Cherry Brownies Made from Scratch are a perfect blend of rich chocolate and juicy cherries, creating a dessert that’s as indulgent as it is flavorful. These homemade brownies are soft, fudgy, and bursting with fruity sweetness, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether for a family gathering or a solo indulgence, these brownies are a guaranteed hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe for Cherry Brownies Made from Scratch is the ultimate indulgence for chocolate and fruit lovers alike. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:
1. Rich Chocolate Flavor
- Decadent Base: The deep cocoa flavor creates a luxurious, chocolatey foundation that’s rich and satisfying.
- Perfect Balance: The natural tartness of cherries cuts through the sweetness, adding a delightful contrast.
- Enhanced Experience: Combining chocolate and cherries delivers a sophisticated, layered taste that’s hard to resist.
2. Homemade Goodness
- From Scratch: Skip the boxed mix—this recipe uses fresh ingredients to ensure maximum flavor and quality.
- Preservative-Free: Made without any artificial additives, these brownies are wholesome and delicious.
- Customizable: You have full control over the ingredients, making it easy to adapt to dietary needs or flavor preferences.
3. Soft and Fudgy Texture
- Perfectly Moist: The addition of fresh or frozen cherries adds natural moisture to every bite.
- Dense and Chewy: These brownies strike the ideal balance between a soft crumb and a fudgy texture.
- Cherry Bursts: Each bite is dotted with juicy cherries, elevating the overall texture and flavor profile.
4. Perfect for Any Occasion
- Versatile Dessert: These brownies are a hit at parties, potlucks, or casual family gatherings.
- Showstopper Treat: Their rich flavor and beautiful presentation make them ideal for special occasions like holidays or birthdays.
- Everyday Enjoyment: Easy to whip up, these brownies are perfect for a quick afternoon snack or a sweet ending to a meal.
The Takeaway
This recipe combines the best of chocolate and cherries in a dessert that’s rich, moist, and unforgettable. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or treating yourself, these Cherry Brownies Made from Scratch will quickly become a favorite. Perfect for any occasion, they deliver homemade goodness in every bite!
How to Make Cherry Brownies from Scratch
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and chocolate together in 30-second intervals, stirring after each until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- Whisk the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract into the melted chocolate mixture until combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Add Cherries:
- Gently fold in the cherries, reserving a few for topping if desired.
- Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Place the reserved cherries on top.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the brownies cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips for Perfect Cherry Brownies
Follow these expert tips to ensure your Cherry Brownies Made from Scratch come out rich, fudgy, and bursting with cherry flavor every time:
1. Use Fresh Cherries
- Why It Matters: Fresh cherries provide the best flavor and texture, delivering a natural sweetness and juiciness.
- How to Do It:
- Use ripe, pitted cherries when in season for maximum flavor.
- Frozen cherries are a great alternative; just thaw and pat them dry to prevent excess moisture in the batter.
- Pro Tip: If fresh cherries aren’t available, canned cherries can work, but be sure to drain and rinse them well.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter
- Why It Matters: Overmixing incorporates too much air into the batter, which can result in dense or tough brownies.
- How to Do It:
- Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Lumps are fine—it’s better to under-mix than over-mix.
- Pro Tip: Use a spatula or wooden spoon instead of a mixer for better control.
3. Line the Pan with Parchment Paper
- Why It Matters: Parchment paper prevents sticking and makes it easy to lift the brownies out of the pan for clean slicing.
- How to Do It:
- Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the pan, leaving an overhang on the sides to act as handles.
- Grease the pan lightly before adding the parchment paper to keep it in place.
- Pro Tip: Use binder clips to secure the parchment to the edges of the pan during pouring for a neater setup.
4. Test for Doneness
- Why It Matters: Slightly underbaked brownies remain moist and fudgy as they cool, giving them the ideal texture.
- How to Do It:
- Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter, the brownies are ready.
- Avoid overbaking; they’ll continue to cook slightly as they cool.
- Pro Tip: Check a few minutes before the recommended bake time, as ovens can vary.
5. Enhance the Flavor with Almond Extract
- Why It Matters: Almond extract complements the flavor of cherries, adding a subtle nutty note to the brownies.
- How to Do It:
- Add 1 teaspoon of almond extract to the wet ingredients during mixing.
- Pair with slivered almonds sprinkled on top for an extra nutty touch.
- Pro Tip: If you prefer a stronger cherry flavor, use cherry extract instead of almond extract.
6. Use Quality Cocoa and Chocolate
- Why It Matters: High-quality cocoa powder and chocolate create a richer, deeper chocolate flavor.
- How to Do It:
- Choose Dutch-processed cocoa for a smoother, less acidic taste.
- Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate for melting to balance the tartness of cherries.
- Pro Tip: Chop a chocolate bar instead of using chips for more intense, melted chocolate pockets.
7. Cool Completely Before Cutting
- Why It Matters: Cooling allows the brownies to set, ensuring clean slices and a better texture.
- How to Do It:
- Let the brownies cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the cleanest slices, chill the brownies in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before cutting.
- Pro Tip: Use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts for perfect squares.
The Takeaway
These tips will help you create Cherry Brownies Made from Scratch that are moist, flavorful, and irresistible. From selecting the right cherries to enhancing the flavor with almond extract, each step ensures a decadent, bakery-quality treat. Follow these tips and enjoy perfect cherry brownies every time!
Creative Variations
- Cherry Almond Brownies: Add ½ teaspoon of almond extract to the batter and sprinkle slivered almonds on top.
- Chocolate Cherry Chunk Brownies: Fold in additional chocolate chunks or chips for extra decadence.
- Cherry Cheesecake Brownies: Swirl cream cheese mixture into the batter for a creamy, tangy twist.
- Gluten-Free Cherry Brownies: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour substitute for a celiac-friendly dessert.
- Cherry Bourbon Brownies: Soak the cherries in bourbon before folding them into the batter for an adults-only treat.
FAQs About Cherry Brownies
1. Can I use canned cherries?
Yes, but drain them well and pat them dry to avoid adding extra moisture to the batter.
2. How do I store cherry brownies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
3. Can I freeze cherry brownies?
Absolutely! Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
4. How do I make these brownies extra fudgy?
Use high-quality chocolate and slightly underbake the brownies to retain a moist, fudgy center.
Serving Suggestions
- With Ice Cream: Pair warm cherry brownies with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Dusting of Sugar: Keep it simple with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a classic touch.
- With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a cherry on top for a beautiful presentation.
- As a Layered Dessert: Crumble brownies into a trifle or parfait with layers of whipped cream and cherries.
Conclusion
Cherry Brownies Made from Scratch are the ultimate indulgence for chocolate and cherry lovers. Their rich, fudgy texture combined with the tart sweetness of cherries makes them an unforgettable dessert. Perfect for everything from casual afternoons to formal gatherings, these brownies are as versatile as they are delicious.
Whether you’re serving them with a dollop of whipped cream or enjoying them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, these brownies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. For another fruit-filled dessert idea, try our Apple Hand Pies—a portable and equally delicious treat that pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea.
Bake a batch of cherry brownies today and treat yourself to the perfect harmony of chocolate and cherries in every bite!