depth to these brownies. Just stir about ½ cup in with the cherries and chocolate chips before baking.
What type Dessert, Snack
Semi-sweet chocolate chips balance the fruity-tart cherries beautifully, but dark chocolate chips will make your brownies even more decadent. If you want a slightly sweeter treat, milk chocolate chips also work well.
How should I slice the brownies for the cleanest edges?
Let your Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies cool completely, then use a sharp, straight-edged knife. Wiping the blade clean between cuts helps keep each slice neat and picture-perfect.
Final Thoughts
It’s hard to resist the magic of Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies—they’re the kind of treat that draws people to the kitchen just by scent alone. If you’re looking for a dessert with personality and depth, look no further. Give this recipe a try, and I bet it’ll earn a top spot in your own collection of favorites!
Print
Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, fudgy goodness of these Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies. The perfect balance of sweet cherries and decadent chocolate in every bite.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Add-Ins:
- 1 cup roasted fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roast cherries for 15 minutes.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Combine melted butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add dry mix to wet mix. Fold in cherries and chocolate chips.
- Bake: Pour batter into a greased 9×9-inch pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Let brownies cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use fresh or thawed cherries for best results.
- For added texture, include chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans.
- Store in an airtight container for freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
