Cherry Brownies Made from Scratch

Cherry brownies combine rich, fudgy chocolate with the sweet, juicy burst of cherries for a dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent. This recipe is extremely easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and delivers bakery-level results right from your kitchen. With just 20 minutes of prep, you’ll have a treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

If you’re all about brownies, you’ve got to check these out! The S’mores Brownies are gooey and chocolatey, the Banana Brownies bring a fruity twist, and the Banana Pudding Brownies are pure creamy goodness!

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WHY CHERRY BROWNIES? 🍒

Cherry brownies are the perfect combo of rich, fudgy chocolate and sweet, juicy cherries. They’re the dessert equivalent of finding money in an old jacket pocket: unexpected and SO satisfying! Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a fancy holiday dessert, this recipe is always a hit.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

• Minimal prep (just 20 minutes, seriously!).
• Simple ingredients you probably already have.
• No fancy equipment needed—just a bowl, a whisk, and a love of chocolate.

So, grab your apron, and let’s bake!

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INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED 🛒

Here’s what you’ll need to make these brownies:

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• chopped chocolate

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Cherry Magic:

• 1 cup of fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved
• OPTIONAL: 1/4 cup chocolate chips (because more chocolate is NEVER a bad idea!)

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT YOU’LL NEED

Making cherry brownies is simple, and you don’t need any fancy gadgets. Here’s what to grab from your kitchen:

1. Mixing Bowls: One medium-sized for the dry ingredients and a larger one for the wet ingredients.
2. Whisk: For mixing your dry ingredients and combining the wet ones.
3. Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Perfect for folding the batter together and scraping every last bit out of the bowl.
4. 8×8-Inch Baking Pan: The ideal size for brownies to bake evenly.
5. Parchment Paper: Optional, but it makes removing the brownies and cleaning up SO much easier.
6. Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements—brownies are all about balance!
7. Toothpick: To check if the brownies are baked just right (a few crumbs on the toothpick = perfection).

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HOW TO MAKE CHERRY BROWNIES 🍒

PREHEAT & PREP

Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Then you grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. Trust me, parchment paper makes cleanup TOO easy!

MIX DRY INGREDIENTS

In a medium bowl, you whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. This will help the brownies stay light and evenly chocolaty.

COMBINE THE WET STUFF

In a separate large bowl, you mix your melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, and beat well after each addition. Then you Stir in the vanilla extract.

MAKE THE BATTER

Gradually you start add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Fold everything together gently—don’t overmix, or your brownies will turn out dense.

ADD CHERRIES & CHOCOLATE

Genly fold in the cherries and chocolate chips. It’s OK if the cherries look a little juicy; that’s where the magic happens.

BAKE

Start pouring the batter into your prepared pan then spread it out evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or you verify until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

COOL & SERVE

Let the goodies cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then you transfer them directely to a wire rack. Slice into squares, serve, and enjoy.

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TIPS FOR THE BEST CHERRY BROWNIES

Use fresh cherries when possible for maximum flavor. If you’re using frozen cherries, thaw them and pat them dry first.

Don’t overbake! Brownies are best when they’re slightly underdone in the middle.

Add a sprinkle of sea salt on the top before baking for a sweet-and-salty kick.

Want extra decadence? Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

WHAT MAKES BROWNIES MORE FUDGY?

Fudgy brownies are all about the right balance of fat and flour. More butter (or oil) and less flour keep them rich and dense. Using real melted chocolate alongside cocoa powder adds a silky texture, while underbaking slightly ensures the center stays moist. You Mix the batter just until combined to avoid adding too much air, and keep leavening agents to a minimum for that dense, gooey perfection. Simple tweaks, big results!

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WHAT TO SERVE WITH CHERRY BROWNIES

Cherry brownies are AMAZING on their own, but if you want to take things up a notch, pair them with some fun add-ons. My personal favorite? A big scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream on top—trust me, the combo of warm brownies and cold, creamy ice cream is straight-up MAGIC. If You something lighter, a dollop of whipped cream works wonders and gives a nice airy contrast to the fudginess. Want a fruity twist? Add a drizzle of berry sauce—raspberry or strawberry work perfectly—and it’ll make your brownies feel totally fancy. Oh, and if you’re a coffee lover, sip on some espresso or a bold cup of coffee while munching on these chocolaty delights. It’s a match made in dessert heaven!

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STORING AND FREEZING CHERRY BROWNIES 🍒

How to Store Cherry Brownies

If your cherry brownies last longer than a day (RARE in my house!), you’ll want to store them the right way to keep them fudgy and fresh. At room temperature, they’re good for up to 3 days if you keep them in an airtight container. Pro tip: layer a sheet of parchment paper between the brownies to keep them from sticking together.

Now, if you like your brownies with that dense, fudgy texture, stick them in the fridge. Just make sure to wrap them tightly or pop them into a sealed container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days this way—perfect for sneaky midnight snacks!

Freezing Cherry Brownies

Want to save some for later? (Good luck with that!) These brownies freeze BEAUTIFULLY. Start by letting them cool completely. Trust me, if you freeze them while they’re still warm, you’ll end up with a soggy mess.

Next, wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap—this keeps the freezer burn away and makes it super easy to grab just one at a time. After wrapping, place all the brownies in a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out any extra air before sealing it up. BAM, your brownies are freezer-ready for up to 3 months!

When you want to eat them, just thaw them at room temperature for about an hour, or warm them up for that fresh-from-the-oven vibe. (PSA: Frozen brownies are surprisingly delicious straight from the freezer. Don’t ask me how I know this.)

HOW TO REHEAT CHERRY BROWNIES

Reheating cherry brownies is quick and easy! For the best texture, use the oven method. Preheat your oven to 300°F, you place the brownies on a baking sheet, then cover them loosely with foil to keep them from drying out. Warm them for about 8-10 minutes, and they’ll be soft and gooey again.

If you’re short on time, the microwave method works too. Place a brownie on a microwave-safe plate and you heat it on medium power for 15-20 seconds. Add a few more seconds if needed, but don’t overdo it!

For small batches, try a toaster oven. Heat the brownies at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. If you’re reheating frozen brownies, add a couple of extra minutes to any method, and they’ll taste just as fresh as the day you made them. 🍒

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RECIPE VARIATIONS & SUBSTITUTIONS

Cherry brownies are SO versatile, and the best part is you can tweak them to match your cravings or diet! If you want to add a fun flavor, swap an ingredient, or throw in some extra goodies, there’s plenty of room to make these brownies your own. Here are some easy ideas to try:

Flavor Variations

• Cherry Jam : You can drizzle some cherry jam on top of the batter and swirl it in for bursts of fruity flavor.
• Almond-Cherry : Swap out vanilla extract for almond extract to give your brownies a subtle nutty note.
• Coconut-Cherry Fusion: Stir in shredded coconut for a tropical twist that pairs beautifully with the chocolate.

Ingredient Swaps

• Flour-Free version: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix to make these celiac-friendly.
• Healthier Sweetener: Use coconut sugar or light brown sugar instead of white sugar for a richer, deeper taste.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Sub coconut oil or vegan butter for traditional butter to keep it dairy-free.
• Cherries with a Twist: Use dried cherries for a chewy texture or maraschino cherries for a sweeter, candied flavor.

Add-Ins for Extra Fun

• Crunchy Nuts: Walnuts or pecans bring an irresistible crunch to every bite.
• White Chocolate Chips: Add a creamy, sweet contrast to the dark chocolate.
• Colorful Sprinkles: Sprinkle on some fun for a festive vibe—perfect for parties!
• With so many ways to personalize your cherry brownies, you’ll never get bored. Experiment and find your signature version! 🍒

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FAQs ABOUT CHERRY BROWNIES

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