Name: Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies for an Irresistibly Fudgy Treat
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 85 min
Ingredients: 2 cups Fresh Cherries (cut in half); 1 cup Sugar (white granulated); 2 large Eggs (room temperature); 1 large Egg Yolk (room temperature); 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (melted); 1/4 cup Canola Oil (or vegetable oil); 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract (pure); 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (sifted); 3/4 cup Dutch Process Cocoa Powder; 1 tablespoon Cornstarch (optional); 1/2 teaspoon Salt; 1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips; 1 cup Roasted Cherries (reserve some for topping)

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The aroma of warm chocolate swirled with roasted cherries is an invitation to indulge that no one can resist. As I made these Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies, I couldn’t help but be transported to my favorite bakery, where the treats always seem too good to share. This fudgy delight is not only easy to make, but it also celebrates the seasonal sweetness of fresh cherries, elevating your typical brownie experience. Imagine sinking your teeth into a rich chocolate base, only to encounter the delightful tartness of the cherries bursting from within. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, these brownies promise to be the star of any dessert table. Are you ready to create a treat that’s equal parts simple and sensational?

What makes these brownies irresistible?

Fudgy Delight: These Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies are incredibly rich and moist, creating an indulgent bite that may just spoil you for all other desserts.
Seasonal Flavor: Utilizing fresh cherries brings a tartness that beautifully balances the sweetness, making it a seasonal treat worth savoring.
Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers will find joy in creating this simple yet delectable dessert.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights, they are sure to impress friends and family with their gourmet flavor.
Versatility: Customize by adding nuts or mixing in other fruits like raspberries for a delightful twist—or consider serving them warm with a scoop of ice cream for an elevated experience!

Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies Ingredients

For the Brownies
Cherries – Fresh, cut in half; they provide natural sweetness and fruitiness. If fresh cherries aren’t available, use thawed frozen cherries instead.
Sugar – White granulated sugar enhances sweetness; brown sugar can be substituted for a richer flavor.
Eggs – Large eggs and 1 egg yolk act as a binder while adding richness; make sure they’re at room temperature for the best results.
Unsalted Butter – Melted for moisture and flavor; you can substitute it with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Oil – Canola or vegetable oil adds moisture; olive oil can provide a unique flavor twist.
Vanilla Extract – Pure extract enhances sweetness; consider swapping it for almond extract for a different taste.
All-Purpose Flour – Sifted to provide structure; for a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Dutch Process Cocoa Powder – Adds deep chocolate flavor; do not substitute with regular cocoa powder to maintain richness.
Cornstarch – Recommended for creating a chewy texture; it’s optional but adds to the fudginess of the brownies.
Salt – Essential for enhancing flavor; be sure not to omit it.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – For a rich, chocolate experience; feel free to use milk chocolate for a sweeter result.
For the Topping
Roasted Cherries – These add a beautiful, sweet-tart contrast; reserve some for topping the brownies before serving.

These Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies promise a delightful blend of rich chocolate and seasonal fruit flavors that will keep you returning for more!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the halved cherries on it. Sprinkle them with sugar to enhance their sweetness. Roast the cherries for 10 minutes until they become tender and slightly caramelized. Once done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool as you prepare the brownie batter.

Step 2: Reduce Oven Temperature
Next, lower the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C). While it cools, grease an 8×8 inch baking dish and line the bottom and sides with parchment paper for easy removal later. This size is perfect for these Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies, ensuring they bake evenly and develop a beautiful crust.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, Dutch process cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. This step is crucial to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth batter. Set this dry mixture aside, as we will combine it with our wet ingredients to create the rich base for our fudgy brownies.

Step 4: Beat Eggs and Sugar
In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, egg yolk, and sugar. Using a whisk attachment, beat on high speed for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy, significantly increasing in volume. This aeration is essential for achieving that coveted crinkle top on your Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients
Melt the unsalted butter and let it cool slightly. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with canola oil and vanilla extract. Slowly add this fragrant mixture to the fluffy egg and sugar mixture while mixing on low speed. This infusion of flavors adds richness to the brownies, perfectly complementing the cherries.

Step 6: Fold Dry Ingredients
Carefully fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients until they are mostly combined. Be gentle to avoid deflating the batter. Once nearly mixed, gently incorporate half of the roasted cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips, allowing them to nestle into the batter and bring bursts of flavor to your Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies.

Step 7: Bake
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place it in the oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. The edges should be set, while the center remains slightly underdone for that fudgy texture. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs attached.

Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let the brownies cool completely at room temperature. For added firmness, transfer them to the freezer for about 15 minutes. Before serving, top with the remaining roasted cherries, slice into squares, and enjoy the indulgent goodness of these decadent Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies.

Variations & Substitutions for Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Feel free to let your creativity shine through with these delicious tweaks to the recipe!

Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful contrast in texture and a nutty flavor boost.
Fruity Twist: Swap out cherries for fresh raspberries or blueberries to create a delightful combination of flavors that brightens the brownie base.
Vegan Option: Replace eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and use a dairy-free butter substitute for a plant-based treat.
Flavor Elevation: Drizzle caramel sauce on top before serving to add a rich, sweet dimension to each brownie bite.
Chocolate Overload: Mix in additional chocolate chips or chunks, or top with chocolate ganache for an indulgent dessert experience. You can even try mixing in some 4-ingredient chocolate oat cookies for a fun texture contrast.
Heat Factor: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the batter for a subtle kick of warmth that pairs beautifully with chocolate flavor.
Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute melted butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips for a lovely dairy-free brownie that everyone can enjoy.
Seasonal Fun: Incorporate seasonal fruits like diced peaches or strawberries in place of cherries during their peak season—creating new flavor adventures with each batch.

With these variations, you have the power to create a unique and delightful twist on the classic Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies! Enjoy experimenting!

Make Ahead Options

These Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies are ideal for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the brownie batter up to 24 hours in advance by mixing together the dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately, then refrigerating. Additionally, you can roast the cherries up to 3 days in advance, allowing their sweetness to deepen while keeping them stored in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, simply combine the prepared components and fold in the melted butter mixture, then bake as directed. This approach ensures your brownies will be just as fudgy and delicious, perfect for any last-minute gatherings or indulgent evenings!

What to Serve with Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

The perfect pairing can elevate your dessert experience far beyond imagination, creating a meal moment that lingers in your heart.

Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic match, its creaminess beautifully contrasts the rich and fudgy texture of the brownies, balancing the sweetness of the cherries.
Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop of whipped cream adds a delightful freshness, enhancing each chocolaty bite while not overpowering the flavors.
Fresh Berries: A mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries provides a juicy, tangy contrast, brightening the dessert and bringing seasonal flavors to the forefront.
Coffee: A warm cup of coffee complements the deep chocolate notes, creating an inviting ambiance that enriches the overall dessert experience.
Chocolate Ganache: Drizzling a rich ganache on top adds an extra layer of decadence; the silky texture takes these brownies to gourmet heights.
Chilled Fruit Salad: Combining seasonal fruits creates a refreshing side that cuts through the brownie’s richness, offering a burst of vibrant flavors to enjoy.
Mint Tea: Sipping on this fragrant tea offers a refreshing palate cleanser after indulging; its lightness contrasts perfectly with the dense brownies.
Espresso: For an adult twist, enjoy these brownies alongside a shot of espresso; it enhances chocolate flavors while providing an elegant finish to your dessert.
Coconut Cream: Light and tropical, a dollop of coconut cream can add an exotic flair, beautifully complementing the cherries without overshadowing their flavor.

How to Store and Freeze Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Room Temperature: Keep brownies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. This will maintain their fudgy texture and delightful flavor.

Fridge: If you live in a warmer climate, you can refrigerate the brownies to extend their freshness for about 5-7 days. Just ensure they’re tightly wrapped to prevent drying out.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze these roasted chocolate cherry brownies in an airtight container for up to 30 days. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving for the best taste and texture.

Reheating: Reheat individual brownies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a warm treat! They can also be enjoyed cold after thawing.

Expert Tips for Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Perfectly Fudgy: Aim to slightly underbake the brownies; they will set as they cool, maintaining that luscious, fudgy texture you desire.
Room Temperature Eggs: Always use eggs at room temperature for the best volume when mixing; this ensures a light and airy brownie.
Sift Ingredients: Sift all dry ingredients together to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth batter for your roasted chocolate cherry brownies.
Careful Folding: When incorporating the dry ingredients, fold gently to maintain the airiness of the batter; this helps create that dreamy texture.
Roasted vs. Fresh: Only add fresh cherries after baking to avoid excess moisture; the roasted cherries will bring out their natural sweetness beautifully.

Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best cherries for roasting?
Choose fresh, firm cherries that are vibrantly colored and free from blemishes. Look for cherries that are plump and shiny with no dark spots all over. If fresh cherries aren’t in season, you can absolutely use frozen cherries; just be sure to thaw them and drain the excess moisture before using.

What’s the best way to store my brownies?
Store your brownies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days to keep them fresh and fudgy. You can keep them in the fridge for up to 5-7 days if you’re in a warmer climate, just make sure they are well-wrapped to avoid drying out.

Can I freeze roasted chocolate cherry brownies?
Yes! To freeze your brownies, first let them cool completely. Then, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 30 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.

What should I do if my brownies turn out too dry?
If your brownies are dry, it may be due to overbaking or not enough fat. Make sure to check them a few minutes before the recommended baking time is up, and use slightly underbaked brownies since they will firm up as they cool. If you want to add moisture, consider adding a bit more melted butter or a dollop of yogurt next time for a more luscious texture.

Are these brownies suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Absolutely! You can easily make these Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that other ingredients, like chocolate chips, are also gluten-free to accommodate any dietary restrictions.

Can I make these brownies vegan?
You can certainly adapt this recipe! Replace the eggs with a flax or chia egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit for a few minutes to gel). For butter, use coconut oil, and for chocolate chips, simply select dairy-free chocolate chips. Enjoy your vegan, fudgy treat!