Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe

If you’re craving a decadent treat with a perfect balance of rich chocolate and juicy fruit, you’re in for a delightful surprise with these Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies. This recipe takes classic fudgy brownies to a whole new level by roasting fresh cherries, which intensifies their natural sweetness and adds a luscious, slightly caramelized flavor that complements the deep cocoa notes beautifully. Every bite bursts with gooey chocolate, tart roasted cherries, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s simply irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies lies in their few but essential ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating indulgent texture and vibrant flavor. From fresh cherries to Dutch-process cocoa, these components blend harmoniously to make each bite unforgettable.

• Cherries (2 cups, halved): Roasting them intensifies sweetness and adds a beautifully rich layer.
• Sugar (1 1/3 cups white granulated): Provides the ideal sweetness needed for moist, tender brownies.
• Eggs (2 large + 1 yolk): Essential for structure and that perfect fudgy bite.
• Unsalted butter (5 tablespoons, melted): Adds richness and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Oil (1/3 cup canola or vegetable): Keeps the brownies moist and tender.
• Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the chocolate and cherry flavors with delicate warmth.
• All-purpose flour (3/4 cup): The sturdy base that gives brownies their structure.
• Dutch process cocoa powder (3/4 cup): Offers deep, intense chocolate flavor and a beautiful dark color.
• Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Helps to soften the brownies for that tender crumb.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and intensifies chocolate flavor.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Melts into pockets of chocolatey goodness throughout the batter.

How to Make Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Step 1: Roast the Cherries

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the halved cherries evenly over it. Give them a light sprinkle of sugar to coax out their natural juices. Roast the cherries for 10 minutes until they’re beautifully softened and fragrant with a slight caramelization. Let them cool fully before folding into your brownie batter.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pan

Lower the oven temperature to 325°F. Grab an 8×8-inch pan and spray it with a non-stick baking spray. Line the bottom and two sides with parchment paper, then spray again on the parchment to ensure the brownies will release easily after baking. This simple step saves lots of hassle down the road.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, Dutch-process cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Sifting is key here—it breaks up any clumps and aerates the mixture, which helps maintain a light, tender texture in the final brownies.

Step 4: Whip the Eggs and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, use a mixer with a whisk attachment to beat the granulated sugar, eggs, and additional egg yolk on high speed for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial—it incorporates air into the mixture, ensuring your Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies turn out with a wonderful lift and tender crumb.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

While the eggs and sugar are whipping, melt the unsalted butter and let it cool slightly. Add the butter, oil, and vanilla extract to the egg mixture and blend on low speed just until combined. This blend of fats guarantees moistness and richness with every bite.

Step 6: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Remove the mixer and gently fold in the dry ingredients using a rubber spatula. Be gentle so you don’t lose the precious air whipped into the eggs, which keeps the brownies light yet fudgy. This careful folding is what gives these brownies their perfect texture.

Step 7: Add Cherries and Chocolate Chips

Gently fold half of the roasted cherries and all the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the brownie batter. This addition makes every bite pop with melty chocolate and bursts of tart cherry flavor. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly for consistent baking.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake the brownies in your preheated 325°F oven for 40 to 50 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are set and just starting to pull away from the pan, but the center still has a slight wobble. This guarantees a fudgy, gooey center that you’ll adore. Once out of the oven, sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top so they melt slightly with the residual heat. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan.

Step 9: Chill and Finish

To get neat cuts and enhance flavor melding, freeze the brownies in the pan for 15 minutes. Remove from the pan using the parchment overhang, then top with the remaining roasted cherries before slicing. This finishing touch makes your Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies as stunning as they are delicious.

How to Serve Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Garnishes

Sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt on top to elevate the chocolate and cherry flavors even more. For an extra touch, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm fudge sauce can add that wow factor and make your guests think you spent hours on presentation.

Side Dishes

Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies pair beautifully with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. If you prefer beverages, a cup of rich coffee or a glass of robust red wine complements the deep chocolate and roasted cherry notes wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, serve your brownies in petite squares atop elegant dessert plates with a few fresh cherries or mint leaves for a pop of color. You can also stack them between layers of whipped cream and cherries to create a quick and delightful brownie trifle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For optimal freshness, place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain their fudgy texture.

Freezing

These brownies freeze beautifully. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last up to three months, making them perfect for homemade gifts or a quick sweet fix anytime.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy your brownies warm, simply microwave them for 15 to 20 seconds. You can also reheat in a preheated 325°F oven for about 10 minutes. Adding a scoop of ice cream after warming takes this indulgence to a whole new level.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh for Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and pat them dry to remove excess moisture before roasting to avoid soggy brownies.

What makes these brownies different from regular chocolate brownies?

The addition of roasted cherries brings a bright, juicy contrast to the rich chocolate, plus the roasting intensifies their flavor for a unique sweet-tart balance you won’t find in ordinary brownies.

Can I substitute oil with more butter in this recipe?

While butter adds great flavor, the oil helps keep the brownies moist and tender, so it’s best not to replace it entirely. You can try swapping part of the oil for butter if you prefer, but the texture may change slightly.

How can I tell when the brownies are perfectly baked?

Look for set edges that start pulling away from the pan, while the center remains slightly underdone and wobbly—this ensures that fudgy, gooey texture that defines these brownies.

Are the Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies suitable for freezing and thawing?

Definitely. These brownies freeze remarkably well. Just wrap them properly and thaw at room temperature or warm lightly before serving to enjoy their full flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend making Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies enough — they’re a personal favorite that never fails to impress. The combination of roasted cherries with deep chocolate creates a flavor sensation that feels both nostalgic and fresh at the same time. Please, do treat yourself and your loved ones to this luscious, fudgy, fruity delight soon. Once you try it, I’m sure it will become a beloved go-to dessert in your kitchen too!

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