Roasted Cherry Brownies Recipe
If you are searching for a delightful twist on a classic treat, this Roasted Cherry Brownies Recipe will totally win your heart. Imagine deeply fudgy, rich chocolate brownies bursting with the sweet and tart flavor of cherries that have been perfectly roasted to bring out their natural sweetness. The combination creates a sensational contrast in every bite that makes this dessert feel both indulgent and special. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just because, these brownies are guaranteed to become a cherished favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because it uses simple, straightforward ingredients that pack a punch in flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays an important role, from tender cherries adding moisture and tang to rich cocoa powder creating that deep chocolate essence you crave in brownies.
- Sweet cherries, pitted and halved: Roasting them intensifies their sweetness and adds a lovely soft texture throughout the brownies.
- Granulated sugar: This helps to balance the tartness of the cherries and sweetens the batter.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: Divided later to melt into the batter and to create gooey chocolate bursts.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the brownies moist and indulgently tender.
- Light brown sugar: Adds a touch of caramel flavor and moisture.
- Large eggs at room temperature: Provide structure and richness to the batter.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors for a rounded taste experience.
- All-purpose flour: Gives body to the brownies without weighing them down.
- Dutch-processed cocoa powder: Offers that smooth, rich chocolate flavor with less acidity.
- Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the chocolate notes.
How to Make Roasted Cherry Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Cherries
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the halved cherries evenly over the surface. Sprinkle them lightly with granulated sugar to enhance their natural juices while roasting. Pop them into the oven for about 10 minutes. This step softens the cherries and concentrates their flavor perfectly, creating a luscious layer that brightens the dense chocolate of the brownies.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish and Preheat Oven
After roasting the cherries, reduce your oven temperature to 350°F and prepare a 9×9-inch baking dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray. This small detail ensures your brownies will release easily without any sticky mess.
Step 3: Melt Chocolate and Oil
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine half of the chocolate chips with vegetable oil. Microwave in short 15-second bursts, stirring in between, until everything is melted together into a smooth, glossy mixture. This intense chocolate base is where the magic truly starts for these brownies.
Step 4: Whip Sugars, Eggs, and Vanilla
Place the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Beat on high for 5 to 6 minutes until the mixture lightens in color and nearly doubles in size. This step incorporates air, creating a light and fluffy texture that’s critical to balancing the dense richness of the chocolate and cherries.
Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients
Slowly drizzle the warm chocolate and oil mixture into the whipped sugar and eggs while mixing on low speed. Be gentle here; you want to combine everything smoothly without deflating those beautifully aerated eggs.
Step 6: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and kosher salt until well blended. The dry elements provide structure, while the cocoa powder adds depth and that signature chocolate flavor with a silky texture.
Step 7: Fold Dry Ingredients, Chocolate Chips, and Roasted Cherries
Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and fold gently until just combined. Overmixing can make the brownies tough, so careful folding is key. Then fold in the remaining chocolate chips along with half of the roasted cherries, distributing these bursts of flavor and texture evenly throughout the batter.
Step 8: Bake the Brownies
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top carefully. Bake in the preheated 350°F oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs but no raw batter. This ensures your brownies maintain that fudgy interior everyone loves.
Step 9: Top and Cool
As soon as the brownies come out of the oven, sprinkle the remaining roasted cherries on top for an extra cherry punch and beautiful presentation. Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for a bit before slicing and serving to let the flavors meld and the texture set perfectly.
How to Serve Roasted Cherry Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a little extra flair to your roasted cherry brownies can make them feel even more special. Consider dusting the tops with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or adding a dollop of whipped cream for creaminess. A few fresh cherries on the side can also highlight the star ingredient and add visual appeal.
Side Dishes
These decadent brownies pair incredibly well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which melts beautifully into the warm chocolate. A hot cup of coffee or rich espresso is another classic choice, balancing the sweetness with a little bitterness. For a more decadent option, try a drizzle of salted caramel sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving these brownies as part of a dessert platter with fresh fruits and nuts can turn them into an elegant treat. You can also cut them into bite-sized squares and serve on decorative toothpicks for parties or gatherings. Wrapping individual brownies in parchment paper tied with a ribbon makes a wonderful homemade gift option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover roasted cherry brownies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay moist and delicious for up to 3 days. If you live in a warmer or more humid climate, storing them in the refrigerator can help, just be sure to bring them to room temperature before enjoying to soften the chocolate.
Freezing
If you want to keep these brownies for longer, they freeze beautifully. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing their delightful texture and flavor.
Reheating
To enjoy your brownies warm, remove from freezing or storage and microwave for about 15 seconds. Alternatively, you can warm them in a preheated 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes wrapped in foil to prevent drying out. Warm brownies bring out the gooey chocolate and soften the roasted cherries wonderfully.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh for the Roasted Cherry Brownies Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before roasting to avoid excess moisture that might affect the brownie texture.
What type of cocoa powder is best for this recipe?
Dutch-processed cocoa powder is recommended because it provides a milder, smoother chocolate flavor that balances well with the sweetness of the roasted cherries.
Can I substitute butter for vegetable oil in this Roasted Cherry Brownies Recipe?
While vegetable oil keeps the brownies extra moist and tender, you can substitute melted butter for a richer flavor but expect a slightly firmer texture.
How do I know when the brownies are perfectly baked?
Look for brownies that pull away slightly from the edges of the pan and test with a toothpick inserted into the center. It should come out with moist crumbs but no wet batter.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a lovely crunch and complement the chocolate and cherry flavors. Fold them in with the chocolate chips for extra texture.
Final Thoughts
This Roasted Cherry Brownies Recipe is truly a celebration of chocolate and fruit combined in the most delightful way. Baking these brownies brings warmth to your kitchen and joy to anyone lucky enough to taste them. I can’t wait for you to share this recipe with friends and family because once you try it, it’s sure to become a beloved classic in your home too!
Print
Roasted Cherry Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
Description
These Roasted Cherry Brownies combine the rich, fudgy goodness of chocolate brownies with the bright, tangy flavor of roasted cherries. Roasting the cherries enhances their sweetness and adds a delightful contrast to the intense cocoa in the brownies. Perfectly moist and loaded with chunks of semisweet chocolate and bursting roasted cherries, this recipe is an indulgent dessert that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Cherries
- 2 cups (276 g) sweet cherries, pitted and halved
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
Brownies
- 1 ¼ 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) light brown sugar, packed
- 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
Instructions
- Roast the cherries: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the halved cherries evenly on the parchment paper, sprinkle them with 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar. Roast cherries in the oven for 10 minutes until they are softened and their sugars caramelize slightly. Remove from oven and set aside.
- Prepare the baking dish: Lower oven temperature to 350°F (177°C). Lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- Melt chocolate with oil: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine ½ cup of the semisweet chocolate chips with vegetable oil. Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Beat sugars, eggs, and vanilla: In a stand mixer bowl fitted with the whisk attachment, add granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat on high speed for 5-6 minutes until the mixture lightens in color and doubles in volume, scraping the sides as needed.
- Incorporate the chocolate mixture: Lower mixer speed to low and slowly pour the melted chocolate and oil mixture into the batter, mixing until just combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, Dutch-processed cocoa powder, and kosher salt until fully blended.
- Mix dry ingredients and fold in chips and cherries: Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined to avoid overmixing. Fold in the remaining ¾ cup of semisweet chocolate chips and half of the roasted cherries.
- Pour batter into pan: Transfer the brownie batter into the prepared 9×9-inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Bake brownies: Bake in the preheated 350°F oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs but no wet batter.
- Top with remaining cherries and cool: Remove from oven, scatter the remaining roasted cherries over the top, and allow brownies to cool in the pan before cutting into 9 servings.
Notes
- Using Dutch-processed cocoa powder gives the brownies a deeper chocolate flavor.
- Roasting cherries brings out their sweetness and adds a unique flavor contrast to the rich brownies.
- Be careful not to overbake; brownies should be moist when tested with a toothpick.
- Room temperature eggs help create a smooth, airy batter when beaten.
- Cooling brownies before cutting helps them set properly and prevents crumbling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
