1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray. This will prevent the brownies from sticking and make it easier to remove them from the pan once they’ve cooled.

2. Toast the Almonds

If you’re using sliced almonds, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and toast them in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until they become fragrant and slightly golden. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. Once toasted, set them aside to cool.

3. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Stir them together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The melted butter will help create a rich and fudgy texture in the brownies.

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. The eggs help bind the ingredients together and provide the moist texture that brownies are known for.

4. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. The cocoa powder provides the rich chocolate flavor, while the baking powder helps the brownies rise slightly. The salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor of the chocolate.

5. Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense brownies. The batter should be thick and slightly glossy.

6. Fold in the Cherries and Almonds

Gently fold in the chopped cherries and toasted almonds. If you’re using dark chocolate chips, you can fold those in as well. The cherries will add moisture and a sweet-tart flavor, while the almonds provide a delightful crunch.

7. Pour the Batter into the Baking Pan

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Use a spatula to smooth the top, ensuring the batter is evenly distributed in the pan.

8. Optional Topping

If you’d like to add a decorative topping to your brownies, sprinkle the reserved sliced almonds and chopped cherries on top of the batter. This will give the brownies a beautiful finish and an extra burst of flavor.

9. Bake the Brownies

Bake the brownies in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. Be careful not to overbake the brownies, as they can become dry. The edges should be set, and the center should still be slightly soft and fudgy.

10. Cool and Slice

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once they’re fully cooled, slice them into 16 squares using a sharp knife. These brownies are best enjoyed at room temperature, but you can also serve them warm for an extra indulgent treat.