Name: Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups Cherries, halved and pitted; Sprinkle of sugar; 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

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of a dessert that unites the rich decadence of deep chocolate with the sweet-tart burst of fresh cherries, look no further than Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies. This luscious treat features sugar-kissed, oven-roasted cherries folded into a fudgy cocoa batter, all studded with melty chocolate chips for an irresistible bite. It’s the kind of brownie you bake when you want to impress, indulge, and spoil yourself just a little—while still savoring the simple pleasure of seasonal fruit and real chocolate. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a dinner party finale, Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies are always the right answer.

Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s a certain magic in how a few familiar pantry staples transform into something so extraordinary. Each ingredient in Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies plays a vital role—whether it’s the juiciness of cherries, the richness of cocoa, or the silkiness butter brings. Here’s everything you’ll need and how each one matters:

Cherries (2 cups, halved, pitted): Fresh cherries are the star; their tart, juicy pop sets these brownies apart.
Sugar, for roasting cherries (sprinkle): A little sugar caramelizes the cherries, amplifying their natural sweetness.
White granulated sugar (1 1/3 cups): Sweetens the batter and contributes to that crackly brownie top everyone loves.
Large eggs (2) & Egg yolk (1): Eggs add structure and fudgy richness; the extra yolk ups the chewiness.
Unsalted butter (5 TBSP, melted): Melted butter gives the brownies moistness and incredible flavor depth.
Oil (1/3 cup, canola or vegetable): Oil adds lasting moisture, keeping your brownies soft for days.
Pure vanilla extract (1 tsp): Vanilla rounds out the flavors and enhances the chocolatey notes.
All-purpose flour (3/4 cup): Just enough flour to hold the magic together without drying things out.
Dutch process cocoa powder (3/4 cup): Dutch cocoa means extra-deep chocolate flavor and a beautiful, dark crumb.
Cornstarch (1 TBSP): Cornstarch is the secret to a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
Salt (1 tsp): Don’t skip the salt—it balances sweetness and wakes up the chocolate and cherry flavors.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Pools of melted chocolate in every bite? Yes, please!

How to Make Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Step 1: Roast the Cherries

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and scatter the halved cherries evenly across the surface. Sprinkle the cherries lightly with sugar; this helps coax out their juices and intensifies their flavor in the oven. Roast for 10 minutes, just until they’re glossy and fragrant, then let them cool while you prep everything else. The transformation here is incredible—you’ll see cherries go from good to unforgettable!

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Turn the oven temperature down to 325°F to get ready for baking the brownies. Generously spray an 8×8 inch pan with non-stick spray, then line the bottom and two sides with parchment paper. Give those sides another spritz for extra insurance; you’ll thank yourself when it’s time to lift the brownies out in one perfect slab.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, Dutch process cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. This not only ensures everything is evenly distributed for the best texture, but sifting also prevents lumps and keeps your brownies ultra-smooth.

Step 4: Whip Eggs and Sugar

In a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment (or using hand beaters), combine the white granulated sugar, two eggs, and one egg yolk. Beat this mixture on high for a full 5 minutes—yes, really! The result is a thick, pale fluff that’s the ticket to shiny, crinkly brownie tops and a tender, fudge-like crumb.

Step 5: Blend in the Fats and Vanilla

While the eggs and sugar are mixing on high, melt your butter and let it cool slightly. Switch the mixer to low and drizzle in the melted butter, oil, and vanilla extract. Take the bowl off the mixer—the rest is all about gentle folding, which keeps those whipped eggs lofty.

Step 6: Fold in the Dry Ingredients

Add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet. Using a sturdy rubber spatula, fold everything together just until combined. Gentle folding is key here to keep as much air in the batter as possible—you’re building that dreamy texture one scoop at a time.

Step 7: Add Cherries and Chocolate Chips

Divide your cooled roasted cherries in half. Gently fold one half of the cherries and all the chocolate chips into the batter. The smell at this point will test your patience! Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing it into an even layer.

Step 8: Bake to Fudgy Perfection

Bake at 325°F for 40 to 50 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center will look just a bit underdone—trust the process! Finish by scattering a few extra chocolate chips on top while it’s hot. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan; this helps them set and makes cutting neater later on.

Step 9: Chill and Garnish

Once cooled, pop the pan in your freezer for 15 minutes. This quick chill sets the brownies and makes slicing clean squares a breeze. Lift the brownies out using the parchment, top with the remaining roasted cherries, and cut into generous pieces for serving. Your Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies are ready to steal the show!

How to Serve Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar lets the deep color pop, while a few fresh cherries or an extra handful of chocolate chips encourages your guests to dive right in. For a grown-up finish, try a light drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to make all the flavors sing.

Side Dishes

Serve your brownies with scoops of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream for an old-fashioned sundae vibe. In summertime, a handful of fresh berries adds a refreshing contrast. For coffee lovers, pair with a hot espresso or a tall glass of cold brew to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack brownie squares high on a cake stand for an eye-catching centerpiece or tuck single servings into parchment wrappers for party-ready treats. You can even layer crumbled brownies and whipped cream in mason jars for a quick chocolate-cherry trifle—perfect for picnics or potlucks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies keep beautifully at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days, maintaining their fudgy texture and juicy cherry pockets. If your kitchen runs warm, store them in the fridge to keep things extra fresh—the flavor intensifies overnight!

Freezing

Cut brownies into individual squares and wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen brownies will hold up well for up to two months. When a craving hits, you’ll have one (or more) ready for a spontaneous chocolate and cherry fix.

Reheating

If you love gooey, warm brownies, just pop a square in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. The chocolate chips will turn melty again, and the cherries become jammy—delicious with ice cream or just on their own. For bigger batches, a few minutes in a 300°F oven works too.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries for Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies?

Absolutely! If fresh cherries aren’t in season, thaw and drain frozen cherries well before roasting. You might need to roast them an extra few minutes to get some of that caramelization, but they’ll work beautifully.

What kind of cocoa powder is best for this recipe?

Dutch process cocoa powder is ideal because of its rich, smooth flavor and deep color, but if you only have natural cocoa powder, you can use it in a pinch. The brownies may just taste slightly different and be lighter in color.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Definitely—a double batch fits perfectly in a 9×13 inch pan. Just keep an eye on the baking time and test for doneness; it may need a few extra minutes.

How do I get clean cuts when slicing Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies?

Chill the brownies in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before slicing, and use a sharp knife wiped clean between each cut. The extra chilling step helps you get picture-perfect squares every time.

Can I make Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Check that your cornstarch and chocolate chips are gluten-free as well, and the results should be just as indulgent and delicious.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a chocolate treat that feels both a little fancy and comfortingly nostalgic, you owe it to yourself to bake a batch of Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies. Each bite is packed with pure joy—these brownies never last long in my kitchen, and I hope they’ll become a sweet staple in yours too. Don’t wait for a special occasion… any day is perfect for Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies!

Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 10 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 16 brownies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in these decadent Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies that are rich, fudgy, and bursting with the flavors of cherries and chocolate. A delightful twist on classic brownies!

Instructions

Roast Cherries: Preheat oven to 400°F. Spread cherries on a baking sheet, sprinkle with sugar, and bake for 10 minutes. Let cool.
Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 325°F. Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: Sift flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt in a bowl.
Beat Eggs and Sugar: Using a mixer, beat sugar, eggs, and egg yolk until fluffy.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Mix in melted butter, oil, and vanilla. Fold in dry ingredients gently.
Add Mix-ins: Fold in half of the roasted cherries and chocolate chips.
Bake: Pour batter into pan, bake for 40-50 minutes at 325°F.
Cool and Serve: Let brownies cool in the pan, then freeze for 15 minutes before cutting and serving with remaining cherries.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American