Roasted Cherry Brownies (Printable)
Fudgy chocolate squares loaded with caramelized roasted cherries for a rich, indulgent summer dessert.
# What You'll Need:
→ Roasted Cherries
01 - 1 1/2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
02 - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
03 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Brownie Batter
04 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, plus extra for pan preparation
05 - 6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
06 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
07 - 1/4 cup light brown sugar
08 - 2 large eggs
09 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
10 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
11 - 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
12 - 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Toss pitted and halved cherries with 1 tablespoon sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Spread on prepared baking sheet and roast for 12-15 minutes until juicy and slightly caramelized. Allow to cool.
03 - Reduce oven temperature to 350°F. Grease an 8-inch square baking pan with butter and line with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
04 - Set a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Melt butter and chopped chocolate together, stirring constantly until smooth. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
05 - Whisk granulated sugar and brown sugar into the chocolate mixture. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and salt.
06 - Sift flour and cocoa powder into the batter. Gently fold until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
07 - Fold most of the roasted cherries into the batter, reserving a few pieces for the topping.
08 - Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top. Scatter reserved cherries over surface. Bake for 25-28 minutes until a toothpick inserted in center comes out with moist crumbs.
09 - Cool completely in pan before lifting out using parchment overhang. Cut into squares and serve.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The roasted cherries become little pockets of jammy sweetness that cut through the rich fudge
- This is the brownie that converts fruit dessert skeptics the moment they take their first bite
02 -
- Don't skip roasting the cherries fresh because they turn watery and disappointing in the oven
- The toothpick test matters here because overbaked brownies with fruit become dry surprisingly fast
03 -
- Get your hands on fresh cherries at peak season because frozen just doesn't deliver the same roasting magic
- Underbake slightly if you're unsure because these continue cooking in the pan