Roasted Cherry Chocolate Brownies Recipe
If you are on the lookout for a dessert that combines rich, fudgy chocolate with the bright, juicy burst of fruit, you have to try this Roasted Cherry Chocolate Brownies Recipe. It’s one of those sweet treats that instantly feels special without being complicated, delivering a beautiful harmony of flavors and textures. The roasting of cherries intensifies their natural sweetness and adds a subtle caramelized edge, perfectly complementing the deep chocolate undertones in these brownies. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or a cozy night in, this recipe promises to impress and satisfy every chocolate lover’s cravings with a fun, fruity twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but purposefully chosen to create a perfect balance of moistness, sweetness, and chocolate richness, all highlighted by the unique touch of roasted cherries.
- Sweet cherries, 2 cups (276 g), pitted and halved: Roasting these unlocks intense flavor and adds natural juiciness to the brownies.
- Granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons (for cherries) plus 1 cup (200 g) for batter: Provides sweetness and helps with caramelization when roasting the cherries.
- Semisweet chocolate chips, 1 ¼ cups (227.5 g), divided: Melts into rich decadence and gives delightful pockets of melted chocolate.
- Vegetable oil, ¾ cup (163.5 g): Keeps the brownies moist and tender without overpowering the chocolate flavor.
- Light brown sugar, ⅔ cup (133 g), packed: Adds a subtle molasses note and chewy texture to the brownies.
- Eggs, 3 large (room temperature): The structure builders that bind everything together perfectly.
- Vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons: Enhances the chocolate and cherry flavors with a warm, aromatic touch.
- All-purpose flour, 1 cup (125 g): Provides the necessary framework for these luscious brownies.
- Dutch-processed cocoa powder, 1 cup (118 g): Offers a rich, smooth chocolate flavor without bitterness.
- Kosher salt, ½ teaspoon: Balances sweetness and amplifies chocolate depth.
How to Make Roasted Cherry Chocolate Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Cherry Stars
Start off by warming up your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, spread your halved, pitted cherries on a parchment-lined baking sheet and lightly sprinkle them with granulated sugar. Roast them for about 10 minutes until they are tender and their natural sugars begin to caramelize. This step is a game changer, concentrating the cherries’ sweetness and layering a subtle, toasty depth that makes these brownies unforgettable. Once roasted, set them aside to cool while you prepare the batter.
Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Base
Lower your oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×9-inch baking dish by spraying it with nonstick spray. Melt half of your semisweet chocolate chips with the vegetable oil in the microwave in short intervals, stirring often until velvety smooth. This luscious chocolate-oil blend will infuse your brownies with rich chocolatey goodness and keep them deliciously moist.
Step 3: Whip Up the Batter
In a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, combine the sugars, eggs, and vanilla. Whisk this mixture on high speed for 5 to 6 minutes until it doubles in volume and becomes pale and airy — this airiness is the secret to brownies that feel light rather than dense. Next, slowly mix in your warm chocolate-oil mixture on low speed just until it’s combined.
Step 4: Add Your Dry Ingredients and Cherries
In a separate bowl, sift together your flour, Dutch-processed cocoa powder, and kosher salt. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated. Then, gently fold in half of the roasted cherries along with the remaining chocolate chips. These cherries will burst with flavor while the chips add decadent melty pockets throughout the brownies.
Step 5: Bake and Top
Pour your batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, testing doneness with a toothpick — it should come out with moist crumbs but no raw batter. Right after removing from the oven, top your brownies with the rest of the roasted cherries. The warmth will help them meld beautifully into the surface while adding a gorgeous fresh finish. Let the brownies cool slightly before cutting to keep their perfect fudgy texture intact.
How to Serve Roasted Cherry Chocolate Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
To make your brownies pop visually and flavor-wise, add a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate. A sprig of fresh mint or a handful of toasted nuts can also add a nice contrast in texture and color, creating an inviting presentation that’s as fun as it is delicious.
Side Dishes
These brownies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a classic dessert experience. For a more adult twist, serve with a glass of rich red wine or a robust cup of coffee to complement the deep chocolate and cherry flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the Roasted Cherry Chocolate Brownies Recipe into mini squares and serving them on a dessert platter garnished with extra roasted cherries and chocolate shavings. Alternatively, layer chunks of these brownies in parfait glasses with mascarpone cream and fresh cherries for a luscious layered dessert that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your brownies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This will preserve their moist texture and vibrant cherry flavor. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration is fine but bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
Freezing
These brownies freeze beautifully, so they’re perfect to make ahead. Wrap each brownie square tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To enjoy brownies warm, simply unwrap and microwave a piece for 15-20 seconds or place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This brings back the fudgy warmth, melting the chocolate chips and making the cherries pleasantly soft once again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries for the Roasted Cherry Chocolate Brownies Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just thaw and drain them well before roasting to avoid extra moisture in the batter.
What type of chocolate works best in this recipe?
Semisweet chocolate chips provide the ideal balance of sweetness and rich chocolate flavor. You can experiment with bittersweet chips for a deeper taste or milk chocolate for a sweeter profile.
Can I substitute vegetable oil with butter?
Butter can be used instead of vegetable oil, but it will change the texture slightly, making the brownies a bit denser and richer. If you choose butter, melt and cool it before mixing with the chocolate.
Is it necessary to roast the cherries?
Roasting the cherries is what makes this recipe truly special. It deepens their sweetness and softens them, adding a unique flavor dimension that fresh cherries alone don’t provide.
How can I make the brownies more fudgy?
For extra fudginess, try reducing the flour by a tablespoon or two or bake the brownies for the shorter end of the time range, checking for that perfect moist crumb texture.
Final Thoughts
This Roasted Cherry Chocolate Brownies Recipe is a delightful way to elevate a classic favorite with a burst of fresh, caramelized cherry goodness. It’s approachable, wonderfully rich, and incredibly satisfying — perfect for sharing with friends or savoring all to yourself. I promise once you try these, they’ll become a go-to for your next baking adventure or special occasion. So preheat that oven and indulge in the magic of cherries and chocolate coming together just right!
Print
Roasted Cherry Chocolate Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
These Roasted Cherry Brownies combine rich, fudgy chocolate with the sweet tang of roasted cherries, creating a decadent and moist dessert perfect for any chocolate lover. The cherries are roasted to intensify their flavor and incorporated into a luscious brownie batter studded with melty chocolate chips, then topped with more roasted cherries for an irresistible finish.
Ingredients
Roasted Cherries
- 2 cups (276 g) sweet cherries, pitted and halved
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
Brownie Batter
- 1 ¼ cups (227.5 g) semisweet chocolate chips, divided
- ¾ cup (163.5 g) vegetable oil
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup (133 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (118 g) Dutch-processed cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Roast the Cherries: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Spread the halved cherries evenly on the sheet and sprinkle them with 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar. Roast in the oven for 10 minutes to concentrate their flavor, then set aside to cool while you prepare the brownie batter.
- Prepare the Brownie Batter: Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine half (½ cup) the semisweet chocolate chips with the vegetable oil. Microwave in short 15-second bursts, stirring in between, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix Sugars and Eggs: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, combine the granulated sugar, packed light brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat on high speed for 5 to 6 minutes until the mixture lightens in color and roughly doubles in volume, scraping down the sides as needed for an even mix.
- Combine Chocolate and Egg Mixtures: Reduce the mixer speed to low and slowly pour in the melted chocolate and oil mixture. Mix just until incorporated, being careful not to overmix to maintain a tender crumb.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, Dutch-processed cocoa powder, and kosher salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the brownies fudgy.
- Add Chocolate Chips and Roasted Cherries: Fold in the remaining ¾ cup of semisweet chocolate chips along with half of the roasted cherries. This adds bursts of chocolate and cherry flavor throughout the brownies.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread evenly with a spatula. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes at 350°F (175°C), or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs but no wet batter.
- Finish with Roasted Cherries: Remove the brownies from the oven and immediately top with the remaining roasted cherries for a beautiful and flavorful garnish.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool slightly in the pan before slicing into 12 squares. Enjoy warm or at room temperature for the best fudgy texture combined with juicy cherry bursts.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature eggs to ensure better mixing and texture.
- Don’t overbake to keep the brownies moist and fudgy—check at 30 minutes and adjust time as needed.
- Use Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a richer, smoother chocolate flavor.
- Cherries can be swapped with frozen if fresh are unavailable, just thaw and pat dry before roasting.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
