Fudgy Boozy-Cherry Bliss Brownie That Feels a Little Fancy

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I’ll be honest—I didn’t expect to fall in love with a brownie. But one bite of these Fudgy Boozy-Cherry Bliss Brownies, and I was absolutely smitten. The deep, dark chocolate base melts into rich, velvety goodness with every bite, and just when you think it can’t get better, you hit a burst of sweet-tart cherry soaked in just the right hint of liqueur. It’s indulgent. It’s grown-up. And it’s just the right amount of fancy without being fussy.

These brownies are my go-to when I want to impress with minimal effort. The boozy cherries elevate them from regular dessert to something a little more luxe, a little more festive. They’re perfect for holidays, date nights, or anytime you want a show-stopping treat that feels special but doesn’t require pastry school-level skills.

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Why You’ll Love This Fudgy Boozy-Cherry Bliss Brownie

This isn’t your average brownie. These are deeply chocolatey, ultra-fudgy, and beautifully balanced with the brightness of cherries and a subtle kick of liqueur. They’re elegant yet comforting—fancy enough for a dinner party, easy enough for a weekday indulgence. Plus, they slice beautifully and store well, making them ideal for make-ahead desserts or gifting.

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What Kind of Cherries Should I Use?

I love using jarred Morello cherries or frozen sour cherries because they bring a deep, intense cherry flavor that stands up beautifully against the rich chocolate. If you’re going boozy (which I highly recommend), soaking them in kirsch, brandy, or even amaretto adds an extra level of flavor. Fresh cherries can work too, but make sure they’re pitted and a bit tart to mimic that classic black forest vibe.

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Options for Substitutions

No kirsch? No problem. You can use brandy, bourbon, or even a cherry liqueur like Luxardo. Want a non-alcoholic version? Cherry juice or cherry syrup works beautifully. You can also swap out the cherries for raspberries or chopped dried figs if you’re feeling adventurous. Gluten-free flour blends work well here, too, and you can use dairy-free butter if needed to make it friendly for more dietary needs.

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Ingredients for this Fudgy Boozy-Cherry Bliss Brownie

• Unsalted Butter – This adds richness and that classic fudgy brownie texture. Melted butter helps create a dense and moist crumb.
• Dark Chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) – The backbone of these brownies, giving them a deep, intense chocolate flavor.
• Granulated Sugar – Essential for sweetness and to help create that shiny, crinkly brownie top.
• Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and a subtle molasses note that pairs beautifully with the cherries.
• Large Eggs – These bind the batter and add structure while contributing to the fudgy texture.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances all the flavors and adds warmth.
• All-Purpose Flour – A small amount is used to bring the batter together without drying it out.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Intensifies the chocolate flavor and helps deepen the color.
• Salt – Balances sweetness and boosts the chocolate notes.
• Cherries (soaked in kirsch or liqueur) – These are the star. They add pops of tart-sweet juiciness in every bite.
• Kirsch or Cherry Liqueur – Infuses the cherries and adds a subtle boozy kick.
• Chocolate Chunks or Chips – Stirred into the batter for extra gooey, melty pools of chocolate throughout.

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Step 1: Soak the Cherries

Place the cherries in a small bowl and cover them with kirsch or your chosen liqueur. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes, preferably longer. This step can be done a day ahead and kept in the fridge.

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Step 2: Prep the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.

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Step 3: Melt Butter and Chocolate

In a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (or in the microwave in short bursts), melt the butter and chopped dark chocolate together. Stir until smooth, then let it cool slightly.

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Step 4: Whisk Sugars and Eggs

In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until pale and thick. This adds air and helps give the brownies that shiny top.

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Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

Stir the slightly cooled chocolate mixture into the egg and sugar mixture. Add the vanilla extract and mix until smooth.

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Step 6: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Fold gently with a spatula until just combined—don’t overmix or you’ll lose the fudgy texture.

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Step 7: Add Cherries and Chocolate Chunks

Drain the soaked cherries slightly and fold them into the batter along with the chocolate chunks or chips. Distribute them evenly so you get cherries in every bite.

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Step 8: Bake to Fudgy Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter). Don’t overbake!

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Step 9: Cool and Slice

Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment. Slice into squares with a sharp knife, wiping between cuts for clean edges.

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How Long to Prepare the Fudgy Boozy-Cherry Bliss Brownie

Preparation Time: The prep work takes around 20 to 25 minutes. This includes soaking the cherries (if you’re doing it same-day), melting chocolate and butter, whisking the batter, and assembling everything. If you’re soaking the cherries overnight, you’ll save a few minutes during baking time.

Baking and Cooling Time: The brownies need 30–35 minutes in the oven to bake properly. Then, allow at least 1 hour for them to cool in the pan before slicing. This is key to getting clean cuts and allowing the flavors to settle beautifully.

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Tips for Perfect Fudgy Boozy-Cherry Bliss Brownies

• Always use good-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) for depth and richness.
• Soak the cherries overnight for a deeper boozy flavor.
• Don’t overmix once the flour is added—this keeps the brownies tender and fudgy.
• Use room-temperature eggs to help the batter mix more evenly.
• For clean cuts, chill the brownies after they’ve cooled, and slice with a hot, clean knife.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overbaking: If you bake too long, the brownies turn cakey instead of fudgy.
• Skipping the cherry drain: Don’t dump all the cherry liquid into the batter—it can water it down.
• Not cooling before cutting: Cutting too soon causes them to crumble and fall apart.
• Using too much flour: Be precise with your measurements, preferably by weight.
• Using cold eggs or butter: These don’t blend well and may affect texture.

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What to Serve With Fudgy Boozy-Cherry Bliss Brownies?

1. A Scoop of Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

The cold, creamy vanilla is the perfect contrast to the warm richness of the brownie.

2. Whipped Cream with a Touch of Kirsch

Adds airiness and complements the boozy cherry flavor.

3. Espresso or Strong Coffee

Bitterness balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate notes.

4. Dark Cherry Compote

Amplifies the cherry elements and looks beautiful spooned on top.

5. Red Wine or Dessert Port

Perfect for serving at dinner parties—the drink pairs effortlessly with the deep chocolate and fruit.

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Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to avoid sticking.

Refrigerator: If your kitchen is warm or you prefer a firmer brownie, store them in the fridge for up to a week. They will firm up slightly but remain fudgy.

Freezing: These brownies freeze wonderfully. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then foil or place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or for an hour at room temp.

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Estimated Nutrition (per serving, based on 16 squares)

• Calories: 280
• Total Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Sugar: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 3g
• Sodium: 85mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make this recipe alcohol-free?

Simply soak the cherries in cherry juice or syrup instead of liqueur. You’ll still get that tart-sweet flavor.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Use a 9×13-inch pan and extend baking time by 5–10 minutes. Keep an eye to avoid overbaking.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The results are still rich and fudgy.

What if I don’t have dark chocolate?

You can substitute with semi-sweet chocolate, but the flavor will be slightly sweeter and less intense.

How long can I soak the cherries?

You can soak them anywhere from 30 minutes to overnight. The longer the soak, the stronger the boozy flavor.

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Conclusion

Fudgy Boozy-Cherry Bliss Brownies are a celebration in each bite—luxurious chocolate meets tart, juicy cherries with a boozy twist. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or a quiet weekend treat, they’re bound to impress. The best part? They’re simple enough to whip up without stress, yet fancy enough to make you feel like a dessert rockstar. So get your whisk ready, soak those cherries, and dive into brownie bliss!

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