Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

If you’re looking for a dessert that will impress your friends and family while being incredibly easy to make, then these Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies are just the treat you need! They are rich, fudgy brownies topped with luscious roasted cherries that bring a burst of flavor in every bite. This recipe has become a beloved favorite in my home, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings where everyone craves something sweet. Just imagine pulling a warm batch from the oven and watching them disappear!

Not only do these brownies taste divine, but they also fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma as they bake. Whether it’s a cozy Sunday afternoon or a potluck with friends, these brownies are sure to delight.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you’ll have delicious brownies in no time.
• Fudgy Delight: The combination of melted chocolate chips and roasted cherries gives these brownies a rich texture that’s hard to resist.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves brownies! These are perfect for kids and adults alike.
• Make Ahead: They store beautifully, so feel free to whip them up ahead of time for those surprise guests or late-night cravings.
• Gorgeous Presentation: Topping the brownies with roasted cherries not only adds flavor but also makes them look stunning on any dessert table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun! You’ll find that these cherry brownies use simple, wholesome ingredients that you may already have at home. Let’s take a look at what you need:

• 2 cups Cherries cut in half (washed, pitted)
• Sprinkle of sugar
• 1 1/3 cup White granulated sugar
• 2 Large eggs
• 1 Egg yolk
• 5 TBSP Unsalted butter (melted)
• 1/3 cup Oil (canola or vegetable)
• 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup All-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup Dutch process cocoa powder
• 1 TBSP Cornstarch
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips

Variations

One of the best things about these Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies is how flexible they can be. Feel free to get creative with different flavors or substitutions!

• Add Nuts: For some crunch, throw in chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter!
• Use Different Fruit: Swap out cherries for raspberries or blueberries for a fruity twist.
• Make It Vegan: Replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water and use plant-based butter.
• Experiment with Flavors: Add a dash of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor even more!

How to Make Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Step 1: Roast the Cherries

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the halved cherries out evenly over it. A sprinkle of sugar over the cherries helps enhance their natural sweetness as they roast. Bake them for about 10 minutes until they soften and caramelize slightly. Allow them to cool while you prepare the brownie batter—this step brings out the best flavor in those juicy cherries!

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Now it’s time to prep your baking pan! Lower the oven temperature to 325°F and spray an 8×8 pan with non-stick spray. Line the bottom and two sides with parchment paper so your brownies come out easily after baking. A little extra spray on top will help prevent sticking.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, sift together your flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. This ensures there are no lumps and helps create that lovely fudgy texture we all adore. Set this bowl aside for now while we mix our wet ingredients.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Using a mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat together the white granulated sugar, eggs, and egg yolk on high speed for about five minutes until it’s fluffy and pale. While this is going on, melt your butter until it’s slightly cooled—this is important because it helps incorporate everything smoothly without cooking your eggs. Add in your melted butter, oil, and vanilla extract at low speed until combined.

Step 5: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Now comes the fun part! Remove your mixer bowl from its stand and gently fold in those dry ingredients using a rubber spatula. Be gentle—you want to keep as much air as possible so your brownies stay nice and dense.

Step 6: Add Cherries and Chocolate Chips

Take half of those beautifully roasted cherries and fold them into your brownie batter along with the semi-sweet chocolate chips. This will give every bite a delightful surprise! Pour this rich mixture into your prepared pan and smooth it out evenly.

Step 7: Bake Your Brownies

Pop your pan into the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges look set but the middle is still slightly underdone—it will firm up as they cool. Once out of the oven, sprinkle some extra chocolate chips on top if you’re feeling indulgent!

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let those decadent brownies cool completely in their pan before freezing them for about 15 minutes to make cutting easier. After that, top them off with any remaining roasted cherries you’ve saved aside before slicing into squares. Now gather around your loved ones because it’s time to dig in!

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Baking these brownies is a fun and rewarding experience, and a few pro tips can help you achieve the best results!

• Use fresh cherries – Fresh cherries will provide the best flavor and texture. Look for firm, plump cherries that are vibrant in color for the sweetest taste.

• Don’t overmix the batter – Once you add the dry ingredients, gently fold them into the wet mixture to keep your brownies fudgy. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture, which we want to avoid in these delightful treats.

• Check for doneness carefully – The brownies should be slightly undercooked in the center when you take them out of the oven. This ensures they remain fudgy and moist rather than dry.

• Let them cool completely before cutting – Allowing your brownies to cool fully helps them set up nicely, making it easier to cut into neat squares without crumbling.

• Experiment with chocolate chips – While semi-sweet chocolate chips are delicious, try using dark chocolate or even white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile that complements the cherries beautifully.

How to Serve Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

These Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies not only taste amazing but also look stunning when presented well! Here are some ideas on how to serve them.

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream – A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a light and creamy complement to the rich brownies.
• Chocolate drizzle – Drizzling some melted chocolate over the top adds an extra layer of indulgence and makes for an eye-catching presentation.
• Chopped nuts – Sprinkling some chopped walnuts or almonds on top provides an added crunch that pairs beautifully with the chewy brownie texture.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream – The classic pairing! The cold, creamy texture of vanilla ice cream contrasts perfectly with the warm brownies.
• Fresh fruit salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits can balance out the richness of the brownies and add a splash of color to your plate.
• Coffee or espresso – Serving these brownies alongside a cup of coffee or espresso enhances their flavors and makes for a delightful dessert experience.
• Milkshake – A thick chocolate or cherry milkshake would be an irresistible side that brings a nostalgic feel to your dessert table.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re well on your way to impressing friends and family with your delicious Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies are perfect for meal prep! You can make them in advance and enjoy their rich, fudgy goodness throughout the week. Here’s how to store them properly to keep them fresh.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the brownies to cool completely before storing.
• Place brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped brownies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place brownies on a baking sheet and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
• Alternatively, microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies.

Can I substitute the cherries in the Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies?

Absolutely! If cherries aren’t in season or you prefer something different, feel free to use other fruits like raspberries or blueberries. The brownies will still be delicious with these alternatives!

How do I know when my Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies are done?

The edges of the brownies should be set while the middle remains slightly underdone. This creates that perfect fudgy texture. It’s best to do a toothpick test; if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready!

Are Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies gluten-free?

You can make these brownies gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. Just ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

What is the best way to serve Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies?

These brownies are delightful on their own but can be enhanced with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream or a dollop of whipped coconut cream on top.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am about making these Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies! They bring together the sweetness of roasted cherries and the richness of chocolate for an indulgent treat that’s sure to impress. Enjoy every bite, share with loved ones, and don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite toppings. Happy baking!