Chocolate Cherry Brownie Bars Recipe

If you’re a chocolate lover with a soft spot for cherries, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Chocolate Cherry Brownie Bars Recipe. These bars are the perfect balance of fudgy chocolate and tart roasted cherries, creating a flavor combo that’s simply irresistible. Believe me, once you try them, they’ll become your go-to treat for any occasion—trust me, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve made them for friends and family who just can’t get enough.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

This Chocolate Cherry Brownie Bars Recipe truly shines because each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that perfect, decadent bar. From the tart cherries to the silky chocolate chips, each component brings its own magic. When you pick ingredients, freshness counts—especially for the cherries!

• Cherries: Fresh, pitted, and halved cherries roast beautifully to deepen their flavor—I like using Bing cherries when in season.
• White granulated sugar: The classic sweetener that blends perfectly without overpowering.
• Large eggs & egg yolk: Eggs provide structure and richness, and the extra yolk adds beautiful moistness.
• Unsalted butter: Melted for even mixing and subtle richness—make sure it cools slightly before adding to avoid cooking the eggs.
• Canola or vegetable oil: Keeps the brownie bars tender and moist, balancing the butter’s flavor.
• Pure vanilla extract: Elevates the chocolate and cherry flavors without stealing the spotlight.
• All-purpose flour: The foundation that holds everything together.
• Dutch-process cocoa powder: Gives these brownies that rich, velvety chocolate taste I adore.
• Cornstarch: A secret ingredient that tenderizes the texture for a softer bite.
• Salt: Essential for enhancing and balancing sweetness.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melting into pockets of gooey chocolate—because one type of chocolate just isn’t enough here!

Make It Your Way

I love how versatile this Chocolate Cherry Brownie Bars Recipe is, and I’ve often played around with it to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Feel free to adapt it to your preference—after all, the best recipes are the ones you put your own spin on.

• Variation: Sometimes, I swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate chunks when I want a slightly less sweet, more intense chocolate hit.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut oil instead of butter, and dairy-free chocolate chips, and you’ll still get that amazing fudgy texture.
• Seasonal Twist: Try swapping cherries for fresh raspberries or blackberries for a different berry twist—just roast them the same way!
• Nutty Upgrade: Adding chopped toasted walnuts or pecans adds a lovely crunch that works beautifully with the soft brownies.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Cherry Brownie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Cherries for Deep Flavor

This is a crucial step you don’t want to skip. Preheat your oven to 400°F, line a baking sheet with parchment, and spread the halved cherries evenly. Lightly sprinkle sugar over them to caramelize. Roast for 10 minutes until they’re juicy and fragrant. Let them cool—it really intensifies their flavor and adds a lovely tart-sweet punch to your brownies.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

While the cherries cool, reduce the oven temp to 325°F. Spray an 8×8-inch pan with non-stick spray, then line the bottom and two sides with parchment. This makes removing the bars super easy later on. Don’t forget to spray the parchment as well to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Sift together the all-purpose flour, Dutch-process cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt into a bowl. This sifting step is key—it helps to aerate the mixture so your brownies come out light yet fudgy.

Step 4: Whip Sugar and Eggs Until Fluffy

Using a mixer with a whisk attachment, beat the sugar, whole eggs, and egg yolk on high speed for about 5 minutes. You’re aiming for a pale, fluffy mixture—this incorporates air that gives the brownies a beautiful lift.

Step 5: Incorporate Butter, Oil, and Vanilla

Melt the butter and cool it just slightly so it won’t cook the eggs. With the mixer on low, add in the butter, oil, and vanilla extract. Mixing gently keeps the eggs fluffy and ensures everything blends beautifully.

Step 6: Fold in Dry Ingredients and Cherries

Remove the bowl from the mixer and carefully fold the dry ingredients into the wet batter using a rubber spatula. Gently fold; you don’t want to lose all that precious air you just whipped in. Then fold in half the roasted cherries and chocolate chips, making sure everything is evenly distributed.

Step 7: Bake and Finish

Pour the batter into your parchment-lined pan and smooth the surface. Bake for 40–50 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are set but the center is still slightly underdone—this is what keeps them perfectly fudgy. Sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top then let them cool completely in the pan.

Step 8: Chill, Top, and Serve

Before slicing, freeze the brownies for 15 minutes—it helps them set without drying out, making clean cuts easier. Once chilled, take them out, top with the remaining roasted cherries, cut into 16 bars, and get ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Brownie Bars Recipe

Garnishes

I often sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top right before serving—it really amps up the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness beautifully. Sometimes, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream makes these bars feel like a party on a plate.

Side Dishes

Pair these brownie bars with a fresh berry salad or a simple green tea to cleanse the palate. I’ve had great success serving them alongside a rich, creamy coffee or a glass of cold milk when I just want to keep it classic.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or special occasions, I’ve arranged these bars on a slate platter with extra roasted cherries and fresh mint leaves. Another favorite is stacking them in pretty layers, dusted with cocoa powder and a few edible flowers for an elegant touch that impresses every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chocolate Cherry Brownie Bars keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. I usually keep mine covered to prevent them from drying out but still soft and luscious inside.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully. Just wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’ve got a craving, thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a couple of hours—almost like freshly baked!

Reheating

I gently warm leftover bars in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a low oven (300°F) for 5-7 minutes. This revives that gooey chocolate goodness without drying them. Just be careful not to overheat or they’ll start to dry out quickly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Cherry Brownie Bars Recipe is one of those desserts I keep making—and secretly hope there’s some leftover, but not too often! It’s the perfect cross between fudgy chocolate decadence and bright, juicy fruitiness from roasted cherries. When you make these bars, you’re not just baking—you’re creating a little moment of pure joy. So grab your apron and whip up a batch; I promise you’ll be sharing smiles in no time.

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