Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug, you’ve come to the right place! These Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies are my absolute favorite treat to whip up on busy weeknights or during family gatherings. There’s something magical about combining rich, fudgy chocolate brownies with the sweet, tart burst of roasted cherries. Every bite is a little piece of heaven, and I can’t wait to share this recipe with you!

These brownies are not just delicious; they’re also incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your friends, or a special occasion, these Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super fudgy texture: These brownies are incredibly moist and rich, making them the perfect chocolate fix.
• Fresh cherry goodness: Roasting brings out the natural sweetness in cherries, giving each brownie a delightful fruity twist.
• Simple ingredients: You probably have most of these ingredients in your pantry already!
• Perfect for sharing: With 16 scrumptious squares, they’re perfect for parties or potlucks.
• Make-ahead option: Bake them ahead of time and freeze for an easy dessert whenever you need it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll love how simple and wholesome these ingredients are! Let’s gather what we need to make these delightful Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies.

For the Brownies:

• 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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative and adjust it to your taste preferences. Here are some fun variation ideas:

• Add nuts: Stir in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Mix in other fruits: Try adding raspberries or strawberries along with the cherries for a berry explosion.
• Experiment with chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips for an intense chocolate flavor or white chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
• Make them gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend.

How to Make Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Step 1: Roast the Cherries

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread your halved cherries over it. A sprinkle of sugar on top will enhance their sweetness as they roast. Bake them for about 10 minutes until they’re tender and aromatic. Let them cool while you prepare the brownie batter.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan

Once your cherries are roasting, lower the oven temperature to 325°F. Grab an 8X8 pan and spray it with baking non-stick spray. Line the bottom and two sides with parchment paper and give it another quick spray. This ensures your brownies come out easily after baking!

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. This step is important because it helps prevent lumps in your batter. Set aside while we whip up the wet ingredients.

Step 4: Beat the Eggs and Sugar

Using a mixer with a whisk attachment, beat together the sugar, eggs, and egg yolk on high speed for about five minutes. This process incorporates air into the mixture, which makes our brownies light yet fudgy when baked.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

While that’s mixing away, melt your butter until it’s slightly cooled but still liquidy. Add in the melted butter along with oil and vanilla extract, mixing on low until combined. Be careful not to overmix here; we want everything blended without losing that lovely airy texture.

Step 6: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to bring everything together! Gently fold in your dry ingredients using a rubber spatula until just combined—this keeps our brownies soft and chewy.

Step 7: Add Cherries and Chocolate Chips

Take half of those delicious roasted cherries and fold them into your brownie batter along with semi-sweet chocolate chips. Pour this luscious mixture into your prepared pan and smooth it out evenly.

Step 8: Bake the Brownies

Pop those beauties into your preheated oven and bake for about 40-50 minutes. The edges should be set while the center remains slightly underdone—that’s where all that fudginess comes from! Top with extra chocolate chips if you’re feeling indulgent.

Step 9: Cool & Serve

Once baked, let your brownies cool completely in the pan before transferring them out. Top them off with remaining roasted cherries for that stunning presentation! Chill them in the freezer for about 15 minutes before cutting into squares—trust me; they slice beautifully when chilled.

Enjoy sharing these Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies with friends and family—they won’t last long!

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Baking these brownies is a delightful experience, and with a few handy tips, you can elevate your results to perfection!

• Choose ripe cherries: Using fresh, ripe cherries enhances the flavor of your brownies. Their natural sweetness will balance the rich chocolate, making each bite a burst of deliciousness.

• Don’t overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to denser brownies that lose their fudgy texture.

• Check for doneness: To ensure your brownies are perfectly baked, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs attached—this means they’re perfectly fudgy!

• Let them cool completely: Allowing the brownies to cool in the pan ensures they set properly and makes cutting them easier. This way, you’ll avoid ending up with messy pieces.

• Experiment with toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings! A sprinkle of sea salt or a drizzle of chocolate ganache can add an extra layer of flavor and presentation.

How to Serve Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Presenting your roasted chocolate cherry brownies beautifully can make them all the more enticing. Here are some ideas to impress your family and friends!

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a light and creamy contrast to the rich brownies.
• Chocolate drizzle: Drizzling melted semi-sweet chocolate over the top creates a beautiful finish and extra indulgence.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The classic pairing! The cold creaminess of vanilla ice cream complements the warm, fudgy brownies perfectly.

• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits balances out the richness of the brownies while adding vibrant color to your plate.

• Coffee or espresso: A cup of freshly brewed coffee or espresso brings out the chocolate flavors even more, making it an excellent companion for dessert lovers.

Now that you’re all set with tips on how to make these delightful roasted chocolate cherry brownies and how to serve them up beautifully, it’s time to indulge in this heavenly treat! Enjoy every fudgy bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week, making them an ideal treat for busy days or unexpected guests.

Storing Leftovers

• Store your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week.
• If you notice them getting a bit dry, consider adding a slice of bread to the container to help maintain moisture.

Freezing

• To freeze, wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Make sure to label the bag with the date so you can keep track of how long they’ve been in there.
• These brownies can be frozen for up to 3 months—perfect for a sweet treat anytime!

Reheating

• To reheat your brownies, simply place them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Alternatively, you can pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. This will help restore their fudgy texture!

FAQs

Got questions about these delicious Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies? Here are some common queries!

Can I use frozen cherries for my Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies?

Absolutely! Frozen cherries will work just fine. Just make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before using them in your recipe.

How do I ensure my Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies are fudgy?

To achieve that rich fudgy texture, be careful not to overbake your brownies. They should have set edges but remain slightly underdone in the center when you take them out of the oven.

What if I don’t have Dutch process cocoa powder?

You can substitute it with natural cocoa powder; however, this may slightly alter the taste and color of your brownies.

What toppings complement Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies?

Whipped coconut cream, fresh mint leaves, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup make wonderful toppings that enhance the flavor!

Can I add nuts to my Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a delightful crunch and complement the cherries beautifully.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies as much as I do! The combination of rich chocolate and sweet roasted cherries creates an irresistible dessert that’s sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to share this recipe with friends or family—they’ll love it too! Happy baking!