There is something utterly magical about combining luscious roasted cherries with rich, fudgy chocolate brownies, and that magic comes alive in this Roasted Cherry Brownies Recipe. Imagine biting into a dense chocolate treat with juicy pockets of caramelized cherry that burst with sweetness and depth. This isn’t just any brownie; it’s a special experience where the roasting process intensifies the cherries’ flavor, complementing the luxurious cocoa in every bite. Whether you’re sharing with friends or indulging on a cozy night in, these brownies are guaranteed to become a favorite go-to dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Roasted Cherry Brownies Recipe plays a key role in crafting the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and color. From the sweet cherries that bring brightness to the party to the Dutch-processed cocoa powder that ensures that deep chocolate richness, you’ll find each component essential yet surprisingly simple.
- Sweet cherries (2 cups, pitted and halved): Roasting these brings out their natural sweetness and adds a caramelized depth.
- Granulated sugar (2 teaspoons + 1 cup): A small amount enhances the cherries, while the larger amount sweetens the brownie batter perfectly.
- Semisweet chocolate chips (1 ¼ cups, divided): Half melts to create a smooth chocolate base; the rest fold in for gooey chocolate bursts.
- Vegetable oil (¾ cup): Keeps the brownies moist and tender without overpowering the chocolate flavor.
- Light brown sugar (â…” cup, packed): Adds subtle caramel notes and moistness to the batter.
- Eggs (3 large, room temperature): Bind ingredients together and add richness for that fudgy texture.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances all the flavors with aromatic warmth.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Provides structure to the brownies without making them cakey.
- Dutch-processed cocoa powder (1 cup): Gives a deep, mellow chocolate taste and a darker color that’s irresistible.
- Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and amplifies the chocolate and cherry flavors.
How to Make Roasted Cherry Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Cherries
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the halved cherries evenly on the sheet, then sprinkle them with 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar. The sugar will help draw out moisture and caramelize the cherries beautifully. Roast for 10 minutes, allowing the heat to concentrate their natural sugars and deepen their flavor. Once done, set them aside to cool while you get the brownie base ready.
Step 2: Prepare the Brownie Batter
Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine half a cup of semisweet chocolate chips with the vegetable oil. Microwave in short bursts of 15 seconds, stirring between each burst, until smooth and fully melted. Set this luscious chocolate mixture aside to cool slightly while you move on to the next step.
Step 3: Whip the Sugars and Eggs
Using a stand mixer with the whisk attachment (or a hand mixer), beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract on high speed for 5 to 6 minutes. This is the secret to those light, airy brownies. You want to see the mixture almost double in size and turn a pale, creamy color, which means you’ve incorporated enough air for a tender crumb.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the melted chocolate and oil mixture until just combined—no streaks of oil or chocolate should be visible. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, Dutch-processed cocoa powder, and kosher salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just enough to combine. Be gentle here to keep the batter dense and fudgy.
Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips and Roasted Cherries
Fold in the remaining ¾ cup of chocolate chips and half of the roasted cherries carefully. This folding step ensures you get pockets of warm, melted chocolate and juicy roasted cherries throughout every bite. Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
Step 6: Bake the Brownies to Perfection
Bake in your preheated 350°F oven for 30 to 35 minutes. You want to test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center — it should come out with moist crumbs clinging to it, but no raw batter. Immediately after removing from the oven, sprinkle the remaining roasted cherries over the top for a beautiful, glossy finish, letting their warmth sink into the brownies. Allow to cool slightly before slicing.
How to Serve Roasted Cherry Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate elevates these brownies to a dessert worthy of any celebration. For a fresh touch, add a few fresh cherries or a sprig of mint on top. The contrast in texture and color captures the eye and prepares the palate for something truly special.
Side Dishes
Serve your brownies alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to add creaminess that balances the rich chocolate and tart cherry flavors. For something a little different, a spoonful of mascarpone or ricotta cheese with honey can add an unexpected silky smoothness.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, cut the brownies into bite-sized squares and skewer with toothpicks along with a roasted cherry for elegant finger food. You can also layer pieces between cookies or sandwich ice cream between two brownie squares for a decadent treat. These inventive presentations will wow guests and make your Roasted Cherry Brownies Recipe unforgettable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and fudgy, preserving the roasted cherry goodness without drying out the chocolate base.
Freezing
To enjoy your Roasted Cherry Brownies Recipe later, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen brownies will maintain their best quality for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy, and they’ll taste just as lovely as fresh.
Reheating
If you prefer warm brownies, gently reheat slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or enjoy heated briefly in an oven at 300°F for 5 to 7 minutes. This brings back their melty texture and highlights the luscious roasted cherries in every bite.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain frozen cherries well before roasting to avoid excess moisture that could affect the brownie texture.
What type of chocolate chips work best?
Semisweet chocolate chips are ideal here as they strike the perfect note of sweetness and bitterness to balance the tart cherries.
Can I substitute the vegetable oil with butter?
You can substitute with melted butter for a richer flavor, but expect a slightly denser texture compared to the lighter moistness vegetable oil provides.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
Check by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with moist crumbs but no wet batter. Overbaking will dry them out, so keep a close eye starting at 30 minutes.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup for similar results. Just be sure your cocoa powder and other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
Final Thoughts
This Roasted Cherry Brownies Recipe is a delightful way to elevate a classic dessert with a fruity twist that feels luxurious yet effortless. With every bite, you’re treated to luscious chocolate and perfectly roasted cherries creating a harmonious flavor dance. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe soon — whether for a special occasion or a weekend treat, it’s pure joy baked into squares you’ll want to share.
Print
Roasted Cherry Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Roasted Cherry Brownies combine the rich, fudgy texture of classic chocolate brownies with the vibrant, caramelized sweetness of roasted cherries. Roasting the cherries intensifies their flavor, which pairs beautifully with the deep cocoa and semisweet chocolate chips, creating an indulgent dessert perfect for cherry lovers.
Ingredients
Cherries
- 2 cups (276 g) sweet cherries, pitted and halved
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
Brownie Batter
- 1 ¼ cups (227.5 g) semisweet chocolate chips, divided
- ¾ cup (163.5 g) vegetable oil
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- â…” cup (133 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (118 g) Dutch-processed cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Roast the Cherries: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the halved cherries evenly on the sheet and sprinkle with 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar. Roast them for 10 minutes until they release their juices and slightly caramelize. Set the roasted cherries aside to cool while preparing the brownie batter.
- Prepare the Brownie Pan: Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.
- Melt Chocolate and Oil: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine ½ cup of the semisweet chocolate chips with the vegetable oil. Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix Sugars, Eggs, and Vanilla: Using a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat together the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract on high speed for 5 to 6 minutes. The mixture should become pale, fluffy, and double in volume. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.
- Combine Chocolate Mixture: Reduce the mixer speed to low and slowly incorporate the cooled melted chocolate and oil mixture into the egg and sugar mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, Dutch-processed cocoa powder, and kosher salt until fully integrated.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until no streaks of flour remain. Avoid overmixing to keep the brownies tender.
- Add Chocolate Chips and Roasted Cherries: Gently fold in the remaining ¾ cup of semisweet chocolate chips and half of the roasted cherries, ensuring an even distribution without breaking up the cherries too much.
- Pour and Spread Batter: Transfer the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake the Brownies: Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 35 minutes. Test the brownies by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with moist crumbs but no wet batter.
- Add Topping Cherries: Remove the brownies from the oven and immediately scatter the remaining roasted cherries on top, gently pressing them into the surface.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool slightly in the pan before slicing into squares, enhancing the flavors and making them easier to cut.
Notes
- Use fresh, sweet cherries for best flavor; sour cherries can be used but will alter the sweetness.
- Vegetable oil can be substituted with melted coconut oil for a slight flavor twist.
- Make sure the eggs are at room temperature to help achieve a fluffy batter.
- Do not overbake to keep the brownies moist and fudgy.
- Leftover brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
