Roasted Cherry Brownies (Print Page)

Fudgy chocolate squares studded with caramelized roasted cherries for a decadent summer treat.

# What You Need:

→ Roasted Cherries

01 - 1 1/2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
02 - 1 tbsp granulated sugar
03 - 1 tsp vanilla extract

→ Brownie Batter

04 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, plus more for greasing
05 - 6 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped
06 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
07 - 1/4 cup light brown sugar
08 - 2 large eggs
09 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
10 - 1/4 tsp salt
11 - 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
12 - 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss pitted and halved cherries with 1 tbsp sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Spread on the prepared sheet and roast for 12–15 minutes until juicy and slightly caramelized. Let cool.
02 - Reduce oven temperature to 350°F. Grease an 8-inch square baking pan and line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
03 - Set a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Melt butter and chopped chocolate, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
04 - Whisk granulated and brown sugars into the chocolate mixture. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and salt.
05 - Sift flour and cocoa powder into the bowl. Gently fold until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
06 - Fold in most of the roasted cherries, reserving a few for topping.
07 - Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Scatter reserved cherries over the surface. Bake for 25–28 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs. Do not overbake.
08 - Cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The roasted cherries become concentrated jewels of flavor that cut through all that rich chocolate
  • These brownies strike that perfect balance between fudgy and cakey, staying moist for days
02 -
  • Overbaking is the enemy here, so pull them out even if you think they need a few more minutes
  • Let these cool completely in the pan or they will be impossible to cut neatly
03 -
  • Use frozen cherries in winter, just thaw and drain them well before roasting
  • Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts if you want some crunch alongside those soft cherries

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