Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe

Prepare to fall in love at first bite with Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies—a treat that takes everything you adore about classic brownies and turns up the volume with juicy, caramelized cherries and gooey pockets of chocolate. The natural tartness of the cherries melts beautifully into rich, fudgy chocolate, creating a dessert that’s as decadent as it is visually stunning. Whether you’re looking for the perfect centerpiece for a celebration or simply indulging your sweet tooth after a long week, Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies promise to satisfy every craving with luscious, bittersweet notes and bursts of fruity flavor in every slice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Nothing stands between you and Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies except a handful of pantry staples and a few unbeatable upgrades. Every ingredient here plays a starring role, from plump summer cherries to silky cocoa, each bringing something special to the party—texture, flavor, or that picture-perfect sheen on top.

• Cherries: Fresh, halved, and pitted—these lend a tart, juicy burst that perfectly contrasts rich chocolate.
• Sprinkle of sugar: Just a pinch ensures the cherries roast up glossy and sweet.
• White granulated sugar: For that shiny, crackly brownie top and balanced sweetness.
• Large eggs & egg yolk: Eggs provide structure and richness, with the extra yolk making brownies moist and tender.
• Unsalted butter (melted): Brings deep flavor and a luxurious mouthfeel to every bite.
• Canola or vegetable oil: Boosts moistness and keeps brownies fudgy for days.
• Pure vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth, rounding out the chocolate in the best way.
• All-purpose flour: Just enough for structure, so your brownies stay thick and chewy—not cakey.
• Dutch process cocoa powder: For a dark, intense chocolate base with a smooth finish.
• Cornstarch: The secret weapon for an ultra-soft, tender crumb.
• Salt: Sharpens all the sweet and chocolatey notes—don’t skip it!
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Just the right melting point for puddles of chocolate tucked inside every bite.

How to Make Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Step 1: Roast the Cherries

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper—this keeps the cherries from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Arrange your halved and pitted cherries evenly, then give them a light sprinkle of sugar. Ten minutes in the oven is all it takes to concentrate their flavor, soften their edges, and coax out that intense, jammy richness that makes these Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies pop. Let them cool while you continue with the batter.

Step 2: Prep Your Pan

Switch your oven down to 325°F to set the stage for perfectly fudgy brownies. Spray an 8×8 pan well with baking non-stick spray, then line the bottom and two sides with parchment paper—leave an overhang for easy removal. Spray again for extra insurance; you don’t want any delicious crumbs left behind!

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, sift together flour, Dutch process cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Sifting ensures everything combines smoothly and keeps lumps out of your finished Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies.

Step 4: Beat Eggs and Sugar

Using a stand mixer with the whisk attachment (or a handheld mixer if you’re feeling strong!), beat the sugar, eggs, and extra yolk on high for a full five minutes. This step is magic—it whips in air, giving brownies their signature shiny top and irresistible chew.

Step 5: Add Fats and Vanilla

While your eggs and sugar are working, melt the butter and let it cool slightly. Turn the mixer to low and slowly add the melted butter, oil, and vanilla. This trio of fats ensures your Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies stay soft and decadently rich for days.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Carefully add your sifted dry ingredients into the mixer bowl. Gently fold everything together with a spatula—use a light hand to keep the mixture airy and avoid overmixing, which can make brownies tough.

Step 7: Fold in Cherries and Chocolate

Set aside half of your roasted cherries and fold the rest into the brownie batter, along with all the chocolate chips. Stir gently so you don’t mash the cherries—every bite should have a juicy, whole piece to discover!

Step 8: Bake the Brownies

Pour your batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 40-50 minutes, until edges are set but the center looks a little underdone. The secret to show-stopping Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies is that just-right gooeyness in the middle! While still warm, add a few extra chocolate chips right on top for gooey pools of chocolate love.

Step 9: Cool, Top, and Cut

Let the brownies cool completely in the pan. For those perfect, bakery-worthy slices, pop the pan in the freezer for 15 minutes before lifting out the brownies using the parchment handles. Top with the remaining cherries, slice, and dive in!

How to Serve Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Garnishes

For true wow factor, try a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the brownies just before serving. A few extra roasted cherries (or even a handful of fresh ones) add juicy color and make them totally irresistible for chocolate and fruit lovers alike.

Side Dishes

Pair your Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. A handful of toasted almonds or pistachios on the side gives a satisfying crunch and brings out the brownies’ fudgy interior.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, cut brownies into hearts or fun shapes using a cookie cutter. Stack them in a tall tower for a special occasion, or serve individually in parchment wrappers for a picnic treat. They also make stunning sundaes—just layer brownie cubes with ice cream and cherries in glass jars!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled and sliced, store your Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen is warm or humid, move the container to the fridge, where they’ll stay moist and wonderful for even longer.

Freezing

Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies freeze beautifully! Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then tuck them together in a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to three months and can be a sweet surprise whenever you need a pick-me-up.

Reheating

To revive that just-baked squishiness, warm a single brownie in the microwave for about 10 seconds (or a few extra seconds if frozen). Or reheat a batch in a low oven at 300°F, covered with foil so they don’t dry out—the chocolate and cherries will ooze as if they’re fresh from the oven!

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries if fresh ones aren’t available?

Absolutely! Thaw and drain frozen cherries really well before roasting to prevent excess moisture, and continue with the recipe as written. The flavor will still shine through, and your Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies will be just as vibrant and delicious.

What if I don’t have Dutch process cocoa?

Regular unsweetened cocoa powder can be used in a pinch, but Dutch process adds that beautiful deep color and smooth, mellow flavor. If you substitute, expect a lighter hue and a touch more acidity.

How do I know when the brownies are done?

Your brownies are ready when the edges pull slightly away from the pan and the middle is just set but still moist. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs—not clean, and not with wet batter.

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes, swap in your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The texture may be slightly softer, but the indulgent flavor and fudginess of your Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies will still steal the show!

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

You sure can! Double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Keep an eye on baking time—you may need an extra 5-10 minutes, but don’t overbake or you’ll lose that signature gooiness.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to wow your family, friends, or just yourself, whip up a pan of Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies and watch every last crumb disappear. Whether you serve them warm with ice cream or sneak slices straight from the fridge, one thing is guaranteed: this recipe brings out the chocolate lover—and cherry enthusiast—in us all!

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