Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe
If you think a classic brownie could never get any better, let these Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies change your mind! They are everything you want in a homemade brownie: ultra-fudgy, rich with chocolate, and brimming with pockets of juicy roasted cherries in every decadent bite. The roasting intensifies the cherries’ natural sweetness while making them irresistibly jammy, resulting in a dessert that’s both nostalgic and just a little bit elevated. This is the showstopper recipe your chocolate cravings—and your next gathering—are begging for.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by the short ingredients list; every item in these Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies matters. Each element brings its own pop of flavor and texture, creating a brownie that’s moist, bold, and bursting with contrast between gooey chocolate and tart-sweet cherries.
- Cherries (1 cup, fresh or frozen, pitted and halved): Roasting draws out their flavor and gives you juicy morsels in every square.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Just enough to encourage caramelization as the cherries roast, and it infuses a subtle richness.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup): The backbone of brownie decadence; opt for real butter for the best taste and texture.
- Semisweet chocolate (8 ounces, chopped): Melts into a luxurious base, deepens flavor and provides that signature fudginess.
- Granulated sugar (1 1/4 cups): Sweetens and helps create a shiny, crackly top.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Adds moistness and a caramel-like undertone that pairs beautifully with cherries.
- Eggs (4 large): Provide structure and keep the brownies tender.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Rounds out and amplifies every other flavor in the pan.
- All-purpose flour (3/4 cup): Just enough to bind without making these brownies cakey.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/4 cup): A boost of pure chocolate flavor and adds a deep color.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and lets the chocolate shine.
- Dark or semisweet chocolate chips (1/2 cup): Pockets of molten chocolate add surprise bites of gooeyness.
How to Make Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies
Step 1: Roast the Cherries
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Toss the halved, pitted cherries with olive oil right on the pan—this step is pure magic, as roasting will condense and sweeten the cherries so you get tiny bursts of jammy fruit scattered throughout your Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies. Roast for 15 minutes, then let them cool completely. If you’re working with frozen cherries, don’t worry—they’ll roast up just as beautifully.
Step 2: Prep the Pan and Lower the Heat
Once the cherries are roasted, take a minute to reduce your oven temperature to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment, leaving an overhang for easy lifting later, or simply grease the pan well. This makes sure none of the luscious chocolate sticks—and ensures your brownies come out looking bakery-perfect.
Step 3: Melt the Butter and Chocolate
In a medium saucepan set over low heat, melt together the unsalted butter and chopped semisweet chocolate. Stir gently until everything is glossy and smooth, taking care not to scorch the chocolate. This forms the decadent backbone of the brownies, so don’t rush—let everything come together slowly for maximum richness.
Step 4: Build the Batter
Remove the pan from heat and stir in the granulated and brown sugars until completely combined. Let this mixture cool for a few minutes; this is important so you don’t scramble the eggs in the next step. Once slightly cooled, whisk in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next, then stir in the vanilla extract. The batter should look thick and glossy at this stage—your Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies are well on their way!
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt. This step helps prevent any lumps and ensures that every bite is evenly flavored and textured.
Step 6: Bring It All Together
Gently fold the dry ingredients into your wet chocolate mixture; don’t overmix! As soon as the streaks of flour disappear, stir in the cooled roasted cherries and the chocolate chips. The batter will be thick, glossy, and loaded with gooey chocolate and juicy fruit—scoop it into your prepared pan and spread it evenly.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. If it’s too clean, your brownies might be overbaked! Cool the brownies completely in the pan before slicing—this is the hardest part, but it ensures every square is dense and fudgy rather than gooey and falling apart.
How to Serve Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Garnishes
These Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies are absolutely dreamy as is, but if you’re feeling fancy, a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of freshly whipped cream, or a scattering of more chopped roasted cherries on top takes them over-the-top. For a glossy bakery finish, drizzle with melted chocolate just before serving.
Side Dishes
Brownies plus ice cream are always a win—try a scoop of vanilla bean or cherry ice cream on the side for an old-school sundae vibe. For a more grown-up pairing, a shot of espresso or a glass of ruby port will bring out all the deep chocolate and fruit notes in your Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your brownies into tiny bites for a dessert board, stack them in jars with layers of whipped cream for portable parfaits, or slice them into wedges for a pie-style presentation. If you’re feeling bold, use a cookie cutter to create heart-shaped brownies—perfect for Valentine’s Day or special occasions—and watch them disappear!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’ll stay moist and fudgy, and the flavors will deepen as they rest. For even longer freshness, refrigerate, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
These brownies freeze brilliantly! Just wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When a chocolate cherry craving strikes, simply thaw a piece or two at room temperature, or give them a short zap in the microwave.
Reheating
To recapture that fresh-baked magic, pop a brownie into the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds. This makes the chocolate chips extra melty and brings those roasted cherries back to life. Or, warm them briefly in a low oven for a firmer texture with gooey centers.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries work beautifully. Just pit and halve them if needed, then roast directly from frozen. They may release a bit more juice while roasting, but that only adds to the brownie’s lusciousness.
What type Dessert
I love a mix of semisweet and dark chocolate for complexity, but you can use all semisweet if that’s what you have on hand. The key is to use high-quality chocolate bars and chips—this really shines in Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies.
How do I know when the brownies are perfectly baked?
Look for a toothpick inserted into the center to come out with a few moist crumbs. If it’s completely clean, they’re likely overdone; if it’s still covered in wet batter, give them a few more minutes. Trust your nose too—once your kitchen smells irresistibly chocolatey, you’re nearly there.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even white chocolate chips are great additions. Just fold them in alongside the roasted cherries and chocolate chips. The recipe is very forgiving, so feel free to make it your own.
Are these Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies gluten-free?
The base recipe uses all-purpose flour, so they’re not gluten-free as written. However, you can substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with great results—just make sure it’s meant for baking so the texture remains superb.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever dreamed of a dessert that combines the best of both chocolate and fruit, these Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies are your ticket to pure bliss. From their jammy roasted cherries to that rich fudgy crumb, there’s something so special in every bite. Give them a try—you might just discover your new favorite way to brighten any day (or wow every guest at the table)!
Print
Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and fudgy goodness of these Roasted Chocolate Cherry Brownies. With a decadent mix of roasted cherries and chocolate, these homemade brownies are a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Fresh or Frozen Cherries:
1 cup pitted and halved
Olive Oil:
1 tablespoon
Unsalted Butter:
1 cup
Semisweet Chocolate:
8 ounces chopped
Granulated Sugar:
1 1/4 cups
Brown Sugar:
1/2 cup packed
Eggs:
4 large
Vanilla Extract:
2 teaspoons
All-Purpose Flour:
3/4 cup
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder:
1/4 cup
Salt:
1/2 teaspoon
Dark or Semisweet Chocolate Chips:
1/2 cup
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roast the Cherries: Toss the halved cherries with olive oil and roast for 15 minutes, then let them cool.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a saucepan, melt the butter and chopped chocolate over low heat until smooth. Add Sugars and Eggs: Whisk in sugars, let cool slightly, then whisk in eggs and vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix Batter: Fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stir in roasted cherries and chocolate chips.
- Bake: Pour batter into a prepared baking pan, bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool and Slice: Cool brownies completely before slicing.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use a mix of dark and semisweet chocolate.
- Store brownies in an airtight container; they can be made a day ahead.
- Add a splash of cherry liqueur for an adult twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg