Roasted Cherry Brownies – Fudgy, Fruity & Absolutely Addictive
Adam
What happens when deep, rich chocolate meets the juicy sweetness of roasted cherries? You get the most unforgettable dessert bar of all time: Roasted Cherry Brownies. These brownies are ultra-fudgy, dark, and decadent — and the addition of roasted cherries takes them to another level of complexity and flavor. 🍫🍒
Perfect for summer cherry season, holidays, or anytime you're craving a brownie with a twist, this dessert is easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress. Whether you're baking for a picnic or a cozy night in, these cherry-packed chocolate squares won’t last long!
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Roasting & bake time 50 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins
🍒 Roasted Cherries:
- 2 cups cherries pitted
- 1 sprinkle of sugar
🍫 Brownie Batter:
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup Dutch process cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1⅓ cup white granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 egg yolk
- ⅓ cup oil vegetable or canola
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Step 1: Roast the Cherries
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place pitted cherries on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Sprinkle with a bit of sugar and roast for 15–18 minutes until soft and slightly caramelized.
Let cool and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
Lower oven temp to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk eggs, egg yolk, sugar, vanilla extract, oil, and melted butter until smooth.
Sift in cocoa powder, flour, cornstarch, and salt. Mix just until combined.
Fold in the chocolate chips and ¾ of the roasted cherries.
Step 3: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Scatter the remaining roasted cherries on top.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the center is just set and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
Cool completely before slicing into squares.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream 🍦
Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish
Drizzle with melted chocolate or cherry syrup
Enjoy with a cup of dark roast coffee or red wine
🔄 Variations
Cherry-Almond Brownies: Add almond extract to the batter for a nutty twist
Black Forest Brownies: Top with whipped cream and cherry sauce
Nutty Version: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
Boozy Cherries: Soak cherries in kirsch or bourbon before roasting
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days
Refrigerate for up to 1 week
Freezing:
Wrap brownies individually and freeze for up to 2 months
Thaw in fridge overnight or microwave for 20 seconds
Reheating:
Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to restore fudgy texture
❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, just thaw and drain well before roasting.
2. Can I skip roasting the cherries?
Technically yes, but roasting adds depth and concentrates the flavor.
3. Do I need to use Dutch process cocoa?
It gives a smoother, richer chocolate flavor, but regular cocoa works too.
4. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely — use a 9×13 pan and increase baking time by ~10 minutes.
5. What makes these brownies so fudgy?
The combo of egg yolk, oil, and cornstarch creates a moist, dense texture.
6. Can I make them in advance?
Yes! These taste even better the next day as the flavors meld.
7. Can I use milk chocolate chips instead?
Yes, though it will make them slightly sweeter and less intense.
8. How can I tell when they’re done?
Insert a toothpick — it should come out with moist crumbs, not raw batter.
9. What’s the best oil to use?
Neutral oils like canola or vegetable oil work best.
10. Can I add espresso?
Yes! A teaspoon of espresso powder intensifies the chocolate flavor.
💡 Pro Tips
Line your pan with parchment for easy lift-out and clean cuts
Don’t overbake — slightly underdone brownies are fudgier
Let brownies cool completely for the best slice and flavor
Roast cherries in advance to save time on baking day
Use high-quality chocolate for a more indulgent flavor
🏁 Conclusion
If you're looking for a dessert that combines rich chocolate indulgence with fresh summer flavor, these Roasted Cherry Brownies are your dream come true. With gooey texture, caramelized cherries, and melted chocolate in every bite, they’re not just brownies — they’re a whole experience. 🍫🍒
Whether you're serving them at a party, gifting them to friends, or just hoarding them for yourself (we won’t judge), this recipe is guaranteed to deliver bliss.