Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Name: Chocolate Cherry Brownies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter; 2 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved; 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Highlighted under: Soft Recipes

I absolutely love baking, and my Chocolate Cherry Brownies have become a family favorite. The combination of rich chocolate with juicy cherries creates a delightful flavor explosion that is simply irresistible. Every time I make these brownies, the scent wafting through my kitchen is enough to bring everyone running. You can serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream or enjoy them on their own, but either way, these brownies will satisfy any sweet tooth. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your baking repertoire!

Created by

Aileen Prescott

Last updated on 2026-01-12T01:37:35.737Z

Baking these Chocolate Cherry Brownies was truly a labor of love for me. I decided to experiment by adding fresh cherries to the classic brownie recipe, and the result was amazing. The tartness of the cherries perfectly balances the sweetness of the chocolate, making each bite a delightful surprise. Plus, the vibrant color from the cherries adds a beautiful touch to the dark chocolate batter.

I also learned that the key to achieving that fudgy texture is to not overmix the batter and to allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting. This tip has made all the difference! Now, they turn out perfectly gooey and chocolatey every time.

        Why You'll Love These Brownies
        Decadent chocolate flavor complemented by tart cherries
Fudgy texture that's irresistibly moist
Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying alone

      

The Role of Each Ingredient

Every ingredient in these Chocolate Cherry Brownies plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor. The unsalted butter provides a rich base, enhancing the fudgy consistency, while granulated sugar sweetens the mixture and contributes to the shiny crust on top. Eggs not only add moisture but also create structure; beating them in well ensures a smooth batter that yields brownies with a beautiful rise.

Cocoa powder delivers that intense chocolate flavor we all crave, but make sure you use unsweetened cocoa for the right balance of sweetness. The all-purpose flour acts as the binding agent in this recipe, but take care not to overmix when incorporating it; doing so can lead to cakey brownies instead of the desired fudgy texture. Each component works together harmoniously, so don’t skip or substitute without careful consideration.

Tips for Baking Success

When preparing to bake your brownies, ensure your oven is fully preheated to 350°F (175°C). An accurately heated oven is key to achieving that perfect chewy texture. If your brownies are too dry, consider an oven thermometer to verify that your oven isn't running hot. If the edges begin to look overly dark before the center sets, cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil to shield them from direct heat while the center continues baking.

Also, keep an eye on your brownies during the last few minutes of baking. The toothpick test should come out with a few moist crumbs; if it comes out clean, you may have overbaked them. Every oven differs slightly, so the timing could vary. After baking, allow them to cool completely in the pan—this helps achieve cleaner cuts. If you can wait, chilling them in the refrigerator for about an hour enhances the flavor and makes them even fudgier!

Serving and Storing Your Brownies

These Chocolate Cherry Brownies can be enjoyed warm, but they shine just as brightly at room temperature. For an extra indulgent treat, top them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding a sprinkle of sea salt or crushed nuts on top just before serving for added texture.

For leftovers, store your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also freeze them for longer storage; wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil, and they will last about three months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or enjoy directly from the freezer for a chilled chocolate treat. Just be sure to allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor experience!

Ingredients

Ingredients:

Brownie Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Gather all the ingredients and let's start baking!

Instructions

Instructions:

Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Melt the Butter

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well blended.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.

Mix Ingredients

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Fold in Cherries

Gently fold in the halved cherries and chocolate chips (if using) into the batter.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Cut

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before cutting them into squares. Enjoy!

Serve warm or store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, top the brownies with a drizzle of chocolate ganache or a sprinkle of sea salt before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking for ingredient substitutions, feel free to experiment! You can replace the unsalted butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine for a vegan option, though this may slightly change the texture. For a gluten-free alternative, try using an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend in the same volume. Just ensure your baking powder does not contain gluten if you’re particularly sensitive.

If fresh cherries are out of season, you can use thawed frozen cherries, but remember to drain any excess liquid before adding them to the batter. Alternatively, dried cherries or even dark chocolate chunks could work well as substitutes, enhancing that chocolate cherry theme while adding another dimension to the flavor.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your brownies come out too cakey, it may be a sign that they were overmixed or baked too long. Fudgy brownies should be somewhat dense and moist, not fluffy. Next time, mix until just combined, and keep an eye on baking time. If your brownies are too gooey in the center but done on the edges, consider lowering the heat slightly and baking for a bit longer.

Lastly, if you’re not getting that shiny crust typical of brownies, beating the eggs thoroughly can help create that glossy top. Using granulated sugar (as opposed to brown sugar) emphasizes this shine as well. Additionally, letting the batter sit for a few minutes before pouring it into the pan allows some air bubbles to escape, which can contribute to a smoother surface.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture from the frozen cherries before adding them to the batter.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate them for longer shelf life.

→ Can I substitute the butter with oil?

Yes, you can use vegetable or coconut oil in place of butter, but it might change the flavor slightly.

→ What can I use instead of eggs for a vegan option?

You can use flax eggs or applesauce as a substitute for eggs in this recipe.