Nothing beats the cozy comfort of a rich and decadent treat, right? That’s why I’m so excited to share this Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe with you — it’s one of those desserts that’s fudgy, fruity, and bursting with chocolatey goodness all at once. If you love brownies with a twist, this recipe will soon become your go-to. Trust me, the roasted cherries take these brownies to a whole new level of yum!

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Why This Recipe Works

Roasted Cherries: Roasting intensifies the cherries’ flavor and gives a lovely caramelized sweetness that balances the rich chocolate.
Fudgy Texture: The combination of butter, oil, and eggs creates that perfect dense, fudgy brownie you crave.
Dutch-process Cocoa Powder: Adds a deep chocolate flavor with smoothness that pairs beautifully with the tart cherries.
Chocolate Chips Inside and On Top: Melting chocolate chips inside and sprinkling some on top keeps every bite extra gooey and decadent.

Chocolate Cherry Brownies, cherry brownies with chocolate, fudgy cherry chocolate dessert, homemade chocolate cherry brownies, easy cherry brownie recipe - Nine square pieces of dark brown chocolate brownies are placed on light brown parchment paper over a wooden board on a white marbled surface. The brownies have a chewy texture with visible shiny red cherries and scattered small chocolate chips on top. Around the board, dark red cherries with stems are scattered, and a white bowl filled with cherries is visible in the lower right corner. A small glass of milk is in the upper left corner. The overall look is rich and inviting with deep red and brown tones standing out against the light background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe are simple but thoughtfully chosen to bring out the best flavor and texture. Once you have quality cherries and Dutch-process cocoa, the rest just falls into place. Here’s what I love about each one.

Cherries: Fresh, halved cherries provide juicy bursts of tartness; roasting them with sugar caramelizes their natural sugars.
White Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the brownies smoothly without overpowering the cherry flavor.
Large Eggs & Egg Yolk: Eggs are the backbone for structure and richness, with that extra yolk boosting fudginess.
Unsalted Butter: Melted for easy mixing, butter adds flavor and tenderness.
Oil (canola or vegetable): Keeps brownies moist and chewy without heaviness.
Pure Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm aroma.
All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure but light enough not to stiffen the texture.
Dutch-Process Cocoa Powder: Provides a deep chocolate flavor with smooth richness.
Cornstarch: A subtle addition that helps brownies stay soft and tender.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and elevate the chocolate.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Adds melty pockets of chocolate throughout for that extra indulgence.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the great things about this Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe is how easily you can tweak it to suit whatever mood you’re in or whatever you have in your pantry. I often switch up the type of chocolate chips or try different fruit combos depending on the season. Feel free to make it your own!

Variation: I’ve swapped cherries for raspberries or blackberries when cherries weren’t in season — it’s still amazing and a bit tangier.
Dietary Mods: You could experiment with coconut oil instead of butter and oil for a dairy-free version.
Extra Crunch: Try adding chopped pecans or walnuts for a bit of texture contrast.
Spiced Twist: A pinch of cinnamon or chili powder in the batter adds a subtle warmth that’s surprising and delicious.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Cherries

First things first: turn your oven up to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the halved cherries out, sprinkle them lightly with sugar, and roast for about 10 minutes. This step is a game-changer — roasting sweetens and softens the cherries, giving your brownies a rich, jammy flavor. Once done, let them cool completely; you don’t want those warm cherries melting your brownie batter just yet!

Step 2: Prepare Your Brownie Pan & Dry Ingredients

Lower the oven temperature to 325°F. I like to spray an 8×8 pan with non-stick spray and line the bottom plus two sides with parchment paper — this makes lifting the brownies out a breeze later. Then give the pan another light spray on top of the paper so nothing sticks.

Next, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Sifting helps break up any lumps and ensures your batter is smooth and even.

Step 3: Beat Eggs and Sugar Until Fluffy

Use a mixer with the whisk attachment on high speed and whip the sugar, eggs, and extra yolk for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial because it traps air in the batter, which contributes to a lighter texture despite the fudginess. You’ll see the mixture become pale and fluffy — that’s exactly what you want!

Step 4: Add Butter, Oil, and Vanilla

Melt your butter and let it cool slightly — you don’t want to cook the eggs when you add it. Slowly mix in the melted butter, oil, and vanilla extract on low speed just until combined. This blend keeps your brownies moist and tender without weighing them down.

Step 5: Fold in Dry Ingredients, Cherries & Chocolate Chips

Now, take that sifted dry mix and gently fold it into your wet mixture with a rubber spatula. Be gentle here — folding, not stirring, ensures you keep as much air as possible for that wonderful texture.

Next, fold in half of your roasted cherries and the semi-sweet chocolate chips. The cherries hide delightful pockets of juicy tartness, and the chips melt for gooey chocolate bursts.

Step 6: Bake and Finish

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes — you’re aiming for set edges but a slightly underdone center to keep the fudgy integrity. Once out of the oven, sprinkle the top with the rest of your chocolate chips and let the brownies cool completely in the pan.

For clean slices and easier handling, pop the brownies in the freezer for 15 minutes before lifting them out and topping with the remaining roasted cherries. Then cut into squares and enjoy!

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Tips from My Kitchen

Don’t Overmix Dry Ingredients: Folding gently keeps your brownies light and tender – giving them the perfect texture.
Roast Cherries Just Right: Keep an eye during roasting; too long and cherries can dry out, too short and they won’t be as flavorful.
Parchment Paper Makes Life Easier: Always line and spray your pan well to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
Check Doneness Carefully: Edges should be set and center just slightly underdone – this trick keeps them chewy and fudgy.

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping finished brownies with a few extra roasted cherries right before serving—it not only looks gorgeous but adds a burst of fresh flavor. Sometimes, I add a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate to amp up the presentation. If you’re feeling extra decadent, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream is an unbeatable combo.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with a cup of strong coffee or a creamy latte. For a full dessert spread, I like serving alongside fresh berries or a citrus salad to cut through the sweetness. It’s also great with a glass of red wine for adult gatherings—sounds fancy but so simple!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes cut the brownies into mini squares and serve them on pretty platters with skewered cherries on top. Another fun idea is layering broken brownie pieces with whipped cream and more cherries for a quick, no-bake brownie trifle that looks stunning at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I pop any leftover brownies in an airtight container and store them at room temperature for up to 3 days. They actually taste better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together. Just be sure to keep them away from strong-smelling foods, so those gorgeous cherries and chocolate stay fresh.

Freezing

Freezing works great for this recipe, especially if you want to prep a batch ahead of time. I wrap each brownie square individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe box. When thawed, they retain their fudgy texture and cherry goodness pretty well.

Reheating

To warm them up, I usually pop a brownie in the microwave for 15-20 seconds — just enough to melt the chocolate chips and bring back that soft, chewy feel. You could also warm them briefly in a low oven wrapped in foil, but be careful not to dry them out!

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries for this Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe?

Yes! If using frozen cherries, make sure to thaw and drain them well before roasting to avoid excess moisture in the batter, which can affect texture. Roasting helps concentrate their flavor too.
Why do you use both butter and oil in the brownies?

The butter adds rich flavor and a tender crumb, while the oil helps keep the brownies moist and chewy. Using both balances taste and texture perfectly.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Try swapping the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup. Adding a little xanthan gum can help with structure if your blend doesn’t contain it.
How do I know when the brownies are perfectly baked?

Look for brownies with set edges that start to pull away from the pan and a center that still looks slightly underdone and glossy. They’ll firm up as they cool.
Can I skip roasting the cherries?

You could, but roasting really intensifies their sweetness and flavor. If you skip it, you might want to add a bit more sugar to compensate for the tartness.

Final Thoughts

Out of all the brownie recipes I’ve tried, this Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe holds a special place in my heart—and on my kitchen counter! The roasted cherries add a delightful fruitiness that makes each bite feel unique. It’s a recipe you’ll want to keep coming back to whether for a casual treat or a special occasion. So grab your cherries, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy some seriously amazing brownies!