🍒 Dark Cherry Walnut Brownie Bars — A Cozy Winter Chocolate Dessert
When winter settles in and the days feel shorter, I always find myself craving something deeply chocolatey, a little nostalgic, and just indulgent enough. That’s exactly where these Dark Cherry Walnut Brownie Bars come in.
They’re rich without being heavy, sweet with just the right hint of tartness, and filled with crunchy walnuts that make every bite interesting. This is the kind of dessert you bake when it’s cold outside, your kitchen lights are warm, and you want something that feels like a hug on a plate.
Hi, I’m Luma from recipeshall.com, and these brownie bars were inspired by my love for classic brownies — just elevated a bit for winter gatherings, holiday trays, and cozy weekends at home.
❤️ Why You’ll Love These Dark Cherry Walnut Brownie Bars
- Perfect winter dessert with rich chocolate flavor
- Fudgy center, crackly top, bakery-style texture
- Sweet-tart cherries balance the deep cocoa
- Walnuts add warmth and crunch
- Easy to slice, serve, and share
- Ideal for holidays, cookie swaps, or freezing ahead
If you love cozy winter baking, you may also enjoy my Mini Snowball Cookies (Russian Tea Cakes) or Mini No-Bake Gingerbread Cheesecakes, both perfect for holiday dessert tables.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
These brownie bars come together with simple pantry staples and a few special add-ins:
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup dark cherries (dried or thawed frozen, chopped)
- ¾ cup chopped walnuts
👩🍳 How to Make Dark Cherry Walnut Brownie Bars
1. Prep the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy lifting later.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and glossy. Add eggs and vanilla, whisking until fully combined.
3. Add Dry Ingredients
Sift in cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Fold gently with a spatula just until no dry streaks remain. Don’t overmix — fudgy brownies love a light hand.
4. Fold in Cherries & Walnuts
Gently fold in chopped dark cherries and walnuts, distributing them evenly through the batter.
5. Bake
Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the center is just set and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
6. Cool & Slice
Let brownies cool completely in the pan before lifting out and slicing into bars. This helps them set and keeps the cuts clean.
💡 Baking Tips for Perfect Brownie Bars
- Use dark cocoa powder for deeper chocolate flavor
- Don’t overbake — slightly underdone equals fudgy centers
- If using dried cherries, soak briefly in warm water to plump them
- Toast walnuts lightly for extra flavor
- Chill before slicing for bakery-style edges
If your brownies look slightly soft in the center, don’t panic — they firm up beautifully as they cool.
❄️ A Cozy Kitchen Moment
The first time I made these Dark Cherry Walnut Brownie Bars, it was snowing outside. I remember the smell of cocoa filling the kitchen and how the cherries added a little brightness to such a rich dessert.
I served them slightly warm with coffee, and by the end of the evening, every crumb was gone. Now, they’re one of my go-to winter desserts — simple, comforting, and always a hit.
❓ FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes! Thaw and pat them dry before chopping to avoid extra moisture.
Can I skip the walnuts?
Absolutely. You can omit them or replace with pecans or almonds.
How do I store these brownie bars?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze them?
Yes! Wrap bars individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
🍫 Serving Ideas
- Dust with powdered sugar for a snowy winter look
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream
- Add a drizzle of chocolate ganache for special occasions
- Pair with coffee, hot cocoa, or mulled wine
🌟 Final Thoughts
These Dark Cherry Walnut Brownie Bars are everything a winter dessert should be — rich, comforting, slightly indulgent, and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, hosting friends, or just treating yourself on a quiet evening, this recipe delivers every time.
From my kitchen to yours, I hope these brownie bars bring warmth, sweetness, and a little chocolate joy to your winter days.
