Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate chocoholic dessert, look no further than these Chocolate Cherry Brownies. Imagine dense, fudgy squares brimming with rich dark chocolate and lush, juicy cherries, all wrapped up in that irresistible crackly top layer. Each bite is a beautiful mix of gooey chocolate and vibrant fruit—making these brownies the kind of treat that always draws a crowd and keeps people coming back for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Chocolate Cherry Brownies is surprisingly easy, and every ingredient brings something special to the party. From the buttery richness to the bursts of cherry, you’ll find these elements perfectly combine for an unforgettable dessert experience.

• Unsalted butter (150 g): Adds richness and moisture, forming the fudgy base of the brownie.
• Granulated or caster sugar (300 g): Sweetens the batter and helps create that sought-after glossy, crackly surface.
• Large eggs (3): Bind everything together and contribute to the luscious texture.
• All-purpose flour (115 g): Gives the brownies enough structure to hold all the gooey goodness.
• Cocoa powder (70 g): Delivers intense chocolate flavor and enhances the dark color.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and deepens the chocolate notes.
• Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Offers a little lift for just the right amount of chewiness.
• Chopped chocolate (200 g): Provides melty chocolate pockets throughout each bite—use dark or milk depending on your mood.
• Cherries, pitted and halved or quartered (250 g): Juicy cherries (fresh, frozen, or tinned) burst through the chocolate, adding a fruity contrast that makes these brownies unforgettable.

How to Make Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Before you dive into mixing up the batter, preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line an 8-inch square baking tin with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang for easy removal. This is the secret to perfect slices and easy clean-up later.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Sugar Together

In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter with 100 g of your sugar over low heat. Stir occasionally until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Take the pan off the heat and let it cool for several minutes—you don’t want scrambled eggs when you mix this with your batter!

Step 3: Whisk Eggs and Remaining Sugar

In a large bowl, whip the eggs with the rest of the sugar (that’s 200 g) using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat until the mixture goes pale and fluffy—about 5 minutes. This step gives your brownies their signature crackly top and rich mouthfeel.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Carefully stir the cooled butter-sugar mixture into your whipped eggs and sugar. Use a spatula to gently fold until the mix looks silky and smooth. At this point, your kitchen will start to smell absolutely divine.

Step 5: Sift and Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This ensures an even distribution and prevents lumps. Then, gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, just until you see no streaks—be careful not to overmix or you’ll lose that fudgy quality.

Step 6: Add the Chocolate and Cherries

Now for the magic touch: fold in the chopped chocolate and those generous handfuls of cherries. If you’re using frozen cherries, toss them in a little flour first to help absorb excess moisture.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pour the luscious batter into your prepared tin, smoothing out the top. Slide it into the oven and bake for 38 to 40 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick near the center—it should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. The top will be shiny, cracked, and completely irresistible.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Patience is key! Let your Chocolate Cherry Brownies cool in the tin for at least an hour. This ensures the brownies set up for clean, gorgeous slices. Use the parchment overhang to lift them out, then cut into 16 decadent squares.

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Garnishes

For an extra-special finish, dust your brownies with a flurry of powdered sugar or a few curls of chocolate. A handful of fresh cherries on top can also make them look utterly swoon-worthy. If you’re feeling fancy, a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside your warm brownie is pure bliss.

Side Dishes

Chocolate Cherry Brownies hold their own as a show-stopping dessert, but they also pair beautifully with a side of lightly sweetened whipped cream or a bright, tangy fruit salad. For a richer treat, serve with coffee or even a glass of red wine to complement the cherry and cacao notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking brownies in a rustic tower, tying them with bakery string, or serving individual pieces in cupcake wrappers for parties. You can layer them into sundaes, crumble them over yogurt, or serve as a base for decadent parfaits—there’s no shortage of stunning ways to share your Chocolate Cherry Brownies.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, store your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They’ll stay moist and fudgy, and the cherry flavor gets even better with time.

Freezing

Chocolate Cherry Brownies freeze wonderfully! Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to two months—just thaw at room temperature before serving or gently reheat for that fresh-from-the-oven experience.

Reheating

If you love your brownies warm, a quick 10- to 15-second zap in the microwave does wonders. For larger batches, pop them in a 175°C (350°F) oven for about 5 minutes, just until warmed through but still gooey inside.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries in this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen cherries are perfect when fresh ones are out of season. Toss them in a bit of flour before adding to the batter to help absorb excess moisture and prevent sinking.

What type of chocolate is best for these brownies?

You can go with dark, milk, or even a mix of both. Dark chocolate gives a deep, bittersweet flavor, while milk chocolate keeps things extra creamy and indulgent. Choose what you love—or raid the pantry for what you have on hand!

How do I cut brownies cleanly without them falling apart?

The trick is to let your Chocolate Cherry Brownies cool completely before slicing. Use a sharp, serrated knife and wipe it clean between cuts for the sharpest edges.

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour for a good-quality gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure your cocoa powder and baking powder are also gluten-free, and your brownies will be just as decadent.

What’s the best way to check if the brownies are done?

At about 38 minutes, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter), your Chocolate Cherry Brownies are perfectly fudgy and ready to cool.

Final Thoughts

I can’t think of a more joyful dessert than a pan of homemade Chocolate Cherry Brownies—every bite is brimming with chocolatey richness and juicy cherry surprises. I hope you’ll share them with friends, family, or just treat yourself to a little homemade indulgence. Give this recipe a try, and I promise, you’ll be hooked from the very first square!

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