If you’re searching for the perfect blend of gooey chocolate and sweet, juicy fruit, look no further than Roasted Cherry Brownies. These brownies combine lusciously rich semi-sweet chocolate with the deep, tart flavor of roasted cherries, resulting in a dessert that’s beautifully fudgy and totally irresistible. They’re ideal for summer gatherings, cozy weekend baking, or anytime you crave something decadently different—the roasted cherries infuse every bite with a flavor that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every element in this Roasted Cherry Brownies recipe has a purpose, combining to create a dessert that is layered, rich, and full of dimension. These aren’t complicated ingredients, but each plays its role in the final masterpiece—promise you’ll taste how every bite counts!
- Fresh cherries (1 cup, pitted and halved): Juicy cherries roast up beautifully, adding tartness that cuts through the chocolate richness.
- Granulated sugar (1 tablespoon + 3/4 cup): Used to sweeten both the cherries and the brownie batter for the perfect sweetness balance.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): This helps deliver those classic, fudgy brownies with melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Semi-sweet chocolate, chopped (8 ounces): The foundation of chocolate flavor—choose good quality for the best result!
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Adds just a hint of molasses warmth and extra moisture, making the brownies beautifully chewy.
- Large eggs (3): Eggs create that luscious, dense structure and glossy top.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavor complexity and rounds out the chocolate.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Just enough to hold things together while still keeping the brownies tender.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/4 cup): Deepens the chocolate flavor without adding extra sweetness.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A little salt sharpens the flavors and keeps the brownies from being too sweet.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1/2 cup, optional): For those who crave even more gooey chocolate pockets in every bite!
How to Make Roasted Cherry Brownies
Step 1: Roast the Cherries
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grab a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Toss your pitted, halved cherries with a tablespoon of sugar and spread them out in a single layer. Roast for 10 to 12 minutes, until the cherries are ribbony, soft, and surrounded by their own glistening juices. This step caramelizes the fruit and concentrates its flavor—don’t skip it!
Step 2: Prepare Your Pan and Lower the Heat
As your cherries are cooling, reduce the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prep an 8×8-inch baking pan by greasing it and lining it with parchment paper. That parchment will make lifting the brownies out for clean squares a breeze.
Step 3: Melt the Butter and Chocolate
In a medium saucepan set over low heat, gently melt the butter together with the chopped semi-sweet chocolate. Stir constantly until smooth and glossy. Then, remove from the heat and let it cool for a minute or two so the eggs won’t scramble in the next step.
Step 4: Whisk In the Sugars, Eggs, and Vanilla
To that melty chocolate mixture, add granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is well blended, and the mixture looks shiny and cohesive. The sugars will dissolve a little, giving you that signature crackly top.
Step 5: Sift and Fold in Dry Ingredients
Sift the flour, cocoa powder, and salt directly into your chocolate mixture. This helps keep the brownies tender and lump-free. Use a spatula to gently fold, just until no visible streaks remain—overmixing means cakier brownies!
Step 6: Add Roasted Cherries and Chocolate Chips
Take your beautifully roasted cherries (juices and all) and stir them gently into the batter. If you love extra chocolate, toss in the chocolate chips now. Every spoonful should look positively packed with chocolate and fruit.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re aiming for a toothpick with a few moist crumbs (not completely clean)—that’s the secret to fudge-factor! Cool the brownies in the pan, then lift and cut into luscious squares.
How to Serve Roasted Cherry Brownies
Garnishes
Dress up your brownies with a flourish! A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate is classic, but a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream really highlights the cherries’ brightness. Fresh cherry halves or chocolate shavings make an eye-catching finish, too.
Side Dishes
Roasted Cherry Brownies shine with simple accompaniments. Serve them alongside bowls of mixed fresh berries, or a silky scoop of custard. For a party, try offering espresso or rich hot chocolate, both of which complement the chocolate-cherry marriage splendidly.
Creative Ways to Present
For potlucks, cut your brownies into bite-sized pieces and skewer them with a roasted cherry on top—adorable and easy to share! Layer cubes into parfait glasses with creamy yogurt or ice cream for a deconstructed brownie sundae. Or, top warm brownies with roasted cherry compote and let everyone construct their own dreamy dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, keep your Roasted Cherry Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen as they sit, and they stay soft and fudgy. If your kitchen runs warm, refrigerate them and bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months. When the craving strikes, just thaw at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
For that just-baked warmth, pop a brownie in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. If reheating from frozen, let it thaw completely, then gently rewarm. This little heat boost brings out both the gooey chocolate and the bold cherry flavor—a total treat!
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries for Roasted Cherry Brownies?
Absolutely! If using frozen cherries, don’t thaw them before roasting—just toss them with sugar and extend the roasting time by a few minutes. They’ll release a bit more juice, but will still pack that wonderful roasted flavor.
What kind of chocolate works best for this recipe?
Semi-sweet chocolate is ideal for a deep, balanced flavor, but you can substitute with dark chocolate for something richer, or use milk chocolate for added sweetness. Good-quality chocolate makes a real difference here.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The results are still deliciously fudgy and moist, letting the cherries and chocolate shine.
Do Roasted Cherry Brownies need to be refrigerated?
They don’t need refrigeration if you’ll eat them within 2-3 days, but if your kitchen is warm or you’d like to extend their freshness, refrigerating is a smart option. If chilled, let them come to room temperature before enjoying.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Simply double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Check for doneness around the 30 to 35 minute mark—bigger pans may take just a bit longer, but you’ll have plenty to share.
Final Thoughts
These Roasted Cherry Brownies are honestly one of those desserts people will ask you about for years! Baking them fills your kitchen with the dreamy aroma of chocolate and roasted fruit, and one bite is enough to make anyone fall in love. Don’t wait for cherry season to try them—every batch is a celebration of everything brownies can be. I can’t wait for you to give them a try and see just how crowd-pleasing (and addictive!) they really are.
Print
Roasted Cherry Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 brownies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich chocolatey goodness of these fudgy Roasted Cherry Brownies, where sweet cherries add a burst of fruity flavor to every bite.
Ingredients
Fresh Cherries:
1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
Sugar Mixture:
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Brownie Batter:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 3 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Cherries: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cherries with sugar and roast for 10-12 minutes. Set aside.
- Prepare Batter: Melt butter and chocolate, then whisk in sugars, eggs, and vanilla. Fold in dry ingredients.
- Combine & Bake: Stir in roasted cherries and chocolate chips. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes.
- Cool & Serve: Let brownies cool in pan before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For an extra treat, serve with vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
