These Cherry Chocolate Brownies are INCREDIBLE (if I do say so myself). They’re fudgy, rich and indulgent and packed with juicy cherries, what more could you ask for? Oh yes, they’re also super easy to make, in one bowl and they’re secretly healthy!
There’s only one thing I love more than chocolate. Chocolate and cherries. I’m not sure who discovered this magical flavor combination, but THANK YOU. Who would have thought that cherries would be so delicious in a brownie?
Let’s talk about brownie textures. I personally feel offended by cakey brownies. A brownie needs to either be gooey and chewy or fudgey. These chocolate cherry brownies or on the fudgey side and they’re pretty phenomenal.
I’ve tested these brownies so many times now and discovered that with the gooey cherries, a fudgy texture works better than a gooey, chewy texture – it creates a special kind of contrast in textures and it’s simply delightful.
They’re also extremely quick and easy to make (the hardest part is waiting for them to bake and cool). They’re made in just one bowl, so less washing up for us!
The ingredients are simple and of course, they’re healthy too! However, you would never be able to tell that they’re healthy – they’re THAT good.
I’ve made these brownies without eggs, so they don’t have that classic crackly top, but nonetheless, they’re still really delicious. I hope you love them as much as I do!
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- They’re fudgy, rich, decadent and packed with juicy cherries.
- They’re really easy to make!
- This is a one-bowl recipe, so less washing up to do.
- They contain no butter or oil.
- They’re nut-free and egg-free.
- They can be made vegan, dairy-free, refined sugar-free and gluten-free.
- They’re secretly healthy (shh!)
- They’re INCREDIBLE served warm with some cream or ice cream (I’m drooling again).
- They’re good for your soul and your body.
How Are These Brownies Healthy?
These Cherry and Chocolate Brownies are not only delicious but also come with several health benefits. Here’s why you can enjoy these treats guilt-free:
1. Antioxidant-Rich Dark Chocolate: Dark chocolate, especially when it’s free from refined sugars, is loaded with antioxidants that help combat free radicals in the body. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit your overall health.
2. Nutritious Yogurt: Yogurt adds a creamy texture to these brownies without the need for excessive butter or oil. It’s a great source of protein and calcium, contributing to strong bones and muscles. Using Greek or double-cream yogurt ensures you’re getting high-quality nutrients.
3. Natural Sweeteners: Instead of refined white sugar, these brownies use coconut sugar or panela sugar, which are unrefined and retain more nutrients. These natural sweeteners have a lower glycemic index, making them a healthier option for regulating blood sugar levels.
4. Whole Grain Flour: Using whole wheat flour instead of refined white flour increases the fiber content, aiding in digestion and providing more vitamins and minerals. Fiber is essential for maintaining a healthy gut and preventing blood sugar spikes.
5. Nutrient-Packed Cherries: Cherries are not only delicious but also packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They have anti-inflammatory properties and can help improve sleep quality thanks to their natural melatonin content.
6. Cocoa Powder Benefits: Dutch-process cocoa powder used in these brownies is rich in flavonoids, which can help improve heart health by lowering blood pressure and improving blood flow to the brain. It also helps reduce inflammation and has been linked to reduced risks of certain diseases.
Ingredients and Substitutions
These are the ingredients you’ll need to make these Chocolate Cherry Brownies along with ingredient substitutions. You can find the exact measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of this page.
- Dark Chocolate: The secret to gooey, decadent brownies is melted dark chocolate in the batter. Like cocoa powder, dark chocolate is a great antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredient; and YES – it is healthy! Try to use a refined sugar-free dark chocolate like this one. You can use any chocolate you have.
- Yogurt: Yogurt adds delicious gooeyness to these brownies without needing an excessive amount of oil or butter. It also adds extra protein and calcium to your diet – BONUS! Try to use thick yogurt like Greek yogurt or Double Cream yogurt, and make sure there are no additives or artificial sweeteners. You can use a dairy-free alternative like soy or coconut yogurt to make vegan chocolate brownies.
- Sugar: I usually use coconut sugar as it’s an unrefined sugar that’s a lot more nutritious than regular white or brown sugar. I recently discovered panela sugar and this is now a new favorite! You can use any sugar you like, however the change might slightly affect the texture of the brownies.
- Milk: To bring the brownie batter to the correct consistency. Milk also adds extra protein and calcium. You can use a dairy-free milk alternative for vegan brownies.
- Plain Wholemeal Flour: I use whole wheat flour as it contains more nutrients, protein, and fiber compared to refined white flour. You could alternatively use All-Purpose Flour or for a gluten-free version you can use oat flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
- Baking Soda or Bicarbonate of Soda: This reacts with the cocoa powder to give the brownies a slight lift whilst keeping them gooey and delicious instead of cakey.
- Cocoa Powder: I recommend using Dutch-process cocoa powder as it has a lovely rich chocolaty flavor. Make sure your cocoa powder is unsweetened. Cocoa powder contains antioxidants that help to improve cholesterol and blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. It also helps to reduce inflammation and can protect you from diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. You can also use cacao powder.
- Cherries: I prefer to use fresh cherries, but frozen, defrosted cherries also work. Cherries are a great anti-inflammatory ingredient and can help you sleep better, making this a GREAT dessert!
Equipment Needed
- Digital Food Scale: For accurate measurements and perfect results.
- 8-inch Square Baking Tin
- Knife or Cherry Pitter to remove cherry pits.
- Parchment Paper
- Mixing Bowl: One large bowl for the brownie batter and one small bowl to melt the chocolate and make the cream cheese frosting.
- Whisk or Fork and Spatula
How to make Cherry Chocolate Brownies
Here is a detailed summary of how to make this recipe. I’ve also included some photos, and you can find the recipe video in the recipe card. At the bottom of this page is a summarized version that can be printed.
Step one:
Start by preheating your oven and lining your baking tin with a sheet of parchment paper leaving some paper overhanging the pan for easy removal.
Step two:
Start by melting your chocolate. You can do this in a double boiler or in the microwave, stopping every 30 seconds to stir and prevent burning.
Step three:
Add your room-temperature yogurt, milk, sugar and melted chocolate to your large mixing bowl and whisk until smooth.
Step four:
Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Gently fold with a spatula until almost combined.
Step five:
Add in your pitted cherries and some extra dark chocolate chunks if you wish, and fold into the brownie batter.
Step six:
Transfer the brownie batter to the baking tin and smooth out the top. You can add a few more halved cherries and chocolate on top to garnish.
Step seven:
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. The brownies will rise quite a bit, but as they cool it will fall flat and create the fudgiest brownies.
Step eight:
Leave to cool completely before slicing with a sharp, clean knife.
Tips and Notes
- Use Quality Chocolate: The better the quality of your dark chocolate, the richer and more decadent your brownies will taste. Look for chocolate with a high cocoa content and minimal additives.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your yogurt and milk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps everything combine smoothly and evenly.
- Don’t Overmix: When folding in the flour and cocoa powder, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher brownies.
- Check for Doneness: Baking times can vary depending on your oven. Check your brownies a few minutes before the recommended baking time by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This helps them set properly and makes slicing easier. For even cleaner slices, you can refrigerate the brownies for an hour before cutting.
- Pitting Cherries: If using fresh cherries, a cherry pitter can save you a lot of time and effort. If you don’t have one, a small knife will work, but be careful to remove all pits.
- Make it Your Own: Feel free to experiment with add-ins like chopped nuts, dried fruit, or different types of chocolate chips. You can also try different fruits if cherries aren’t available—raspberries or strawberries make great substitutes. Almonds would be AMAZING!
- Vegan Adaptations: To make these brownies completely vegan, use dairy-free yogurt and milk alternatives. Double-check that your dark chocolate is also vegan-friendly.
How to store Brownies
Room Temperature: Store your Chocolate Cherry Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Make sure the container is sealed properly to keep the brownies moist and fresh.
Refrigerator: If you prefer to keep the brownies for a longer period, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to a week. Before serving, you can warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds to regain their fudgy texture.
Freezer: For even longer storage, you can freeze the brownies. Wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, let the brownies thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds.
Serving Suggestions
- Warm with Ice Cream: Serve these fudgy cherry chocolate brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The contrast between the warm brownie and cold ice cream is simply irresistible.
- Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce: For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle some melted chocolate or chocolate sauce over the brownies before serving. This adds an extra layer of richness and decadence.
- With Fresh Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of each brownie. The lightness of the whipped cream complements the dense, fudgy texture perfectly.
- Topped with Fresh Berries: Garnish the brownies with a handful of fresh berries like raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries. The tartness of the berries adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the brownies.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, oat flour, or a gluten-free flour blend as substitutes for whole wheat flour. Keep in mind that the texture might slightly change with different flours.
Can I make these brownies vegan?
Absolutely! Use dairy-free yogurt and a plant-based milk alternative to make these brownies vegan. Ensure your dark chocolate is also vegan-friendly.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
Check the brownies a few minutes before the recommended baking time by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
Do these brownies have a crackly top?
Since these brownies are made without eggs, they won’t have the classic crackly top. However, they will still be fudgy and delicious.
Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, frozen cherries can be used. Make sure to defrost and drain them before adding to the batter to avoid excess moisture.
How can I make the brownies extra fudgy?
To make the brownies extra fudgy, slightly underbake them and allow them to cool completely before slicing. This will help achieve a dense, fudgy texture.
more healthy brownie recipes you NEED to try:
- The BEST Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting
- The Best Brownie Protein Bars (Nut-Free Recipe)
- Peanut Butter Brownie Batter Log
- Chocolate Orange Ganache Brownie Cups (an easy and healthy dessert!)
- Easy and Healthy Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe
- No-Bake Ferrero Rocher Brownies (healthy!)
- Best Healthy Banana Brownies (Fudgey + Gluten Free)
Hey! If you make this recipe, I would love it if you could leave me some feedback and a rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ in the comment section at the bottom of the page! Also let me know on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest! I can’t wait to hear your thoughts and see your photos!
Cherry Chocolate Brownies
Equipment
- Cherry Pitter or knife
Ingredients
- 130 g Dark Chocolate
- 360 g Yogurt (1+ ½ cup)
- 125 g Sugar
- 185 ml Milk (¾ cup)
- 120 g Wholemeal Flour (1 cup)
- 75 g Cocoa Powder
- ¼ tsp Baking Soda
- ¼ tsp Salt
- 200 g Cherries, pitted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking tin with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler or microwave, stirring every 30 seconds to prevent burning.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the room-temperature yogurt, milk, sugar, and melted chocolate until smooth.
- Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gently fold with a spatula until almost combined.
- Fold in the pitted cherries and some extra dark chocolate chunks, if you like.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared baking tin, smoothing out the top. Add a few more halved cherries and chocolate chunks on top for garnish.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely in the tin before slicing with a sharp, clean knife.
Video
Notes
- Use Quality Chocolate: The better the quality of your dark chocolate, the richer and more decadent your brownies will be.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your yogurt and milk are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Fold the dry ingredients gently to avoid tough brownies.
- Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center at 35 minutes to check for moist crumbs.
- Cool Completely: Let the brownies cool fully in the tin before slicing for the best texture.
Nutrition
Let me know in the comments below if you make these Cherry Chocolate Brownies!
Hi, it looks delicious 🙂 can I use honey or date instead of the sugar? Just to make a little bit healthier 🙂
I’ve not tried this myself, but honey should work! You’ll just need to bake them a bit longer or reduce the amount of milk you add, as the batter will be slightly wetter.