Name: Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-487093H48M12S
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cherries, halved, pitted, and washed; Sprinkle of sugar (for roasting); 1⅓ cups granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 egg yolk; 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; ⅓ cup canola or vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; ¾ cup all-purpose flour; ¾ cup Dutch-process cocoa powder; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

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These rich, fudgy brownies are loaded with roasted cherries and pockets of melty chocolate, delivering an irresistible blend of fruity sweetness and deep cocoa flavor in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Decadently Fudgy: Extra moist and rich, with crisp edges and a gooey center.
Intense Cherry Flavor: Roasting intensifies the cherries’ natural sweetness and pairs perfectly with dark chocolate.
Easy, Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Simple steps yield an impressive, bakery-quality treat.
Year-Round Appeal: Works with fresh cherries in season or frozen cherries any time.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups cherries, halved, pitted, and washed
Sprinkle of sugar
1⅓ cup white granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 egg yolk
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
⅓ cup canola or vegetable oil
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
¾ cup all-purpose flour
¾ cup Dutch process cocoa powder
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions

Roast The Cherries:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the cherry halves in a single layer. Sprinkle lightly with sugar. Roast for 10 minutes, then let cool.
Prep The Pan:
Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (165°C). Spray an 8×8-inch pan with nonstick spray. Line the bottom and two sides with parchment paper, then spray again.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Set aside.
Beat Sugar & Eggs:
In a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, beat the sugar, eggs, and egg yolk on high speed for 5 minutes, until pale and fluffy.
Combine Wet Ingredients:
While the eggs whip, melt the butter and let cool slightly. Add melted butter, oil, and vanilla to the egg mixture. Mix on low until just combined.
Add Dry Ingredients:
Remove from mixer. Gently fold in the dry ingredients with a spatula—be careful not to deflate the mixture.
Fold In Cherries & Chocolate:
Add half the roasted cherries and all the chocolate chips. Fold gently to combine. Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake:
Bake for 40–50 minutes, until the edges are set but the center is just slightly underdone. Top with extra chocolate chips if desired. Let brownies cool completely in the pan.
Finish & Serve:
Freeze the brownies in the pan for 15 minutes for easier slicing. Remove from the pan, top with the remaining roasted cherries, slice, and serve.

Servings And Timing

Servings: 9–12
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 40–50 minutes
Cooling & Finishing: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Variations

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
Extra Fruity: Add a swirl of cherry preserves before baking.
Nutty: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts with the cherries.
Different Chips: Use dark, milk, or white chocolate chips for variety.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature: Store brownies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Chilled brownies stay fresh up to 5 days; bring to room temperature before serving.
Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temp before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I Use Frozen Cherries?

Yes—thaw, drain, and pat dry before roasting.

2. Why Roast The Cherries?

Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and intensifies flavor.

3. Can I Skip The Cornstarch?

Cornstarch helps with fudgy texture, but you can omit if needed.

4. How Do I Know When Brownies Are Done?

Edges should be set, center just a bit underdone. They continue to set as they cool.

5. Can I Double The Recipe?

Yes—bake in a 9×13-inch pan and check for doneness at 40 minutes.

6. What If I Don’t Have Dutch Cocoa?

Natural unsweetened cocoa works, but Dutch cocoa adds depth.

7. Can I Make These Dairy-Free?

Use vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips.

8. How Do I Get Clean Slices?

Freeze briefly before cutting and wipe the knife between slices.

9. Can I Make Ahead?

Yes—brownies taste even better the next day!

10. What Other Fruit Can I Use?

Try raspberries, blueberries, or chopped strawberries for a twist.

Conclusion

Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies are a fudgy, indulgent treat combining the best of rich cocoa and tangy roasted fruit. With a simple method and crowd-pleasing flavor, these brownies are sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a special homemade dessert any day of the week. Enjoy every decadent bite!

Maggie