Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe

There’s something irresistibly indulgent about a rich, fudgy brownie that balances intense chocolate with fruity brightness, and that’s exactly what this Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe delivers in every bite. Imagine sinking into a dense, moist brownie bursting with chopped chocolate chunks and juicy cherries, creating that perfect harmony of tart and sweet that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family gathering or a special treat anytime, these brownies bring warmth, comfort, and a little splash of elegance all in one luscious dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind the Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe lies in a handful of simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—from creating that fudgy, melt-in-your-mouth texture to lending a perfect balance of sweetness and moisture that highlights the cherries beautifully.

• 150 g unsalted butter (room temperature): Adds richness and a smooth, tender crumb to the brownies.
• 300 g sugar (caster or granulated): Sweetens the batter and helps create a shiny, crackly top layer.
• 3 large eggs: Bind everything together while adding moisture and structure.
• 115 g plain flour: Provides just enough body without making the brownies cakey.
• 70 g cocoa powder: Brings deep chocolate flavor and a lovely dark color.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances the chocolate notes and balances sweetness perfectly.
• 1/2 tsp baking powder: Gives just a touch of lift for a soft, tender bite.
• 200 g chopped chocolate (dark, milk, or both): Infuses melty pockets of chocolate richness throughout the brownies.
• 250 g cherries (pitted, halved or quartered): Introduces juicy bursts of tartness that contrast beautifully with the chocolate.

How to Make Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Tin and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 175 C (or 160 C if using a fan oven). Grease an 8-inch square baking tin thoroughly, then line it with baking paper, making sure there’s plenty of overhang on the sides. This lining trick will make it so much easier to lift the brownies out when they’re done, which is key for perfect slices later.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Sugar

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter and 100g of sugar. Stir slowly until the butter melts completely and the sugar has fully dissolved—this quick, gentle process creates a silky base that will help the brownies turn luxuriously fudgy. Once done, set the mixture aside and let it cool just a bit.

Step 3: Whisk Eggs and Remaining Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs together with the remaining 200g of sugar. The goal is to beat until light, fluffy, and smooth, which usually takes around 5 minutes by hand or with an electric mixer. This step incorporates air, helping the brownies to bounce back just enough without losing their dense charm.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour your now slightly cooled butter and sugar mixture into the fluffy eggs and sugar. Give it a good whisk to combine everything smoothly before adding the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Add this dry blend to the wet bowl and whisk gently—avoid overmixing here, a few streaks of flour left visible is perfectly fine to keep the brownies tender.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate and Cherries

Now, fold in your chopped chocolate and pitted cherries using a spatula, being careful to spread them evenly through the batter. For an extra irresistible touch, reserve some chopped chocolate to scatter on top before baking—it creates a gorgeous melty mosaic as the brownies bake.

Step 6: Bake Your Brownies

Pour the batter into your prepared tin and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake for 38 to 40 minutes, until the surface feels set, shiny, and is speckled with those signature cracks. A toothpick poked in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs sticking to it, never dry. This ensures you get that perfect fudgy texture in every square.

Step 7: Cool and Set Before Slicing

Patience is key here! Let your brownies cool in the tin for at least an hour, or even better, pop them into the fridge overnight to let them set firmly. When you’re ready, use the parchment paper overhang to lift them from the tin and slice into 16 equally glorious squares.

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe

Garnishes

Enhance your Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm chocolate or cherry sauce for extra drama. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes a delicious topping that contrasts perfectly with the brownies’ richness.

Side Dishes

These brownies pair beautifully with fresh berries, a simple fruit salad, or even a cup of strong, freshly brewed coffee. The hint of tart cherry in the brownies is complemented wonderfully by a tangy yogurt or crème fraîche on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, try serving the brownies as petite squares on a decorative platter with fresh mint leaves tucked around. You can also create brownie parfaits by layering chunks with whipped cream and cherry compote in small glasses for a stunning and delicious presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover brownies tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and moist for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually deepen when allowed to rest for a bit.

Freezing

If you want to keep these delights longer, freeze individual brownie squares in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a sealable bag or container. They freeze well for up to 2 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.

Reheating

To bring your brownies back to that just-baked warmth, microwave individual pieces for about 10 seconds or warm gently in an oven at low heat. This also melts those lovely chocolate chunks for a freshly-baked taste sensation.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries in the Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe?

Yes, frozen cherries work well but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid adding excess moisture to the batter that could affect the texture.

What type of chocolate is best for this recipe?

A mix of dark and milk chocolate creates a great balance of richness and sweetness, but you can customize it to your liking, even using all dark or all milk chocolate.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend and make sure your baking powder is gluten-free to keep the brownies fudgy and delicious.

How do I know when the brownies are perfectly baked?

The brownies are done when the top looks shiny with a few cracks and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs rather than wet batter or dry crumbs.

Can I add nuts to the Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a lovely crunch and nutty contrast to the juicy cherries and soft brownie texture.

Final Thoughts

Giving this Chocolate Cherry Brownies Recipe a try means inviting a little comfort and joy into your kitchen—and into the hands of all who taste it. The blend of luscious chocolate and vibrant cherries feels like a warm hug in dessert form, perfect for sharing or savoring solo. I can’t wait for you to enjoy every bite as much as I do!

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