Roasted Cherry Brownies | Fudgy, Decadent & Bursting with Juicy Flavor

These Roasted Cherry Brownies combine deep chocolate richness with the juicy, slightly caramelized taste of roasted cherries. The brownies are soft, moist, and filled with cherry pieces inside and out. Roasting the cherries draws out their natural sugars and enhances their flavor, making each bite better than the last. This dessert is a perfect fusion of fruity brightness and rich cocoa intensity, offering a bakery-style treat that’s both comforting and crowd-pleasing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Roasted Cherry Brownies offer more than just a classic chocolate dessert. Roasting the fruit adds an elegant depth, and the double layer of cherries — both in the batter and on top — gives them visual appeal and bold flavor. They’re simple to make using pantry staples, require no mixer if you prefer, and bake in under an hour. Whether you’re baking for a gathering or just want something indulgent at home, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is split into two simple sections: roasted cherries and a rich brownie base.

For the Roasted Cherries

• 2 cups (276 g) sweet cherries, halved and pitted
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar

For the Brownies

• 1¼ cups (227.5 g) semisweet chocolate chips, divided
• ¾ cup (163.5 g) vegetable oil
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• ⅔ cup (133 g) packed light brown sugar
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (118 g) Dutch-processed cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

You can use either fresh or frozen cherries for this recipe. If frozen, allow them to thaw completely and pat them dry before roasting.

How to Make Roasted Cherry Brownies

These brownies are made in three easy stages. First, the cherries are roasted to intensify their flavor. Then, a rich chocolate batter is prepared, and finally, everything is baked and finished with the rest of the cherries on top. The result is a deeply chocolaty dessert with a fruity twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Roast the Cherries
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the cherry halves evenly on the sheet, sprinkle with sugar, and roast for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let them cool.

Step 2: Adjust Oven Temperature and Prepare the Pan
Lower the oven heat to 350°F. Lightly grease or spray a 9×9-inch baking dish and set it aside.

Step 3: Melt Chocolate with Oil
In a microwave-safe bowl, mix ½ cup of the chocolate chips with the oil. Microwave in 15-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 4: Whip Eggs and Sugars
In a mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Beat on high speed for 5 to 6 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes pale in color.

Step 5: Blend in the Melted Chocolate
Reduce speed to low and slowly add the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture. Mix until fully incorporated.

Step 6: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt.

Step 7: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet batter until just combined. Stir in the remaining chocolate chips and half of the roasted cherries.

Step 8: Transfer Batter and Bake
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish. Smooth the surface and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The brownies are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with only moist crumbs.

Step 9: Top with Remaining Cherries
Once the brownies are out of the oven, place the remaining roasted cherries on top while the brownies are still warm.

Step 10: Let Cool and Slice
Allow the brownies to cool for 15 to 20 minutes before cutting into squares. For clean edges, cool completely and refrigerate for easier slicing.

Helpful Tips

• Always roast the cherries first to intensify their flavor and remove excess moisture.
• Beat the eggs and sugars long enough to create a light, aerated base — this helps develop the glossy top.
• Don’t overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients. Overmixing will lead to cakier brownies.
• Use a metal baking pan for a more consistent bake.
• These brownies are even better after resting for a few hours.

Details

Flavor: Deep cocoa with sweet, juicy cherry bursts
Texture: Dense and fudgy with tender cherry pieces throughout
Occasion: Great for dinner parties, weekend baking, or romantic treats
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Notes (Optional Variations or Substitutions)

• Swap semisweet chips for dark chocolate if you like a more intense flavor
• Add ½ teaspoon almond extract to bring out the cherry notes
• Toss in chopped nuts for a crunchy texture
• Use gluten-free flour if needed — just pick a 1-to-1 baking blend

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	570
Fat	28g
Saturated Fat	7g
Unsaturated Fat	18g
Trans Fat	0g
Cholesterol	65mg
Sodium	100mg
Carbohydrates	75g
Fiber	4g
Sugar	52g
Protein	6g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does roasting cherries enhance their taste in brownies?
Yes. Roasting makes cherries sweeter and adds a depth of flavor that works beautifully with chocolate.

Should cherries be roasted before adding them to brownies?
Roasting is recommended because it concentrates flavor and prevents the fruit from making the batter soggy.

Can I make these brownies with frozen cherries?
Yes, you can. Just make sure they are thawed and dried before roasting and adding to the batter.

How do I keep cherries from sinking in the brownie batter?
Roasting helps reduce moisture, and folding the cherries gently into a thick batter helps keep them evenly distributed.

Storage Instructions

Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to five days. You can also freeze them for up to two months. To freeze, wrap each brownie individually and place in a freezer-safe container. Let thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave before serving.

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Conclusion

These Roasted Cherry Brownies are the kind of dessert that feels both indulgent and comforting. They blend rich cocoa flavor with the juicy punch of roasted cherries, giving you a treat that’s both beautiful and satisfying. Easy to make and perfect for sharing, they’re a wonderful twist on a classic brownie recipe. Give them a try and enjoy every fudgy, fruity bite.

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