Discover the rich, gooey delight of Chocolate Cherry Brownies—perfectly fudgy with bursts of tart cherry flavor in every bite! This decadent dessert combines the smooth, intense taste of dark chocolate with the sweet and tangy zing of cherries, creating a heavenly treat that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a cozy homemade dessert, these brownies bring warmth, sweetness, and a touch of elegance to your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Texture Balance: Soft and fudgy with a slightly crisp top for an incredible mouthfeel.
Flavor Explosion: Rich chocolate combined with juicy cherries makes every bite exciting.
Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh fruit—nothing complicated or hard to find.
Versatile Dessert: Great for casual snacking or fancy gatherings, fitting a variety of moods.
Impresses Every Time: Stunning appearance and amazing flavor make it a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Chocolate Cherry Brownies lies in their straightforward yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a key role in delivering that fudgy texture, rich flavor, and vibrant color that make this dish unforgettable.

High-quality cocoa powder: Provides deep chocolate flavor without added bitterness.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create that luscious texture.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens and balances the tartness of cherries.
Large eggs: Bind ingredients while ensuring moistness and proper rise.
All-purpose flour: Gives structure while keeping brownies tender.
Fresh or frozen cherries: Bursts of tart, juicy goodness that pair perfectly with chocolate.
Vanilla extract: Enhances flavor depth with subtle warmth.
Salt: Lifts flavors and contrasts sweetness.

Variations for Chocolate Cherry Brownies

One of the great things about Chocolate Cherry Brownies is how easily you can customize them to fit your mood, ingredients on hand, or dietary preferences. Here are some exciting ways to switch things up without losing that irresistible charm.

Nutty addition: Toss in chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
Dark chocolate chips: Add pockets of melted chocolate for an even richer experience.
Vegan version: Substitute eggs with flax eggs and butter with coconut oil for a plant-based treat.
Cherry preserves swirl: Add a swirl of cherry jam in the batter for enhanced fruitiness.
Spice it up: A pinch of cinnamon or chili powder adds a surprising, delightful twist.

Why Chocolate Cherry Brownies Are Irresistible

How to Make Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Start by lining an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper or greasing it lightly. This will ensure your brownies come out easily without any sticking.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Mix Cocoa

In a heatproof bowl, melt the unsalted butter gently over a double boiler or microwave until smooth. Stir in the cocoa powder until fully combined, creating a thick, chocolatey base.

Step 3: Whisk Eggs and Sugar

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with granulated sugar until pale and slightly fluffy. This step is key for adding some air, helping brownies to be rich but not too dense.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly fold the chocolate mixture into the egg and sugar blend. Add vanilla extract, then sift in flour and salt. Gently fold everything together until just combined—overmixing can cause toughness.

Step 5: Add Cherries

Finally, fold in fresh or thawed frozen cherries carefully, distributing them evenly throughout the batter to ensure bursts of tartness in every bite.

Step 6: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the surface. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight wobble for fudgy perfection.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Allow the brownies to cool completely before slicing so that they hold their shape and the texture sets perfectly. Cut into squares and get ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Use room temperature eggs: They blend better and help achieve a smoother batter.
Don’t overbake: Brownies continue to cook as they cool, so remove them when a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
Drain cherries: If using canned or preserved cherries, drain well to avoid soggy brownies.
Chop cherries if large: Smaller pieces evenly distribute flavor and texture.
Use quality chocolate: Real cocoa and butter make a noticeable difference in taste.

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Garnishes

Sprinkle powdered sugar on top or add a dollop of whipped cream to complement the richness. Fresh cherries or shaved chocolate curls are also lovely for a beautiful finish.

Side Dishes

Pair brownies with vanilla ice cream or a scoop of cherry sorbet for a refreshing temperature contrast. A simple glass of cold milk or a cup of dark coffee also enhances the chocolate and cherry notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange brownies on a rustic wooden board for an inviting look, or serve individually in small ramekins with a drizzle of cherry sauce. Layer brownies with cherries and whipped cream for a dessert parfait that wows.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and chewiness.

Freezing

Wrap brownies tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. They stay delicious for up to 2 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.

Reheating

Warm brownies in the microwave for about 15 seconds or enjoy slightly warmed to bring out the melted chocolate goodness without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that could affect the brownie texture.

How do I make these brownies vegan?

Replace eggs with flaxseed eggs and use coconut oil or vegan butter substitutes to make this recipe completely plant-based.

Can I add nuts to the recipe?

Yes! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds add an excellent crunch and pair beautifully with chocolate and cherries.

What is the best type of chocolate to use?

High-quality cocoa powder and unsweetened chocolate work best for a rich flavor, but you can add chocolate chips or chunks for extra indulgence.

How do I know when the brownies are done?

Check by inserting a toothpick near the center; it should come out with moist crumbs but not wet batter for perfectly fudgy brownies.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dessert that’s both indulgent and comforting, Chocolate Cherry Brownies are your best bet. With their irresistible combination of rich chocolate and bright cherry notes, they bring joy to every moment. Grab those ingredients, whip up a batch, and watch as these brownies become your new favorite treat to share, savor, and celebrate life’s sweetest moments.

Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Print Recipe

Chocolate Cherry Brownies are a decadently fudgy dessert combining rich dark chocolate with tart bursts of fresh or frozen cherries. Featuring a soft and moist interior crowned with a slightly crisp top, these brownies offer an irresistible mix of intense chocolate flavor and lively fruitiness. Perfect for any occasion, this simple recipe uses everyday ingredients and can be customized with nuts, chocolate chips, or made vegan. Enjoy them as a cozy homemade treat or impress guests with their stunning taste and appearance.

Author: Mary
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Yield: 16 brownies (2x2 inch squares) 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
3/4 cup (75g) high-quality cocoa powder
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs (room temperature)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup fresh or frozen cherries (pitted and drained if frozen or canned)

Instructions

Prepare Your Baking Pan: Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the brownies.
Melt Butter and Mix Cocoa: Gently melt the unsalted butter in a heatproof bowl over a double boiler or in the microwave until smooth. Stir in the cocoa powder until fully combined, creating a rich, thick chocolate base.
Whisk Eggs and Sugar: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs together with the granulated sugar until the mixture becomes pale and slightly fluffy to incorporate air for a lighter texture.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly fold the chocolate and butter mixture into the egg and sugar blend. Add vanilla extract, then sift the flour and salt over the mixture. Gently fold all ingredients together until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the brownies tender.
Add Cherries: Carefully fold in the fresh or thawed and drained frozen cherries, distributing them evenly through the batter for bursts of tartness in every bite.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and gently smooth the surface. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, until the edges are set but the center still has a slight wobble to achieve fudgy perfection.
Cool and Slice: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. This resting period helps them hold their shape and sets the luscious texture.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs for better mixing and batter consistency.
Do not overbake; remove brownies when a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs.
If using canned or preserved cherries, drain them well to prevent soggy brownies.
Chop cherries if they are large to distribute the flavor evenly.
Use high-quality cocoa powder and unsalted butter for the best flavor and texture.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 brownie (approximately 2x2 inch)
Calories: 220 kcal
Sugar: 20 g
Sodium: 100 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 26 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 3 g
Cholesterol: 45 mg

Keywords: Chocolate Cherry Brownies, fudgy brownies, cherry dessert, chocolate dessert, homemade brownies, easy brownie recipe