Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe

If you’re a fan of rich, fudgy treats with a twist, I’ve got something you’re going to adore. This Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe combines the deep, bittersweet notes of cocoa with the bright, juicy pop of roasted cherries for an unforgettable dessert experience. Trust me, once you try these brownies, you’ll find yourself making them again and again — and sharing them with everyone you know!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays its part in this Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe. The combination is thoughtfully balanced to give you rich chocolate flavor with juicy cherry surprises—plus easy pantry staples you probably already have on hand.

• Cherries: Roasting brings out the sweet-tart flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
• White granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a lovely crust on top of the brownies.
• Eggs and Egg yolk: Provide structure and richness to the batter.
• Unsalted butter: The base fat that adds buttery flavor and moisture.
• Oil (canola or vegetable): Keeps brownies extra tender and moist.
• Pure vanilla extract: Enhances the depth of chocolate flavor.
• All-purpose flour: Gives structure without making the brownies dry.
• Dutch process cocoa powder: For that smooth, rich cocoa taste with less acidity.
• Cornstarch: Helps create a soft, tender crumb by lightening the flour’s density.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Adds pockets of melt-in-your-mouth chocolate throughout.

Make It Your Way

I love to mix things up with my Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe depending on the season or my mood. You can take this recipe and easily personalize it to make it your own favorite indulgence.

• Variation: I once swapped fresh cherries for dried cherries soaked in bourbon — it added a boozy twist that was a hit at a dinner party.
• Dietary adjustments: For a dairy-free version, just use plant-based butter and chocolate chips. You won’t lose any of the fudgy goodness.
• Seasonal changes: Toss in some chopped walnuts or toasted pecans to add crunch and contrast nicely with the cherries and chocolate.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Cherries for Maximum Flavor

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Spread the washed, pitted cherries (cut in half) on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and sprinkle a bit of sugar on top—this helps caramelize them as they roast. Pop them in the oven for 10 minutes until they’re slightly softened and fragrant. Let them cool while you prep the brownie batter. Roasting the cherries elevates that natural sweetness and adds a lovely depth to each bite.

Step 2: Prep the Pan and Dry Ingredients

Lower the oven temperature to 325°F and grease an 8×8-inch pan with baking spray. Line the bottom and two sides with parchment paper—you’ll thank yourself later for the easy lift-out cleanup! Spray the parchment again to prevent sticking. Then, sift together the all-purpose flour, Dutch process cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt into a large bowl to ensure even mixing.

Step 3: Whisk Sugar and Eggs Until Airy

In a separate bowl, use your mixer with the whisk attachment to beat the sugar, eggs, and egg yolk on high speed for about 5 minutes. You want the mixture pale and fluffy because those air bubbles are key for texture. Don’t rush this part—it makes a big difference!

Step 4: Add Melted Butter, Oil, and Vanilla

While the egg mixture is fluffing, melt the butter but make sure it cools slightly so you don’t cook the eggs when you add it in. Then mix in the melted butter, oil, and pure vanilla extract on low speed. These fats keep the brownies moist and tender—plus, that touch of oil contributes to a chewy texture I always crave.

Step 5: Fold in Dry Ingredients and Cherries with Chocolate Chips

Carefully fold the sifted dry ingredients into your wet batter using a rubber spatula. Be gentle—you want to keep as much air in the batter as possible. Then stir in half of the roasted cherries and all the chocolate chips, folding just until everything’s combined. This layering of fruity and chocolate chunks is the magic that makes this recipe so addictive.

Step 6: Bake and Finish with More Cherry Goodness

Pour your batter into the prepared pan, smooth the surface, and bake for 40-50 minutes. The brownies are ready when the edges are set but the center still looks slightly underdone—that’s the sweet spot for fudgy brownies. Right after pulling them out, sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top, then let the brownies cool completely in the pan.

Once cooled, freeze the brownies for 15 minutes—it helps them firm up and makes slicing cleaner. Lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment, top with the remaining roasted cherries, slice into 16 squares, and serve.

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe

Garnishes

I like topping mine with a few extra roasted cherries for color and bite, plus a light dusting of powdered sugar when serving fancy. Sometimes, a dollop of whipped cream or a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream takes it over the top and makes it a celebration dessert in my book.

Side Dishes

Pair these brownies with a cup of robust coffee or some subtly sweetened tea to balance richness. For something more indulgent, a glass of cold milk or even a subtle red wine like a Pinot Noir complements the cherries and cocoa beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve served these brownies on a wooden board topped with fresh mint leaves and whole cherries still on the stem—it looks stunning and feels extra special. Cut into bite-sized squares and serve on colorful plates for a fun buffet. Wrapping individual brownies in parchment and tying with twine makes a thoughtful edible gift too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After baking, store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If it’s warm out, keeping them in the fridge helps preserve the cherries without drying out the brownies.

Freezing

I freeze these brownies often—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then pop them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To revive slightly stale brownies, warm individual portions in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or briefly in a 300°F oven wrapped in foil. This refreshes the melty chocolate and softens the texture without drying them out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it brings together two beloved flavors in a way that’s both decadent and fresh. These brownies are perfect for everything from an everyday treat to something a little more special. I honestly can’t recommend trying this recipe enough — once you do, I bet it’ll become your go-to chocolaty indulgence too!

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