Oh, honey, come on in! Grab a cup of coffee, and let me tell you about these chocolate cherry brownies. I’ve been baking them for, oh, I don’t even want to say how many years – let’s just say it’s been long enough that the kids practically expect them to magically appear every other week. And trust me, there’s a story behind this fudgy perfection!

I remember the first time I tried to make something like these chocolate cherry brownies. It was a complete disaster! I was trying to impress my, and let’s just say the brownies were so dry, they crumbled into dust when you tried to cut them. I almost gave up on baking altogether after that! But something kept nagging at me about that combination of dark chocolate and sweet cherries. I just knew there was potential, so I kept experimenting, tweaking, and flat-out failing until I finally cracked the code.

These aren’t just any chocolate cherry brownies, they’re the real deal – rich, decadent, and bursting with the perfect balance of sweet and tart. The best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make. Honestly, if I can do it with a toddler clinging to my leg and a teenager demanding Wi-Fi passwords, anyone can! This cherry chocolate brownies recipe has become a true family favorite, perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or just a cozy night in with a movie. They’re that good!

Life can get crazy, can’t it? Between school runs, soccer practice, and trying to keep up with laundry, sometimes the simplest things, like baking a batch of delicious chocolate cherry brownies, can feel like a little victory. These brownies are my go-to because they’re relatively quick, use ingredients I usually have on hand, and always bring a smile to everyone’s face. I perfected this chocolate cherry brownies recipe over time, making little adjustments based on family feedback (mostly from the self-proclaimed “brownie critics” – my kids!).

I discovered this perfect combination when I was searching for a unique dessert to bring to a friend’s birthday party, and now it’s become a staple in my home. Seriously, the first time I made these chocolate cherry brownies, they were gone within minutes!

So, are you ready to dive in and learn how to make the most amazing chocolate cherry brownies you’ve ever tasted? I promise, it’s easier than you think, and the results are totally worth it. Let’s get baking!

Ingredients for Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of my famous chocolate cherry brownies. Don’t worry; most of these are pantry staples!

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted: I always use unsalted butter for my chocolate cherry brownies because it gives me more control over the saltiness of the final product.
2 cups granulated sugar: Sugar is your friend! It helps create that beautiful, crackly top that every good brownie should have.
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: I prefer using Dutch-processed cocoa powder for my chocolate cherry brownies because it has a smoother, richer flavor, but regular cocoa powder works just fine too.
1 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps give the brownies a little lift.
4 large eggs: Eggs bind everything together and add moisture.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract: I always use pure vanilla extract for my chocolate cherry brownies because the flavor is so much better than imitation.
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: When making chocolate cherry brownies, you can find that measuring flour accurately is super important for the right texture. Too much, and they’ll be dry; too little, and they’ll be gooey (although, let’s be honest, gooey brownies are still pretty good!).
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: You can use dark chocolate chips if you prefer a richer, less sweet brownie.
1 (10-ounce) jar maraschino cherries, drained and halved: I always pat the cherries dry with a paper towel before adding them to the batter to prevent the brownies from becoming soggy.
Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans: For extra crunch!

Here’s a chocolate cherry brownies trick I learned from my mom: melt the butter and cocoa powder together before adding the sugar. It creates a deeper, richer chocolate flavor that’s just irresistible! You can find most of these ingredients at your local grocery store, but for the best quality cocoa powder, I recommend checking out a specialty baking shop. It’s a bit of an investment, but it makes a noticeable difference in these chocolate cherry brownies.

For a cost-saving tip, keep an eye out for sales on butter and chocolate chips around holidays like Valentine’s Day or Christmas. You can stock up and freeze them for later use!

Speaking of storage, make sure to store your cocoa powder and chocolate chips in airtight containers in a cool, dark place to keep them fresh for longer. I keep mine in the pantry, away from the oven’s heat. This helps ensure that when you’re ready to make more chocolate cherry brownies, your ingredients are at their best!

How to Make Chocolate Cherry Brownies – Step-by-Step

Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty! Here’s how to make these amazing chocolate cherry brownies, step-by-step. Don’t worry, I’ll be right here with you.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This is important, trust me! I learned the hard way with chocolate cherry brownies that if you skip this step, they’ll stick to the pan like glue.
In a large bowl, melt the butter. You can do this in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat. Once melted, stir in the cocoa powder until smooth. This is where my mom’s trick comes in – it really does make a difference in the flavor of the chocolate cherry brownies!
Add the sugar, salt, and baking powder to the melted butter and cocoa mixture. Mix well until combined.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This helps create a smooth, even batter. Don’t worry if your chocolate cherry brownies batter looks a little lumpy at this stage; it’ll all come together in the end.
Gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough brownies. Just mix until the flour disappears.
Fold in the chocolate chips and halved cherries. I like to reserve a few chocolate chips and cherries to sprinkle on top of the brownies before baking; it makes them look extra pretty! If you’re using nuts, fold them in now too.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle with the reserved chocolate chips and cherries, if desired.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. In my kitchen, chocolate cherry brownies usually takes about 28 minutes to bake perfectly, but oven times can vary. Keep an eye on them!
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This is the hardest part, I know! But trust me, they’ll be easier to cut and will taste even better if you let them cool completely.

While the chocolate cherry brownies are cooking, I usually take the opportunity to clean up the kitchen or throw in a load of laundry. Multitasking is key, right? Your chocolate cherry brownies should smell like a rich, chocolatey dream with a hint of cherry sweetness. It’s the best!

One time-saver I discovered is using a brownie mix and simply adding the cherries and chocolate chips. It’s not quite the same as making them from scratch, but it’s a great option when you’re short on time. I learned that lesson when I had to whip up a batch for a last-minute bake sale.

Serving Your Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Now for the best part – serving these delicious chocolate cherry brownies! There are so many ways to enjoy them, but here are a few of my family’s favorites.

The kids love our chocolate cherry brownies when I add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. It’s the perfect combination of warm, fudgy brownie and cold, creamy ice cream. Sometimes, I’ll even drizzle a little chocolate syrup or hot fudge over the top for extra decadence.

My go-to side dish for chocolate cherry brownies is a simple glass of cold milk. It’s the perfect palate cleanser and complements the richness of the brownies perfectly. A cup of coffee or tea also works wonders, especially for adults.

These chocolate cherry brownies are perfect for so many occasions! I make them for birthday parties, holiday gatherings, potlucks, and even just as a special treat on a rainy day. They’re always a hit, no matter the occasion.

For presentation, I like to cut the chocolate cherry brownies into neat squares and arrange them on a pretty platter. A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate can also add a nice touch.

If you have extra chocolate cherry brownies (which is rare in my house!), you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’re also delicious cold, straight from the fridge!

For a seasonal variation, try adding peppermint extract and crushed candy canes during the holidays. It’s like a chocolate cherry brownies holiday dream!

My friends always ask for this chocolate cherry brownies recipe because they’re so easy to make and taste so amazing. I’m always happy to share it because I believe everyone should have access to a great brownie recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Okay, let’s tackle some frequently asked questions about these chocolate cherry brownies. I’ve gotten these questions from blog readers, family members, and even my own kitchen mishaps!

Q: My chocolate cherry brownies are always dry. What am I doing wrong?
- A: Dry brownies are the worst! You know what I do when my chocolate cherry brownies are dry? Make sure you’re measuring your flour accurately. Too much flour is the most common culprit. Also, don’t overbake them! They should be slightly moist in the center when you take them out of the oven. Refer to external link provided on How to Measure Flour Accurately.
Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
- A: Absolutely! Fresh cherries are delicious in these chocolate cherry brownies. Just make sure to pit and halve them before adding them to the batter. You might want to add a little extra sugar, as fresh cherries aren’t as sweet as maraschino cherries. Read more here: external link provided on All About Cherries: Types, Health Benefits & Uses.
Q: My chocolate cherry brownies are too fudgy. How can I make them more cake-like?
- A: If you prefer cake-like brownies, try adding a little more flour to the batter. About 1/4 cup should do the trick. Also, make sure you’re not using too much butter.
Q: Can I freeze these chocolate cherry brownies?
- A: Yes, you can! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Q: What if I don’t have cocoa powder? Can I substitute something else?
- A: If you don’t have cocoa powder, you can use melted unsweetened chocolate instead. Use 3 ounces of melted chocolate for every cup of cocoa powder called for in the recipe.
Q: My cherries sank to the bottom of the chocolate cherry brownies. How can I prevent this?
- A: Toss the cherries in a little flour before adding them to the batter. This will help them stay suspended throughout the brownies. Also, make sure your batter isn’t too thin.
Q: Can I add a frosting to these chocolate cherry brownies?
- A: Of course! A chocolate ganache, cream cheese frosting, or even a simple dusting of powdered sugar would be delicious on these chocolate cherry brownies.

You know, one time I accidentally used salted butter instead of unsalted, and the brownies were way too salty! I had to throw the whole batch away. It was a bummer, but lesson learned! The kids usually prefer them with a little whipped cream on top, while my husband likes them plain.

Final Thoughts on Chocolate Cherry Brownies

These chocolate cherry brownies hold a special place in my heart because they represent so much more than just a dessert. They’re a symbol of family, love, and those little moments of joy that we often take for granted. I remember baking these with my own , and now they’re teaching their kids, so it’s super rewarding.

Here are my chocolate cherry brownies Pro Tips:

Always use high-quality ingredients. It makes a huge difference in the flavor of the final product.
Don’t overbake! Slightly underbaked brownies are always better than dry ones.
Let them cool completely before cutting. Patience is key!

Here are a few chocolate cherry brownies variations I’ve tried with my family:

Black Forest Brownies: Add a tablespoon of kirsch (cherry liqueur) to the batter for an extra boozy kick.
Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownies: Dip the cooled brownies in melted chocolate and top with a maraschino cherry.
Cherry Chocolate Chunk Brownies: Use chocolate chunks instead of chocolate chips for a more intense chocolate flavor. Check out similar recipes here: https://seasonedrecipe.com/no-bake-chocolate-cherry-cream-pie, and here: https://seasonedrecipe.com/chocolate-smores-cupcakes-recipe.

My oldest kid loves the Black Forest Brownies (when I let them have a small piece, of course!), while my youngest is a purist and prefers the classic version. No matter which variation you choose, I hope you enjoy making these chocolate cherry brownies as much as my family does.

I really hope that you love this recipe as much as we do! It’s one of my favorite chocolate cherry brownies recipes, and I think it will quickly become one of your favorites too! Let me know in the comments if you make it and how it turns out. Happy baking!

Best Luscious Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Print Recipe

Indulge in these decadent chocolate cherry brownies, bursting with rich chocolate flavor and sweet cherry goodness. Perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings or sharing with friends and family.

Author: Zoubida
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 16 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Mix well.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
Fold in the chocolate chips and cherries.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

Notes

Serve these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra decadent treat.