Ultimate Fudgy Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies: A Decadent Homemade Delight

Prepare to experience the ultimate indulgence with these roasted chocolate cherry brownies. Every bite is a symphony of rich, fudgy chocolate and the bright, tart-sweet burst of perfectly roasted fresh cherries. These are not just any brownies; they are a masterpiece for true chocolate lovers, generously loaded with chocolate chips and crowned with more luscious cherries, promising an unforgettable dessert experience.

These roasted cherry brownies redefine what a homemade brownie can be. Building upon a beloved “better than boxed” recipe, we elevate the classic chocolate brownie to new heights. The secret to their intense chocolate flavor lies in using high-quality Dutch process cocoa powder and an abundance of semi-sweet chocolate chips, ensuring a deep, complex cocoa profile that is both decadent and satisfying. The addition of roasted cherries, folded into the batter and generously scattered on top, introduces a delightful counterpoint, making these brownies truly stand out.

The hallmark of these brownies is their incredibly fudgy middle. While our base recipe already delivers a supremely moist and dense texture, the roasted cherries enhance this quality, adding extra moisture and an exquisite burst of fruitiness that takes them over the top. Perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, holiday gatherings, or simply as a luxurious treat for yourself, these brownies are sure to impress.

If you’re craving more exquisite chocolate creations, don’t miss our no-bake chocolate cheesecake and mini chocolate cheesecakes. For more cherry-inspired delights, be sure to try our cherry pie bars.

Why These Roasted Cherry Brownies Are a Must-Try

Discover what makes these fudgy roasted chocolate cherry brownies an absolute showstopper and a guaranteed favorite in your baking repertoire:

• The Magic of Roasted Cherries: We’ve perfected the art of incorporating fresh cherries into brownies. Initially, using raw cherries led to too much liquid, resulting in a soggy texture. Roasting the cherries is a game-changer; it concentrates their sweet-tart flavor, creating a deeper, more intense taste, and significantly reduces excess moisture. This crucial step ensures a perfect texture and an explosion of cherry goodness in every bite, preventing your brownies from becoming watery.
• Unrivaled Fudgy Texture for Brownie Aficionados: This isn’t just a brownie recipe; it’s *the* brownie recipe for anyone who adores a rich, dense, and ultra-fudgy dessert. Expect that desirable crinkle top, a sign of perfectly baked brownies, along with an intensely chocolatey interior that melts in your mouth. The combination of ingredients and technique ensures a moist, chewy, and truly irresistible experience that will have you coming back for more.
• Surprisingly Quick and Easy Preparation: Despite their gourmet appeal, these brownies are remarkably simple to make. There’s no lengthy waiting period for ingredients to reach room temperature, streamlining the baking process. Once your cherries are roasted and cooling, the brownie batter comes together quickly, making this a fantastic recipe for when you need a decadent dessert without the fuss.
• Double the Delight with Extra Cherries and Chocolate Chips: We believe in generous portions of flavor. Not only are the roasted cherries and chocolate chips folded into the batter, but we also recommend topping the brownies with additional fresh cherries and chocolate chips after baking. This layering ensures a beautiful presentation and maximizes the textural and flavor contrast, making each slice an indulgent treat.

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Brownies

Crafting these extraordinary homemade brownies starts with selecting the right ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is vital for achieving the ultimate fudgy texture and rich flavor:

• Cherries: Fresh, ripe cherries are absolutely key here. Opt for sweet cherries when they are in season for the best flavor and texture contrast with the dark chocolate. You’ll need to pit and halve them before roasting. While fresh is ideal, if cherries are out of season, ensure frozen cherries are thoroughly thawed and drained to minimize excess moisture before roasting. We do not recommend using cherry pie filling, as it will alter the texture and sweetness profile too much.
• Eggs + Egg Yolk: The combination of whole eggs and an extra egg yolk is crucial for the fudgy texture. Whole eggs provide structure and moisture, while the additional egg yolk introduces extra fat, which significantly contributes to a richer, denser, and more intensely fudgy crumb. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference.
• Butter + Oil: This recipe expertly combines both butter and oil to achieve the best of both worlds. Melted unsalted butter infuses the brownies with a delicious, rich, buttery flavor that can’t be replicated. Meanwhile, a neutral-flavored oil (like canola or vegetable oil) ensures a supremely moist and fudgy texture that remains soft even after cooling. This duo provides the perfect balance of taste and consistency.
• Dutch-Process Cocoa Powder: For a truly deep, dark, and rich chocolate flavor, Dutch-process cocoa powder is indispensable. Unlike natural cocoa, Dutch-process cocoa is alkalized, which neutralizes its acidity, resulting in a smoother, less bitter taste and a significantly darker color. This particular brand is a favorite for its exceptional quality. If you only have natural cocoa, the brownies will still be tasty but lighter in color and with a slightly sharper chocolate note.
• Cornstarch: A secret weapon for fudginess! Just a touch of cornstarch helps tenderize the crumb and further enhances that desirable dense, chewy texture we all crave in a perfect brownie. It subtly reduces gluten development, contributing to a softer, more decadent feel.
• Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are highly recommended for this recipe, offering a balanced sweetness that complements the rich cocoa and tart cherries. For an even more intense chocolate experience, dark chocolate chips can also be used. The quality of your chocolate chips will impact the overall flavor, so choose a brand you enjoy eating on its own.

Mastering the Art of Roasted Cherry Brownies: A Detailed Guide

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create the most decadent fudgy roasted chocolate cherry brownies. A stand mixer or electric hand mixer is essential for achieving the perfect texture.

Step 1: Prepare and Roast the Cherries

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash your fresh cherries thoroughly, then cut them in half and remove the pits. You’ll need approximately 2 cups of halved cherries. Arrange the cherries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle a small amount of granulated sugar over them – this enhances their natural sweetness and helps draw out some moisture during roasting. Bake for 10 minutes. Once roasted, remove the cherries from the oven and set them aside to cool completely while you prepare the brownie batter. Roasting them ahead of time is key to preventing a watery brownie batter.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Dry Ingredients

Reduce your oven temperature to 325°F (160°C). Prepare an 8×8 inch square baking pan by lightly spraying it with non-stick baking spray. Line the bottom and two opposing sides with parchment paper, allowing the paper to extend over the edges like “slings” – this will make it easy to lift the cooled brownies out of the pan. Spray the parchment paper again for extra non-stick insurance. In a separate large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, Dutch-process cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Sifting is crucial here to prevent any lumps in your brownie batter and ensure a smooth, uniform texture. Set this dry ingredient mixture aside.

Step 3: Whip the Eggs and Sugar for That Signature Crinkle Top

Using a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, or an electric hand mixer, combine the granulated sugar, large eggs, and the extra egg yolk in a large mixing bowl. Beat these ingredients on high speed for a full 5 minutes. This extended whipping incorporates a significant amount of air into the mixture, which is the secret to achieving that coveted, glossy, crinkly top on your brownies. While this is mixing, gently melt your unsalted butter and allow it to cool slightly so it’s warm but not hot. Once the egg mixture is light, fluffy, and significantly increased in volume, reduce the mixer speed to low and slowly add the melted butter, oil, and pure vanilla extract. Mix just until combined.

Step 4: Fold in Dry Ingredients and Cherries

Remove the mixing bowl from the stand mixer. Add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and lead to tougher brownies; we want to keep all that beautiful air you just whipped in! Separate your cooled roasted cherries in half. Gently fold half of the roasted cherries and all of the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the chocolate batter. Pour the luscious brownie batter into your prepared 8×8 inch square baking dish and spread evenly with the spatula.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake the brownies in the preheated 325°F (160°C) oven for 40-50 minutes. Brownies are unique in that they benefit from being slightly underdone when removed from the oven, as they continue to bake in the hot pan as they cool. The edges should appear set, but the center should still be a bit soft and slightly jiggly. If after 40 minutes the middle seems too soft, bake for an additional 5 minutes and check again. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter. Immediately after removing from the oven, you can scatter a few extra chocolate chips on top if desired; the residual heat will slightly melt them, making them extra gooey. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire cooling rack. Patience is key here; cutting them too soon will result in a messy, crumbly texture.

Step 6: Chill, Cut, and Serve

Once the brownies are completely cool, place the entire pan in the freezer for 15 minutes. This brief chilling period will firm up the brownies, allowing for clean, precise cuts. After chilling, use the parchment paper slings to carefully lift the entire slab of brownies out of the pan. Top with the remaining roasted cherries, then cut into desired squares. These truly are the best fudgy brownies you’ll ever make! For an extra special treat, serve them slightly warm with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream.

Expert Baking Tips for Flawless Brownies

Achieving the perfect fudgy roasted chocolate cherry brownies requires attention to a few key details. Keep these expert tips in mind for consistently delicious results:

• Don’t Skip the Whipping Step: The instruction to beat the eggs and sugar on high speed for 5 minutes is non-negotiable. This process incorporates vital air into the mixture, which is essential for developing that desirable shiny, crinkly top on your brownies. Attempting this step by hand will not yield the same results; the power of an electric mixer (stand or hand-held) is crucial here.
• Strategic Cherry Addition: Always add the second half of the roasted cherries *after* the brownies have finished baking and cooled slightly. Adding all the cherries into the batter before baking, or topping them before the bake, can introduce too much moisture into the mixture. This excess liquid can prevent the brownies from baking properly, leading to an uneven texture or a soggy result. Distribute the remaining cherries as a garnish just before cutting for the best flavor and visual appeal.
• Avoid Overmixing the Dry Ingredients: Once you add the flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt to the wet ingredients, fold them in gently with a rubber spatula. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, cakey brownies instead of the desired fudgy texture. Mix only until no streaks of dry ingredients remain.
• The Importance of Cooling: It’s tempting to cut into warm brownies, but for clean cuts and the perfect fudgy consistency, allowing them to cool completely in the pan is crucial. Brownies continue to set as they cool, developing their final dense texture. Chilling them briefly in the freezer (as described in Step 6) further aids in achieving those picture-perfect, sharp edges.
• Quality Matters: Using good quality ingredients, especially your Dutch-process cocoa and chocolate chips, will make a noticeable difference in the final flavor of your brownies. Invest in ingredients you enjoy, and your brownies will taste even better.

Frequently Asked Questions About Roasted Cherry Brownies

Here are answers to some common questions about making these delectable chocolate cherry brownies:

Storing and Freezing Your Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

To keep these delectable roasted chocolate cherry brownies fresh and fudgy, proper storage is essential:

These gooey brownies are best stored at room temperature in an airtight container. Placed on the counter, they will maintain their freshness and incredible texture for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is truly airtight to prevent them from drying out. If your kitchen is particularly warm, or if you prefer a firmer brownie, you can store them in the refrigerator, but allow them to come to room temperature for the best fudgy experience.

Freezing for Future Indulgence

These chocolate cherry brownies freeze exceptionally well, making them perfect for meal prepping desserts or saving for a craving. To freeze, ensure the brownies are completely cooled. Cut them into individual squares, then wrap each brownie tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Place the wrapped brownies in an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 30 days. When ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw completely on the counter for a few hours before eating. You can even gently warm them slightly in the microwave for a fresh-baked feel.

Other Decadent Brownie Recipes To Try

If you’ve fallen in love with these fudgy delights, be sure to explore more of our irresistible brownie recipes to satisfy your chocolate cravings!

Don’t forget to leave a star review below if you loved this recipe! I adore seeing your creations – make sure to tag me on Instagram @stephaniesweettreats. For more delicious baking ideas and inspiration, follow me on Pinterest.

Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

By Stephanie Rutherford

These cherry brownies are super fudgy chocolate brownies. They are filled and topped with roasted cherries.

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 45 mins

Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins

Servings: 16 brownies

Ingredients

• 2 cups Cherries cut in half, washed, pitted
• Sprinkle of sugar
• 1 1/3 cup 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

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the cherries, cut in half, over the parchment paper. Sprinkle with sugar. Bake for 10 minutes. Let them cool completely.
2. Turn the oven down to 325°F (160°C). Spray an 8X8 inch baking pan with non-stick spray. Line the bottom and two sides with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to create “slings.” Spray the parchment paper again.
3. In a separate large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Set aside. Using a stand mixer with a whisk attachment (or an electric hand mixer), beat the granulated sugar, large eggs, and egg yolk on high speed for 5 minutes until light, fluffy, and increased in volume.
4. While the eggs and sugar are mixing, melt the butter and allow it to cool slightly. Reduce the mixer speed to low, then add the melted butter, oil, and pure vanilla extract. Mix just until combined. Remove the bowl from the mixer. Add the sifted dry ingredients. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold in the dry ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix or deflate the whipped eggs.
5. Separate the cooled roasted cherries in half. Add one half of the roasted cherries to the brownie batter along with all the chocolate chips. Gently fold until combined. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared 8×8 inch pan and spread evenly.
6. Bake for 40-50 minutes. The brownies are done baking when the edges are set, but the middle is still slightly underdone and appears soft. For an extra touch, scatter extra chocolate chips on top immediately after removing from the oven. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire cooling rack.
7. Once completely cool, place the brownies in the pan in the freezer for 15 minutes to firm up. Then, use the parchment paper slings to lift them out of the pan. Top with the remaining roasted cherries, cut into squares, and serve.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 239kcal, Carbohydrates: 30g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 13g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 22mg, Sodium: 149mg, Potassium: 135mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 21g, Vitamin A: 131IU, Calcium: 16mg, Iron: 2mg