Roasted Cherry Brownies: The Ultimate Decadent Chocolate Treat

Tired of brownies that are too dry, too cakey, or just plain boring? We’ve all been there – that disappointing moment when your chocolate craving isn’t quite satisfied by a mediocre brownie.

These Roasted Cherry Brownies deliver the perfect balance of rich, fudgy chocolate with bursts of sweet-tart roasted cherries that elevate this dessert to an entirely new level. Each bite offers a heavenly combination of deep chocolate flavor and juicy fruit that will make your taste buds dance.

Hi, I’m Emma, the heart behind GusRecipes! As a dedicated home baker who’s spent years perfecting brownie recipes, I’ve discovered that roasting the cherries first concentrates their flavor and prevents the brownies from becoming soggy a game-changing technique for truly exceptional brownies.

In this recipe, I’ll walk you through choosing the perfect cherries, mastering the chocolate-to-cherry ratio, achieving that perfect fudgy texture, and answering all your brownie-related questions. Get ready for brownie perfection!

Why These Roasted Cherry Brownies Work

• Uses easy-to-find ingredients that transform into something extraordinary
• Roasting cherries concentrates flavor and removes excess moisture
• Perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors complement the rich chocolate
• Can be made year-round using fresh or frozen cherries
• Impressive enough for special occasions but simple enough for weeknight cravings

Choosing the Right Cherries for Roasted Cherry Brownies

Best Cherries for This Recipe

Sweet cherries like Bing or Rainier work beautifully in these brownies, providing natural sweetness and vibrant color. For a more complex flavor profile, try sour cherries like Montmorency, which offer a wonderful tartness that balances the rich chocolate.

Buying Tips

Look for firm, plump cherries with glossy skin and green stems still attached. Avoid cherries with bruises, soft spots, or wrinkled skin. When fresh cherries aren’t available, frozen cherries work wonderfully just thaw and drain them before roasting.

Substitutions

If cherries aren’t available, try using raspberries, blackberries, or even sliced strawberries. Each fruit will bring its own unique flavor profile to these decadent roasted cherry brownies.

Ingredients & Prep for Roasted Cherry Brownies

Cherry Prep Essentials

Before roasting, remove cherry stems and pits using a cherry pitter. If you don’t have a cherry pitter, use a paperclip or pastry tip to push the pits out. After pitting, toss cherries with a bit of sugar to enhance their natural sweetness during roasting.

Brownie Base Ingredients

• 8 oz high-quality dark chocolate (70% cacao)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups pitted cherries for roasting

Pantry Staples

Make sure you have parchment paper for lining your baking pan and a touch of almond extract, which beautifully complements the cherry flavor. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt for the top is optional but highly recommended for that sweet-salty contrast.

Step-by-Step Roasted Cherry Brownies Instructions

Pre-Cooking Cherry Prep

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss pitted cherries with 2 tablespoons of sugar and spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Roast for 15-20 minutes until cherries release their juices and begin to caramelize.
4. Let cool while preparing the brownie batter. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).

Brownie Batter Method

1. Melt chocolate and butter together in a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals.
2. Whisk in sugar until well combined, then let cool slightly.
3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Fold in vanilla extract and any optional almond extract.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
6. Gently fold dry ingredients into the chocolate mixture until just combined.

Baking Roasted Cherry Brownies

1. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Pour half the batter into the prepared pan.
3. Scatter half of the roasted cherries over the batter.
4. Top with remaining batter and finish with remaining cherries.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Cooling and Serving

Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan before lifting out using the parchment paper. For clean cuts, refrigerate for at least an hour before slicing. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best fudgy texture.

Pro Tips for Perfect Roasted Cherry Brownies

Avoiding Dry Brownies

Don’t overbake! Brownies will continue to cook slightly after removal from the oven. When in doubt, underbake rather than overbake for that perfect fudgy center.

Tool Recommendations

A light-colored metal baking pan conducts heat more evenly than glass or dark metal. Always use parchment paper for easy removal and clean-up. A toothpick or cake tester is essential for checking doneness.

Storage & Freezing

Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

Looking for more delicious treats? Check out my Pinterest board for endless inspiration! Follow me on Pinterest for more mouthwatering dessert ideas that will satisfy your sweet tooth!

Flavor Variations for Roasted Cherry Brownies

Chocolate Variations

Try white chocolate chips folded into the batter for a striking color and flavor contrast with the roasted cherries. For ultra-chocolate lovers, use a mix of dark and milk chocolate in the base.

Dietary Adaptations

Make these roasted cherry brownies gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free versions, use coconut oil instead of butter and dairy-free chocolate.

Flavor Enhancements

Serving Suggestions for Roasted Cherry Brownies

These decadent roasted cherry brownies are delicious on their own but can be elevated with thoughtful pairings. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic brownie sundae, or try coffee ice cream for a sophisticated twist.

For an elegant dessert platter, cut brownies into small squares and serve alongside fresh cherries and chocolate-covered espresso beans. A dusting of powdered sugar just before serving adds a professional touch that makes these brownies worthy of special occasions.

FAQs About Roasted Cherry Brownies

Can I use frozen cherries?

Absolutely! Thaw and drain them well before roasting to remove excess moisture. Pat them dry with paper towels for best results.

My brownies are too gooey in the middle. What went wrong?

They’re likely underbaked. Add 3-5 more minutes to the baking time, and make sure your oven temperature is accurate with an oven thermometer.

Can I make these ahead for a party?

Yes! These brownies actually taste better the next day as the flavors have time to meld. Make them up to two days in advance and store in an airtight container.

Conclusion

These Roasted Cherry Brownies transform the humble brownie into an extraordinary dessert experience that’s sure to impress. The combination of fudgy chocolate with bursts of roasted cherry creates a flavor profile that’s both sophisticated and comforting.

Don’t just take my word for it join the thousands of GusRecipes readers who have made these brownies their go-to chocolate treat for everything from midnight cravings to dinner parties!

Roasted Cherry Brownies: The Ultimate Decadent Chocolate Treat

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• Author: Emma Emma
• Total Time: 50 mins
• Yield: 12 brownies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Decadent Roasted Cherry Brownies made with dark chocolate and juicy oven-roasted cherries rich, fudgy, and bursting with fruity sweetness. The perfect dessert for chocolate and cherry lovers alike.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted

1 tbsp sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter

6 oz dark chocolate, chopped

3/4 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 tbsp cocoa powder

1/4 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Toss cherries with 1 tbsp sugar and spread evenly. Roast for 10–12 minutes until soft and juicy. Let cool slightly.

3. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

4. In a saucepan over low heat, melt butter and dark chocolate together until smooth. Remove from heat.

5. Whisk in sugar, eggs, and vanilla until glossy.

6. Sift in flour, cocoa powder, and salt; fold until just combined.

7. Gently fold in roasted cherries (reserve a few for topping).

8. Spread batter evenly into prepared pan and top with reserved cherries.

9. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.

10. Cool completely before slicing into squares.

Notes

Use frozen cherries if fresh aren’t available — no need to thaw before roasting.

Add chocolate chunks or chopped nuts for extra texture.

For a richer flavor, use espresso powder or a splash of cherry liqueur in the batter.

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 35 mins
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 brownie
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 17g
• Sodium: 70mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: roasted cherry brownies, dark chocolate brownies, cherry dessert, fudgy brownies, chocolate cherry recipe