Easy Cherry Brownies Recipe: A Decadent Dessert You’ll Love
If you’re craving a dessert that’s fudgy, chocolatey, and has just the right pop of fruity flavor, Easy Cherry Brownies are your new best friend. This recipe combines rich chocolate with tart-sweet cherries for a treat that feels indulgent yet approachable enough for any home baker. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a weekend treat, or simply because you deserve something sweet, these brownies will hit the spot every time.
In this article, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to make the best Easy Cherry Brownies at home, from the simple ingredients to expert tips and variations. By the end, you’ll feel like a pro in the kitchen—and you’ll have a plate of fudgy brownies to show for it.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Easy Cherry Brownies Recipe
There are plenty of brownie recipes out there, but adding cherries takes things up a notch. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this dessert:
- Rich and fudgy texture – These brownies are chewy, moist, and packed with chocolate flavor.
- Burst of fruitiness – Cherries add a tangy sweetness that balances the richness of the chocolate.
- Simple to make – This recipe doesn’t require fancy equipment or advanced baking skills.
- Customizable – You can swap ingredients, add mix-ins, or even make them gluten-free.
- Crowd-pleaser – Perfect for parties, potlucks, or just as a weeknight dessert.
Ingredients for Easy Cherry Brownies
To make these brownies, you’ll need a mix of pantry staples and cherries. Here’s the full list:
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (50 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Cherries and Add-ins
- 1 ½ cups (225 g) fresh cherries, pitted and halved (or frozen, thawed and drained)
- 1 cup (175 g) semisweet chocolate chips or chunks
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Easy Cherry Brownies is straightforward and beginner-friendly. Just follow these steps:
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang on the sides to make removal easier.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, and oil until smooth. Add in the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Make the Batter
Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—you want your brownies to stay fudgy, not cakey.
Step 5: Add Cherries and Chocolate
Gently fold in the cherries and chocolate chips. If you’re using frozen cherries, make sure they’re well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out with the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve.
Tips for the Best Easy Cherry Brownies
Want your brownies to turn out perfectly every time? Here are some tips:
- Don’t overbake – Brownies continue to cook as they cool. Pull them out when they’re slightly underdone for maximum fudginess.
- Use good cocoa powder – Quality cocoa makes a big difference in flavor. Opt for unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa for a richer taste.
- Drain cherries well – If using canned or frozen cherries, make sure they’re drained to prevent soggy brownies.
- Line the pan – Parchment paper makes removing and cutting brownies so much easier.
- Chill before slicing – For neater cuts, refrigerate brownies for about 30 minutes before slicing.
Variations to Try
The beauty of Easy Cherry Brownies is that they’re flexible. Here are some fun ways to switch things up:
- Cherry Almond Brownies: Add ½ teaspoon almond extract to the batter for a nutty twist.
- Black Forest Brownies: Top brownies with whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a Black Forest-inspired treat.
- Nutty Cherry Brownies: Stir in chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for crunch.
- Gluten-Free Version: Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Extra Chocolatey: Add a swirl of Nutella or melted chocolate to the batter before baking.
Ingredient Substitutions for Easy Cherry Brownies
One of the best things about Easy Cherry Brownies is how forgiving and versatile the recipe is. Even if you don’t have every ingredient in your pantry, you can still whip up a batch of rich, fudgy brownies with a few clever swaps. Here are some substitution ideas that will help you adapt the recipe to your taste, dietary needs, or what you have on hand:
- Butter → If you’re out of butter or want a dairy-free option, substitute with coconut oil or vegan butter. Both provide that same moist texture and richness while making your Easy Cherry Brownies suitable for those avoiding dairy.
- Sugar → Instead of granulated sugar, you can use coconut sugar for a less processed option or swap in honey or maple syrup. If using liquid sweeteners, slightly reduce the other wet ingredients to keep the batter from becoming too runny. These alternatives can give your brownies a deeper, caramel-like flavor that pairs wonderfully with cherries.
- Eggs → For a vegan version, use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water for each egg). Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens, then add it to the batter. This keeps the brownies soft and chewy without needing traditional eggs.
- Cherries → While fresh cherries give the best juicy flavor, there are plenty of options. Frozen cherries work well as long as they’re thawed and drained. Dried cherries add a chewier bite and a concentrated sweetness. And if cherries aren’t available, raspberries or even chopped strawberries make excellent substitutes.
- Flour → Want to make gluten-free brownies? Swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Almond flour can also be used, but it will give the brownies a denser, slightly nutty flavor.
These substitutions mean that no matter what you have on hand, you’ll still end up with a batch of delicious Easy Cherry Brownies that everyone can enjoy.
Storage Instructions for Easy Cherry Brownies
Once you’ve baked a pan of Easy Cherry Brownies, you’ll want to know how to store them properly so they stay as fudgy and delicious as when they first came out of the oven. Luckily, brownies are one of the easiest desserts to store, and they keep well at room temperature, in the fridge, or even in the freezer. Here’s how to do it:
- Room Temperature: If you plan to enjoy your Easy Cherry Brownies within a couple of days, store them in an airtight container on the counter. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for about 2–3 days. To prevent them from drying out, place a small piece of parchment paper between layers so they don’t stick together.
- Refrigerator: For longer storage, place the brownies in a sealed container and keep them in the fridge. They’ll stay good for up to a week. The cool temperature actually helps the brownies firm up, which makes them easier to slice and gives them a denser, fudgier texture. Some people even prefer eating chilled brownies straight from the fridge.
- Freezer: If you want to make a big batch of Easy Cherry Brownies ahead of time, freezing is the way to go. Cut the cooled brownies into squares, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months without losing their flavor. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them at room temperature for a couple of hours or pop them in the microwave for 20–30 seconds to get that warm, gooey texture back.
With the right storage method, your Easy Cherry Brownies can be a quick grab-and-go snack, a sweet lunchbox treat, or a freezer-friendly dessert for unexpected guests.
Serving Suggestions
Easy Cherry Brownies are delicious on their own, but you can make them extra special with these ideas:
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Drizzle with melted white chocolate for contrast.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Pair with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
Prep Time, Cook Time, and Servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Total Time: 50–55 minutes
- Servings: About 16 brownies
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s rich, fruity, and easy to whip up, Easy Cherry Brownies are the perfect choice. The combination of chocolate and cherries is timeless, and with this recipe, you don’t need to be an expert baker to pull it off.
Whether you stick to the classic version or try one of the fun variations, these brownies are sure to impress family, friends, or even just yourself on a quiet evening. Keep this recipe in your back pocket whenever you want to bake something simple, satisfying, and absolutely delicious.
