There’s something wonderfully heartwarming about biting into a rich brownie, especially one that’s been infused with the sweet-tart flavor of fresh cherries and slathered in a creamy frosting. These chewy chocolate cherry brownies deliver a perfect balance of fudgy texture and fruity bursts, making them an ideal treat for a sunny afternoon or a cozy evening at home. Once you try them, you’ll be inviting friends over just to share this lovely discovery!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These brownies are incredibly indulgent, thanks to the real chocolate and brown sugar that create a dense, chewy base. The fresh cherries add a delightful pop of flavor that makes each bite more exciting. Plus, the cream cheese frosting provides a rich, tangy contrast to the sweetness of the brownies, turning this simple dessert into something truly special.
Ingredients Needed For Chewy Chocolate Cherry Brownies
- 1/4 cup cream cheese: Use softened cream cheese for a smooth frosting blend that adds a tangy flavor.
- 1/4 cup butter (for frosting): Make sure this is softened as well; it helps create a fluffy frosting.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting): Pure vanilla extract deepens the sweetness and flavor of the frosting.
- 2 1/2 cups icing sugar (powdered sugar): This sweet ingredient gives the frosting its luscious texture. Sift it to avoid lumps!
- 1 tbsp milk: Use as needed to achieve your desired frosting consistency.
- 1/3 cup fresh cherries, chopped: Fresh cherries add a burst of fruity flavor and moisture; halving them allows for easy incorporation.
- 1 3/4 cups flour: All-purpose flour works just fine; ensure you spoon it into your measuring cup for accuracy.
- 1/3 cup good quality cocoa: Choose a high-quality cocoa to enhance the brownie’s chocolate flavor.
- 1 tsp baking powder: This ingredient helps your brownies rise a bit, making them light and fluffy.
- 1/2 tsp salt: A pinch of salt intensifies the sweetness of the chocolate flavor.
- 1/4 tsp baking soda: This works with the baking powder to create a soft texture.
- 3/4 cup butter (for brownie batter): Use unsalted butter, melted, for a rich base that supports the flavor beautifully.
- 2 cups brown sugar, packed: Brown sugar’s molasses content gives the brownies a deeper flavor and chewy texture.
- 1 ounce unsweetened bakers chocolate, melted: This gives an intense chocolate flavor; opt for a quality brand if you can.
- 2 eggs: Large eggs work best to bind the ingredients and add moisture.
- 3 tsp vanilla extract (for brownie batter): Quality vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 1 cup fresh cherries, chopped and cut in quarters: Folding in additional chopped cherries will make the brownies even more flavorful.
How to Make Chewy Chocolate Cherry Brownies
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (325°F for glass bakeware). Grease or line a 9×9 baking pan for easy removal.
- Sift together the flour, cocoa, baking powder, salt, and baking soda in a bowl to prevent lumps and ensure even blending.
- In a saucepan, melt 3/4 cup butter over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in the brown sugar, melted chocolate, eggs, and 3 tsp vanilla until everything is well combined.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Don’t overmix; this helps achieve that chewy texture!
- Fold in the chopped cherries evenly into the batter, spreading their delightful tartness throughout.
- Spread the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely before frosting them for the best texture.
- For the frosting, mix the cream cheese, 1/4 cup softened butter, 1 tsp vanilla extract, icing sugar, and milk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Fold in 1/3 cup chopped fresh cherries and spread the frosting over the cooled brownies for a tangy topping.
- Cut into squares or bars and serve warm or chilled. Each bite is a little piece of heaven!
How to Serve Chewy Chocolate Cherry Brownies
These brownies are perfect on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an extra indulgence. Serve them warm for a cozy treat, or chill them in the fridge for a refreshing dessert. Feel free to sprinkle with additional cherries or even some nuts for an added texture!
How to Store Chewy Chocolate Cherry Brownies
To keep your brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days. If you prefer them to last longer, you can refrigerate them, where they will stay fresh for about a week. If you need to freeze them, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months; just thaw them in the fridge before serving!
Tips to Make Chewy Chocolate Cherry Brownies
- Testing for doneness: Because brownie texture can vary, start checking for doneness a minute or two before the recommended time.
- Don’t rush the cooling: Completely cooling your brownies before frosting helps the frosting adhere better and prevents it from melting.
- Use ripe cherries: Opt for ripe, sweet cherries for the best flavor. You can even substitute with frozen cherries if fresh isn’t available—just thaw and drain them first.
Variations and Substitutions
- Nutty twist: Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a delightful crunch.
- Different fruit: Swap in raspberries or strawberries for a different fruity flavor.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend for a gluten-free brownie.
- Vegan version: Use dairy-free butter and substitute eggs with flax eggs or applesauce for a plant-based option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cherries in this recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw and drain the cherries before using them to remove excess moisture.
How can I tell when the brownies are done baking?
Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
Can I make the brownies ahead of time?
Absolutely! Brownies store well and taste great even after a few days, making them perfect for meal prep.
How can I make these brownies more chocolatey?
Feel free to add chocolate chips into the batter for an extra chocolate punch!
What should I serve with these brownies?
These brownies pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
Chewy Chocolate Cherry Brownies
Ingredients
For the brownie batter
- 1 cup 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted Use unsalted butter for the brownie base.
- 2 cups 2 cups packed brown sugar Brown sugar adds depth and moisture.
- 1 ounce 1 ounce unsweetened bakers chocolate, melted Choose a high-quality brand.
- 2 large 2 eggs Large eggs help bind the ingredients.
- 3 ts 3 tsp vanilla extract Use quality vanilla for better flavor.
- 1.75 cups 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour Spoon into cup for accuracy.
- 1/3 cup 1/3 cup good quality cocoa Enhances the brownie’s chocolate flavor.
- 1 ts 1 tsp baking powder Helps the brownies rise.
- 1/2 ts 1/2 tsp salt Enhances sweetness.
- 1/4 ts 1/4 tsp baking soda Works with baking powder for texture.
- 1 cup 1 cup fresh cherries, chopped and cut in quarters Adds flavor; fold into batter.
For the frosting
- 1/4 cup 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened Adds tanginess and smooth texture.
- 1/4 cup 1/4 cup butter, softened Makes a fluffy frosting.
- 1 ts 1 tsp vanilla extract Deepens the sweetness.
- 2 1/2 cups 2 1/2 cups icing sugar (powdered sugar) Sift to avoid lumps.
- 1 tbsp 1 tbsp milk Add as needed for consistency.
- 1/3 cup 1/3 cup fresh cherries, chopped For mixing into frosting.
Instructions
Preparation
- Sift together the flour, cocoa, baking powder, salt, and baking soda in a bowl.
Baking the Brownies
- Melt 3/4 cup butter over low heat in a saucepan, then stir in brown sugar, melted chocolate, eggs, and 3 tsp vanilla until combined.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Don’t overmix.
- Fold in chopped cherries evenly.
- Spread the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow brownies to cool completely.
Making the Frosting
- Mix together cream cheese, 1/4 cup softened butter, 1 tsp vanilla, icing sugar, and milk until smooth.
- Fold in 1/3 cup chopped cherries and spread over cooled brownies.
Serving
- Cut into squares or bars and serve warm or chilled.
