Name: Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies for Ultimate Indulgence
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 80 min
Ingredients: 2 cups Cherries (Provides natural sweetness and tartness; frozen cherries can work too but should be thawed first.); 1 1/3 cups Sugar (Adds sweetness and helps achieve that fudgy texture; no common substitute recommended.); 2 Large Eggs (Essential for structure and moisture; ensure they are beaten well to incorporate air for fluffiness.); 1 Egg Yolk; 5 tbsp Unsalted Butter (Adds richness and moisture; can substitute with a similar amount of vegetable oil if desired.); 1/3 cup Canola or Vegetable Oil (Provides moisture and tenderness; olive oil is a fine alternative.); 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (Enhances the overall flavor profile; no substitutions recommended for best results.); 3/4 cup All-Purpose Flour (Gives structure to the brownies; you may use gluten-free flour blends, but the results may vary.); 3/4 cup Dutch Process Cocoa Powder (Adds a deep chocolate flavor; regular cocoa can substitute, but the taste will differ.); 1 tbsp Cornstarch (Helps create a softer, fudgier texture; best not to substitute this ingredient.); 1 tsp Salt (Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor; feel free to use sea salt as an alternative.); 1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

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As the aroma of roasted cherries starts to fill your kitchen, you’re not just making dessert – you’re creating a moment to savor. These Fudgy Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies come together effortlessly, delivering a heavenly treat that marries the deep richness of chocolate with the bright burst of sweet, juicy cherries. Not only are they incredibly fudgy and rich, but they also bring a delightful twist to the classic brownie, making them a perfect choice for everything from weeknight cravings to special celebrations. Each bite offers comfort, satisfaction, and a subtle hint of sophistication. Ready to impress your friends and family or just treat yourself? Let’s dive into this heavenly recipe that’s sure to become a favorite!

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Why Choose Chocolate Cherry Brownies?

Indulgence at Its Finest: Each bite of these brownies perfectly balances rich chocolate and the natural sweetness of roasted cherries, elevating your typical brownie experience.

Easy to Make: Even if you’re new to baking, the process is simple and straightforward—perfect for homemade gifts or cozy family gatherings.

Versatile Delight: Serve them warm with vanilla ice cream or whip up some fresh cream for a lavish treat. They’re perfect for celebrations, like a romantic dinner or a birthday bash!

Instant Crowd-Pleaser: Impress your guests with these fudgy brownies that beckon with their delightful aroma. Pair them with desserts like Raspberry Chocolate Mousse for a dessert spread that can’t be beaten!

Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownie Ingredients

For the Brownies

Cherries (2 cups) – Provides natural sweetness and tartness, enhancing flavor; frozen cherries can work too but should be thawed first.
Sugar (1 1/3 cups) – Adds sweetness and helps achieve that fudgy texture; no common substitute recommended.
Large Eggs (2) & Egg Yolk (1) – Essential for structure and moisture; ensure they are beaten well to incorporate air for fluffiness.
Unsalted Butter (5 tbsp, melted) – Adds richness and moisture; can substitute with a similar amount of vegetable oil if desired.
Canola or Vegetable Oil (1/3 cup) – Provides moisture and tenderness; olive oil is a fine alternative.
Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Enhances the overall flavor profile; no substitutions recommended for best results.
All-Purpose Flour (3/4 cup) – Gives structure to the brownies; you may use gluten-free flour blends, but the results may vary.
Dutch Process Cocoa Powder (3/4 cup) – Adds a deep chocolate flavor; regular cocoa can substitute, but the taste will differ.
Cornstarch (1 tbsp) – Helps create a softer, fudgier texture; best not to substitute this ingredient.
Salt (1 tsp) – Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor; feel free to use sea salt as an alternative.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1 cup) – Adds pockets of melted chocolate for extra richness; dark chocolate chips can be used for a more intense flavor.

Enjoy creating these Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies that deliver a fudgy, delightful treat you won’t want to miss!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Step 1: Preheat and Roast Cherries
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven warms, spread halved cherries evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle them with sugar and roast for about 10 minutes until they soften and their juices start to thicken. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool while you prepare the brownie batter.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
After the cherries cool, lower the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C). Prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by lightly spraying it with non-stick spray and lining the bottom with parchment paper. This will ensure your fudgy roasted chocolate cherry brownies release easily after baking.

Step 3: Sift the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, Dutch process cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. This step is crucial as it aerates the dry ingredients, ensuring a light and fudgy texture. Set this mixture aside while you focus on beating the wet ingredients.

Step 4: Beat Sugar and Eggs
Using a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, combine the sugar, large eggs, and egg yolk in a mixing bowl. Beat on high speed for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color. This process will help create the crackly top that defines your roasted chocolate cherry brownies.

Step 5: Incorporate Wet Ingredients
Once the egg mixture is fluffy, mix in the melted butter, canola oil, and vanilla extract until fully combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. This rich mixture enhances the moisture and flavor of the brownies, setting a perfect stage for the dry ingredients.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gently fold the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula. Be careful to mix just until combined; over-mixing can lead to dense brownies. The batter should appear thick and glossy, suggesting that your roasted chocolate cherry brownies will be fudgy and delicious.

Step 7: Add Cherries and Chocolate Chips
Once the batter is combined, fold in half of the roasted cherries and all of the semi-sweet chocolate chips. The chocolate will melt delightfully during baking, creating indulgent pockets of gooeyness. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even bake.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake the brownies for 40-50 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are set, but the center remains slightly underdone, giving a fudgy consistency. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with moist crumbs, indicating a delicious finish.

Step 9: Cool and Serve
After baking, allow your roasted chocolate cherry brownies to cool completely in the pan. For an extra indulgent treat, freeze them for approximately 15 minutes, making them easier to cut into squares. Just before serving, top with the remaining roasted cherries for a burst of flavor and a gorgeous presentation.

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Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies Variations

Feel free to add your personal twist to these delicious brownies and make them your own!

Nutty Boost: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the fudgy texture.
Berry Blend: Swap half the cherries for raspberries or blackberries to create a mixed berry brownie experience that’s vibrant in color and taste.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of cinnamon to the batter for a surprising depth of flavor that adds warmth to each bite.
Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter or coconut oil, and use dairy-free chocolate chips for a rich, dairy-free treat.
Chocolate Lovers: Experiment by swapping in dark chocolate chips for semi-sweet ones or mix in white chocolate chunks for a sweeter profile.
Cherry Choco Swirl: Instead of just mixing in the cherries, create layers by pouring half the batter, adding cherries, then topping with the remaining batter for a stunning marbled effect.
Savory Touch: Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top just before serving for a sublime sweet-and-salty contrast. It’ll enhance the flavors and bring out the richness of the chocolate.
Fruity Essence: Enhance the flavor by adding a teaspoon of almond extract instead of vanilla, which pairs wonderfully with chocolate and cherries.

With these variations, your Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies can cater to your taste preferences and impress your friends and family! And if you’re in the mood for more tempting desserts, check out our delightful recipe for Texas Chocolate Pecan pie or whip together some Pistachio Cream Chocolate chip cookies!

Make Ahead Options

These Fudgy Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies are perfect for meal prep! You can roast the cherries and make the brownie batter up to 24 hours in advance. Simply roast the halved cherries, let them cool, and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Prepare the brownie batter and store it covered in the fridge as well. When you’re ready to bake, pour the batter into the prepared pan, fold in the cooled cherries, and bake as instructed. This method ensures your brownies retain their rich fudginess and flavor, providing a delicious dessert with minimal effort when you need it most!

What to Serve with Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies?

Elevate your dessert experience by pairing these fudgy delights with complementary flavors and textures that will make taste buds dance.

Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic choice, the creamy coldness of vanilla ice cream contrasts beautifully with warm brownies, enhancing their rich chocolate flavor.
Fresh Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, whipped cream adds a delightful airy touch that balances the rich fudge of the brownies, making each bite a little lighter.
Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce honey-like over the brownies amplifies their indulgence, creating an oasis of chocolatey goodness that appeals to all chocolate lovers.
Raspberry Coulis: The bright tartness of raspberry coulis cuts through the rich fudginess, bringing a fresh and fruity contrast that makes for a sophisticated dessert.
Espresso or Coffee: Complement the rich chocolate flavor with a hot cup of espresso or coffee; the bitterness will enhance the brownie’s sweetness and add depth to the experience.
Cherries Jubilee: For an elevated touch, serve the brownies alongside a warm cherries jubilee. The extra layer of roasted cherry sweetness echoes the brownies’ flavors, creating a perfect harmony.

Each pairing brings a unique experience to the table, ensuring that your Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies shine even brighter at any gathering!

How to Store and Freeze Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

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

Fridge: If you prefer chilled brownies, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, but let them come to room temperature before serving for the best taste.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze brownies for up to 30 days. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating: To enjoy, thaw brownies overnight in the fridge or at room temperature, then warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to revive their fudgy goodness.

Expert Tips for Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Perfect Egg Beating: Ensure to beat the eggs for the full 5 minutes to achieve that signature crinkle top. This is key to the brownies’ texture.
Cherries in the Right Place: Avoid placing the roasted cherries on top of the brownies before baking, as they release moisture and can make the brownies soggy.
Frozen Cherry Prep: If you opt for frozen cherries, be sure to thaw them thoroughly and pat them dry to prevent excess liquid from affecting the brownie batter.
Gentle Mixing: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, fold gently. Over-mixing can lead to denser, less fudgy brownies, defeating the purpose of these roasted chocolate cherry brownies.
Testing for Doneness: Check the brownies around the 40-minute mark. A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs, giving a clue that they are perfectly fudgy, not overbaked.

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Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe FAQs

What kind of cherries should I use for this recipe?
I recommend using fresh cherries for the best flavor and texture. If fresh cherries aren’t available, frozen cherries will work nicely, but be sure to thaw and pat them dry to reduce excess moisture before adding them to your batter.

How should I store the brownies after baking?
To keep your roasted chocolate cherry brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you like them chilled, they can last for about a week in the refrigerator—just let them warm up a bit before serving for optimal flavor!

Can I freeze these brownies? If so, how?
Absolutely! To freeze your brownies, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 30 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw overnight in the fridge or leave them out at room temperature for a couple of hours.

What if my brownies turn out too dry or crumbly?
If you find your brownies drying out, make sure you’re not overbaking them! Begin checking for doneness around the 40-minute mark; the center should be slightly underdone. Additionally, beating the eggs adequately for the full recommended time incorporates air, enhancing moistness.

Is this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions, like gluten-free eaters?
Yes, you can make these delicious brownies gluten-free! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, though the texture might vary slightly. As always, it’s wise to check for any allergies or dietary restrictions related to your ingredients, especially when using nuts or other add-ins.