Chewy Chocolate Cherry Brownies are a delightful twist on a classic dessert, featuring a rich, fudgy base studded with sweet cherries and topped with a luscious cherry cream cheese frosting. The combination of deep chocolate flavor and juicy fruit creates a balanced and irresistible treat, perfect for any celebration or as a decadent everyday indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These brownies offer an elevated flavor experience thanks to the use of real cherries and quality cocoa. The texture is dense and chewy, with a moist crumb that contrasts beautifully with the creamy frosting. The cherry cream cheese topping adds a fruity, tangy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate base. Whether made with fresh, frozen, or maraschino cherries, these brownies are guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Brownies:
1¾ cups all-purpose flour
⅓ cup good quality cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp baking soda
¾ cup butter
2 cups packed brown sugar
1 oz unsweetened baker’s chocolate, melted (1 square)
2 large eggs
3 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup fresh cherries, chopped into quarters (or use frozen or maraschino cherries)
For the Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting:
¼ cup cream cheese
¼ cup butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
2½ cups powdered sugar
1 tbsp milk (adjust for spreadable consistency)
⅓ cup fresh cherries, chopped
Directions
Prepare the Brownies:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), or 325°F if using a glass baking dish. Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Set aside.
In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat, then remove from heat. Stir in the brown sugar, melted chocolate, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth—test by rubbing a bit between your fingers.
Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until fully incorporated.
Fold in the chopped cherries.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
Let brownies cool completely in the pan before frosting. If needed, level the surface with a serrated knife.
Make the Frosting:
In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
Add milk a little at a time until a spreadable consistency is reached.
Fold in the chopped cherries.
Spread the frosting over the cooled brownies, then slice into squares or bars to serve.
Servings and timing
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 24 brownies
Variations
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Cherry Almond: Add ½ teaspoon almond extract to the frosting or batter to complement the cherry flavor.
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Chocolate Chunk Cherry: Stir in ½ cup of chocolate chunks or chips for extra indulgence.
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Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
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No Frosting: Enjoy the brownies plain for a simpler, less sweet option.
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Boozy Brownies: Macerate cherries in kirsch or cherry liqueur for a grown-up twist.
Storage/Reheating
Storage:
Store the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Because of the cream cheese frosting, refrigeration is necessary.
Freezing:
Frosted or unfrosted brownies can be frozen. Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating:
If you prefer warm brownies, microwave individual unfrosted pieces for 10–15 seconds. Frosted brownies are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen cherries work well. Do not thaw them before folding into the batter to avoid excess moisture.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with moist crumbs but no raw batter, they’re ready.
Can I use cherry pie filling instead of fresh cherries?
It’s not recommended for the batter, but you can fold a small amount into the frosting for added flavor.
Is the frosting optional?
Yes, the brownies are rich and flavorful on their own and can be served without the frosting if preferred.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. These brownies can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to serve.
What type of cocoa powder should I use?
Use a good quality unsweetened cocoa powder for best flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa is also suitable.
Can I substitute white sugar for brown sugar?
Brown sugar is preferred for chewiness and moisture, but white sugar can be used in a pinch. The texture may be slightly different.
Can I make this recipe in a larger pan?
Yes, but the brownies will be thinner. Adjust the baking time accordingly and check doneness early.
How can I make the frosting pinker?
Add a small amount of cherry juice or a few drops of red food coloring to enhance the color naturally.
Are maraschino cherries a good alternative?
Yes, they add a sweeter and slightly tangier flavor. Drain and chop before adding to the batter or frosting.
Conclusion
Chewy Chocolate Cherry Brownies combine rich chocolate flavor with bursts of juicy cherry and a creamy, fruit-filled frosting for a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re baking for a special event or simply satisfying a sweet craving, these brownies are a standout treat that’s sure to please any crowd.
Print
Chewy Chocolate Cherry Brownies
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 brownies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Rich, fudgy, and bursting with sweet cherry flavor, these Chewy Chocolate Cherry Brownies are the perfect indulgence. Topped with a luscious cherry cream cheese frosting, they’re a decadent twist on the classic brownie. Keywords: cherry brownies, chocolate cherry brownies, brownies with cream cheese frosting, chewy cherry dessert bars
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
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1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
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1/3 cup good quality cocoa powder
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1 tsp baking powder
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/4 tsp baking soda
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3/4 cup butter
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2 cups packed brown sugar
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1 oz unsweetened baker’s chocolate, melted (1 square)
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2 large eggs
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3 tsp vanilla extract
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1 cup fresh cherries, chopped into quarters (or use frozen or maraschino cherries)
For the Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting:
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1/4 cup cream cheese
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1/4 cup butter
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
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1 tbsp milk (adjust for spreadable consistency)
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1/3 cup fresh cherries, chopped
Instructions
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Prepare the Brownies:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), or 325°F for glass pans.
Grease or line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, sift together flour, cocoa, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
In a saucepan, melt butter over low heat and remove from heat. Stir in brown sugar, melted chocolate, eggs, and vanilla. Mix well until sugar is dissolved—test by rubbing a bit between your fingers.
Gradually mix in dry ingredients. Fold in chopped cherries.
Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 35–40 minutes.
Let cool completely in the pan. -
Make the Frosting:
In a bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until creamy.
Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until fluffy.
Add milk as needed for a spreadable consistency. Fold in chopped cherries.
Spread frosting over cooled brownies. -
Serve:
Slice into 24 squares or bars and enjoy!
Notes
For extra richness, add 1/2 cup chocolate chips to the batter.
If using frozen cherries, thaw and pat dry before chopping.
These brownies can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Bars
- Method: Baking
