Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe

Fudgy Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe: A Sweet Dream Treat

Decadent chocolate cherry brownies blend rich cocoa with bursts of tangy fruit for an unexpected dessert adventure.

Sweet cherries nestle within dense, fudgy layers, creating a luxurious texture that melts on your tongue.

Dark chocolate provides deep, intense notes that complement the bright cherry essence perfectly.

Each bite promises a delightful contrast between smooth brownie base and juicy fruit fragments.

Homemade treats like these elevate simple ingredients into something truly magical.

Indulgent and sophisticated, these brownies bring a touch of gourmet excitement to your baking repertoire.

Grab a fork and let the delicious journey begin!

Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe FAQ Section

  • Are chocolate chips necessary for this recipe?

Chocolate chips add extra richness and melty texture to the brownies. If you don’t have them, you can skip or substitute with chopped chocolate bar pieces.

  • Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?

Yes, absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and pat dry frozen cherries before adding them to the batter to prevent excess moisture. Fresh or dried cherries work equally well.

  • What type of cocoa powder works best?

Dutch-processed cocoa powder provides a deeper, smoother chocolate flavor. However, natural unsweetened cocoa powder will also work perfectly fine in this recipe.

  • How do I know when the brownies are perfectly baked?

Look for slightly set edges and a soft center. When you insert a toothpick, it should come out with a few moist crumbs – not completely clean, but not wet. This ensures fudgy, rich brownies.

Why Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe Stands Out

  • Quick and Easy Dessert: Whip up these delectable chocolate cherry brownies in just 45 minutes from start to finish, perfect for satisfying sudden sweet cravings.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Combo: The rich chocolate paired with tangy cherries creates an irresistible taste that appeals to both kids and adults, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at gatherings.
  • Beginner-Friendly Baking: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe welcomes novice bakers to create a professional-looking dessert without complicated techniques.
  • Versatile Serving Option: Enjoy these brownies warm or at room temperature, and customize with a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch that transforms a basic dessert into something special.

What You’ll Need For Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe

Base Ingredients:
  • Butter: Rich foundation for moist and tender brownies, adds depth of flavor.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Create sweetness and help develop a soft, chewy texture.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide structure to the brownies.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and helps create the classic brownie consistency.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers intense chocolate flavor and dark color to the brownies.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
  • Baking Powder: Helps brownies rise slightly and creates a lighter texture.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, complex background flavor to the chocolate base.
  • Chocolate Chips: Provide extra chocolate bursts and melty pockets throughout the brownies.
  • Fresh Cherries: Offer bright, tart contrast to the rich chocolate and add moisture.
  • Powdered Sugar: Optional finishing touch for a beautiful and sweet garnish.

Directions For Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F (175C). Grab your 9×13-inch baking pan and give it some love with a quick spray of cooking oil or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Create the Brownie Magic

Grab a large mixing bowl and let’s get started:
  • Melted butter
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar

Whisk these together until they form a smooth, dreamy mixture. Crack in the eggs and splash of vanilla extract, giving everything a powerful blend until perfectly combined.

Now, sift in your dry ingredients with a gentle touch:
  • Cocoa powder
  • Flour
  • Salt
  • Baking powder

Stir carefully – we want everything mixed but not overworked. Gently fold in the chocolate chips and juicy cherries, creating pockets of deliciousness throughout the batter.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pour the rich batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. For extra chocolate lovers, sprinkle some additional chocolate chips on top. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs – no dry brownies here!

Step 4: Cool and Indulge

Let the brownies rest in the pan for 15 minutes – patience is key! Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. When you’re ready, slice into those luscious squares. Want an extra touch of elegance? Dust with a light snowfall of powdered sugar. Serve warm or at room temperature and watch everyone’s eyes light up with the first bite.

Pro Suggestions For Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe

  • Customize Cherry Selection: Pick fresh, ripe cherries for maximum flavor or use high-quality dried cherries for intense sweetness and concentrated taste.
  • Control Moisture Balance: Pat cherries dry before adding to prevent excess liquid from making brownies soggy, ensuring perfect texture and consistent baking.
  • Adjust Chocolate Intensity: Experiment with different chocolate chip varieties like dark, milk, or semi-sweet to create unique flavor profiles that complement cherry's natural tartness.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend, maintaining the same measurements for a delicious gluten-free version of these decadent brownies.
  • Storage Smart Tip: Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or refrigerate for up to a week, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Keep Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe Fresh

  • Refrigerate brownies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and moist.
  • Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their delightful texture.
  • Freeze brownies for longer storage by wrapping individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then placing them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
  • Thaw frozen brownies at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying their rich, decadent flavor.

Good Pairings For Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe

  • Pair with Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: The rich, chocolatey brownies find their perfect match in a scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream, creating a heavenly contrast of warm, gooey brownie and cold, velvety cream.
  • Complement with Bold Red Wine: A glass of robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot beautifully cuts through the sweetness, enhancing the deep chocolate and cherry flavors with its tannic complexity.
  • Serve Alongside Espresso or Cappuccino: A shot of strong espresso or a frothy cappuccino provides a delightful bitter counterpoint to the sweet, decadent brownies, cleansing the palate between each indulgent bite.
  • Match with Tart Cherry Liqueur: A small glass of cherry liqueur echoes the fruity notes in the brownies, creating a harmonious flavor experience that intensifies the dessert's natural cherry undertones.

New Twists On Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe

  • Nutty Cherry Chocolate: Replace chocolate chips with chopped pecans or almonds, adding a crunchy texture and rich nutty flavor to the classic brownie recipe.
  • Dark Forest Brownie: Swap fresh cherries with cherry preserves or kirsch-soaked dried cherries, intensifying the deep cherry essence and creating a more sophisticated dessert.
  • Salted Caramel Cherry: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce over the brownies after cooling, complementing the chocolate and cherry with a sweet-salty contrast.
  • Gluten-Free Cherry Delight: Use almond flour or gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour, ensuring those with dietary restrictions can enjoy these decadent brownies.
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Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe

Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe


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4.6 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Dive into pure indulgence with chocolate cherry brownies, where rich cocoa meets sweet, tangy cherries in a heavenly dessert. Rich chocolate layers and bursting cherry notes create an irresistible treat that will delight dessert enthusiasts.


Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate

  • 1 cup dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Extra chocolate chips for sprinkling

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved (or ½ cup dried cherries, rehydrated)
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to a toasty 350F (175C), ensuring an optimal baking environment for decadent chocolate cherry brownies.
  2. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing the surface to prevent sticking.
  3. In a spacious mixing bowl, create a silky base by whisking together melted butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.
  4. Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract, blending thoroughly to develop a rich, uniform consistency.
  5. Carefully sift cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder into the wet ingredients, using gentle folding techniques to merge the components without overmixing.
  6. Gently fold chocolate chips and cherries into the batter, distributing them evenly to ensure each bite offers a delightful burst of flavor.
  7. Transfer the luscious batter into the prepared pan, spreading it uniformly and creating an inviting surface.
  8. Optional: Sprinkle additional chocolate chips across the top for an extra layer of indulgence.
  9. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for a toothpick test that reveals moist crumbs when inserted near the center.
  10. Allow the brownies to rest in the pan for 15 minutes, enabling them to set and cool slightly.
  11. Carefully transfer to a wire rack to complete cooling, then slice into perfect squares.
  12. Serve at room temperature or slightly warm, with an optional dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

  • Select high-quality dark chocolate for richer, more intense brownie flavor that complements the sweet cherries.
  • Drain canned or jarred cherries completely to prevent excess moisture from making brownies soggy.
  • Chop cherries into smaller pieces for more even distribution throughout the batter, ensuring every bite has fruit.
  • Use gluten-free flour blend to make these brownies suitable for those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining the same delicious texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 24 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Emily Morgan

Emily Morgan

Food Critic & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Global Food Exploration & Critique, Simple Kitchen Hacks & Time-Saving Tips, Presentation & Plating Techniques, Culinary Research & Storytelling.

Education

New York University

  • Program: Bachelor’s in Journalism
  • Focus: Combined foundational journalism training with deep dives into global food traditions, restaurant criticism, and the cultural role of cuisine.

Emily Morgan has journeyed across the globe, collecting culinary secrets that turn everyday ingredients into impressive meals.

Based in Seattle and armed with a Journalism degree from NYU, she blends thorough research with a flair for presentation, ensuring every dish looks just as good as it tastes.

Focusing on fresh flavors, simple methods, and a bit of fun, Emily shows home cooks how to elevate their daily cooking without fancy gadgets or complex steps.

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