Name: Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
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

Jump to Recipe·5 from 20 reviews

If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into the most decadent, gooey brownie punctuated by juicy cherries and the deep warmth of oven-roasted fruit, these Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies are about to become your ultimate dessert obsession. This treat weaves together two of life’s sweetest pleasures: rich chocolate and lusciously roasted cherries, resulting in a brownie with a crackly top, fudgy center, and bright bursts of fruit in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a dinner party or indulging in a cozy night in, you’ll fall in love with the magic these brownies bring to the table. Let’s get right into how to make this irresistible creation!

Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s nothing complicated here—just a handful of classic baking staples and fresh cherries, each one crucial for the unforgettable flavor and texture of these Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies. Here’s a quick breakdown of why each ingredient is a superstar in this dessert.

Cherries: Use fresh, halved cherries for the best juicy flavor and pockets of fruit throughout every bite.
Sprinkle of sugar: A little sugar caramelizes the cherries while roasting, enhancing their natural sweetness and giving them a glossier finish.
White granulated sugar: Creates that glossy, crackly top we all crave in a great brownie.
Large eggs + egg yolk: Eggs provide structure, while the extra yolk brings added fudgy richness.
Unsalted butter (melted): Butter melts into the batter to deliver unbeatable mouthfeel and tons of rich flavor.
Oil (canola or vegetable): A touch of oil keeps the brownies extra moist for days!
Pure vanilla extract: Vanilla ties the chocolate and cherry flavors together, adding irresistible aroma.
All-purpose flour: Just enough to give structure without making the brownies cakey.
Dutch process cocoa powder: For luxuriously deep, dark chocolate color and bold, smooth cocoa flavor.
Cornstarch: Lightens up the crumb, ensuring tender, gooey brownies instead of dense ones.
Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies all the chocolatey notes.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: These melt into puddles of chocolate throughout, making every bite a treasure.

How to Make Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Step 1: Roast the Cherries

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread your pitted, halved cherries in a single layer and dust them with a little sugar. Roast for about 10 minutes. This key step transforms the cherries, intensifying their flavor and juiciness. Let them cool before using so they don’t melt your chocolate chips!

Step 2: Prep the Pan

Turn your oven down to 325°F. Take an 8×8 inch baking pan and spray it with nonstick spray. Then, line the bottom and two sides with parchment paper (for easy lift-out later), and spray again. You’ll thank yourself when it’s time to serve perfect brownies, no sticking guaranteed.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, Dutch process cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Sifting breaks up any lumps and ensures your Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies have an even, smooth crumb.

Step 4: Whip the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer with a whisk attachment to beat the sugar, eggs, and extra yolk on high for 5 minutes. Don’t shortcut this step—whipping injects air and creates that signature shiny, crinkly-topped brownie. Meanwhile, melt the butter and let it cool slightly.

Step 5: Combine and Fold Together

Pour the melted butter, oil, and vanilla extract into the whipped egg mixture, mixing gently on low speed. Remove the bowl from the mixer and switch to a rubber spatula. Gently fold in the dry ingredients—be patient and careful, as you want to keep all that whipped-up volume. Next, fold in half of the roasted cherries and all the chocolate chips until combined. The other half of the cherries are reserved for topping.

Step 6: Bake to Fudgy Perfection

Spread the brownie batter evenly in your lined pan. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, until the edges are deliciously set but the center remains slightly underdone. Sprinkle on an extra handful of chocolate chips for good measure. Resist temptation—let the pan cool completely before moving forward!

Step 7: Chill, Top, and Slice

For cleanest cuts (and an even fudgier bite!), pop the cooled brownies in the freezer for 15 minutes. Once chilled, lift them out of the pan, top with the remaining roasted cherries, and use a sharp knife to cut into beautiful squares. Serve immediately, or store for later indulgence.

How to Serve Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Garnishes

A little flourish goes a long way! Dust your Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies with a light shower of powdered sugar, a few extra chocolate curls, or scatter more roasted cherries over the top for a dramatic effect. If you’re feeling adventurous, a drizzle of dark chocolate ganache never hurt anyone.

Side Dishes

Nothing pairs better than a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a generous dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. For a grown-up twist, try serving alongside an espresso or a tart cherry compote—each bite brings out the brownie’s chocolate depth and fruity notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies into a showstopping dessert platter by cutting them into bite-sized pieces for a party, stacking for a rustic tower, or serving warm in a small bowl with a splash of cherry liqueur and whipped cream. They’re as beautiful as they are delicious, and they turn any gathering into a celebration!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. The addition of roasted cherries helps keep everything moist, so you’ll be enjoying rich, fudgy squares whenever the craving hits.

Freezing

Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies are freezer-friendly! Once fully cooled and sliced, wrap each brownie square in plastic wrap and freeze in a zip-top bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 months. Just bring them to room temperature before serving, or try eating them cold for a different (delicious!) experience.

Reheating

If you like your brownies warm and gooey, microwave a single piece for 10-15 seconds. For a freshly-baked taste, you can also pop them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. Don’t forget to add a scoop of ice cream for the ultimate comfort treat!

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Thaw the cherries first, drain excess liquid, and follow the same roasting instructions. While fresh cherries offer the plumpest texture, frozen make an excellent (and convenient) backup for year-round brownies.

What type of chocolate chips work best?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips melt into lovely pockets, but you can also try dark or milk chocolate if you prefer. Some people even swirl in white chocolate chips for extra contrast in these Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies.

How do I know when the brownies are done?

Look for set edges and a slightly underdone center; a toothpick should come out with a few fudgy crumbs. Overbaking will make them less gooey, so keep an eye on them in the last 10 minutes.

Can I double the recipe for a bigger batch?

Yes! Double all ingredients and use a 9×13 inch pan. You may need to adjust the baking time, so start checking for doneness at the 40-minute mark to avoid overbaking.

Do the brownies taste good the next day?

They’re even better the next day! The flavors meld and the texture becomes extra fudgy, making Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies a treat that only gets more delicious with time.

Final Thoughts

There’s something absolutely special about baking Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies—each step builds anticipation for dense, chocolatey squares bursting with sweet, tangy cherries. Whether you’re baking to share or to savor every bite yourself, I can’t recommend trying this recipe enough. Go ahead, treat yourself or someone you love with a pan of these unforgettable brownies!