Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Name: Chocolate Cherry Brownies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 16 brownies
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup dark chocolate chips; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/3 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved

Highlighted under: Modern Baking Recipes

I absolutely love making Chocolate Cherry Brownies when I want to impress guests or treat my family to a decadent dessert. The combination of rich chocolate and juicy cherries creates a flavor explosion that leaves everyone craving more. Each bite is a perfect blend of fudgy texture and chewy sweetness, making it a hit at any gathering. Plus, the recipe is simple enough for a weeknight treat, but elegant enough for special occasions. Trust me, these brownies are going to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire!

Created by

Marlowe Sinclair

Last updated on 2026-01-12T01:50:35.837Z

During one of my baking sessions, I decided to take classic brownies up a notch by adding tangy cherries. The result was nothing short of magical! Using fresh cherries made a significant difference in flavor and texture; their sweetness perfectly counterbalanced the rich chocolate. I recommend using dark chocolate for a deeper taste, which combines wonderfully with the cherries that burst with juices as the brownies bake.

I once made these brownies for a family gathering, and they vanished within minutes! One tip I learned is to let the brownies cool completely before cutting them; this ensures clean slices and helps the flavors meld beautifully. The cherry chunks are also more intact, making each bite all the more delightful!

        Why You'll Love These Brownies
        Indulgent chocolate paired with the tartness of fresh cherries
Fudgy texture that satisfies every chocolate craving
Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying on cozy evenings

      

The Role of Chocolate and Cherries

The dark chocolate chips are the star of these brownies. Their intense flavor is key to balancing the sweetness from the sugar and the tartness from the cherries. I recommend using high-quality dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa for a rich taste. This not only enhances the decadent experience but also ensures the brownies have a luxurious texture that's wonderfully fudgy. The chocolate should be melted gently to avoid scorching, which can create a bitter taste.

Fresh cherries bring a burst of juiciness to the brownies. When choosing cherries, look for firm, plump fruits that are in season for the best taste. If fresh cherries aren’t available, you can substitute with frozen cherries, but be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from affecting the batter. The combination of chocolate and cherries creates a delightful contrast; when they burst during baking, they add an even more indulgent texture.

Perfecting the Fudgy Texture

Achieving the perfect fudgy brownie texture is all about the mixing process. Overmixing the batter can introduce too much air, leading to a cakey result instead of the desired dense brownie. After adding the flour and salt, mix just until combined. You'll know it's ready when you see no dry flour pockets and the batter looks glossy. Additionally, consider using room-temperature eggs, as they incorporate more smoothly into the mixture, ensuring a uniform texture throughout.

Baking time is another critical factor. Start checking for doneness at the 25-minute mark; the edges should be slightly pulling away from the pan, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs—this indicates fudginess. If the toothpick is clean, the brownies may be overbaked. Remember, they will continue to cook slightly while cooling in the pan, so it’s better to underbake slightly than to overbake these decadent treats.

Ingredients

For the Brownies

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup dark chocolate chips
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

Melt Butter and Chocolate

In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and dark chocolate chips together until smooth. Stir continuously to avoid burning.

Mix Sugars and Eggs

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the granulated sugar until well combined. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients

Sift in the flour and salt, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix to keep the brownies fudgy.

Add Cherries and Bake

Gently fold in the halved cherries, then pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Spread evenly and bake for 25 minutes.

Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before cutting them into squares. Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a teaspoon of almond extract or sprinkle some sea salt on top before baking.

Serving Suggestions

These Chocolate Cherry Brownies are delicious on their own, but they can be transformed into a more elegant dessert by serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The warmth of the brownies will slightly melt the ice cream, creating a heavenly combination of chocolate and creaminess. For an added touch, a drizzle of chocolate or a sprinkle of sea salt can elevate the presentation and flavor even more.

For special occasions, consider cutting the brownies into smaller squares and serving them on a platter with fresh cherries or a raspberry coulis for a pop of color and flavor. This not only makes for an eye-catching display but also enhances the overall sensory experience with additional flavors and textures that complement the brownies beautifully.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you want to make these brownies ahead of time, they store beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in the freezer. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, allow them to thaw at room temperature. If you prefer them warm, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave can refresh their fudgy texture.

To keep these brownies at their best, avoid slicing them until you're ready to serve. This helps maintain the moisture and prevents them from drying out too quickly. When slicing, use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts for the neatest edges. You can also experiment with adding nuts or different types of chocolate chips for variations on this classic treat!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen cherries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the brownies.

→ How do I store leftover brownies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.

→ Is there a way to make these brownies healthier?

You can substitute applesauce for half of the butter and reduce the sugar slightly for a healthier version.