Introduction

These Decadent Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownies blend rich chocolate with a luscious cherry buttercream for a truly indulgent treat. Perfect for celebrations or a special dessert, they offer a delightful combination of fudgy brownie, creamy cherry topping, and smooth chocolate ganache.

Decadent Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 cup Sugar
1/2 cup Butter (or margarine for dairy-free option)
1/4 cup Water
2 large Eggs (egg replacements can be used if needed)
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (use pure vanilla for best flavor)
1 cup All-purpose Flour (substitute with gluten-free blend if necessary)
1/3 cup Baking Cocoa (Dutch-processed cocoa for richer taste)
1 teaspoon Baking Powder (omit for dense brownies)
1/2 teaspoon Salt (kosher salt is an alternative)
1 cup Chocolate Chips (dark or white chocolate can also be used)
1 cup Maraschino Cherries (can substitute with fresh or frozen cherries)
2 cups Powdered Sugar (coconut sugar as a less sweet alternative)
1/4 cup Half-and-Half or Milk (dairy-free alternatives can be used)
1/2 teaspoon Almond Extract (can replace with vanilla extract)
1 cup Chocolate Chips (high-quality chocolate recommended for ganache)
2 tablespoons Butter (plant-based butter can maintain vegan aspect)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 13 x 9 inch baking pan with aluminum foil. Lightly spray the foil with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the sugar, melted butter, and water, stirring until smooth. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until well incorporated.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Fold in the chocolate chips gently.
Step 4: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan.
Step 5: To prepare the cherry buttercream, mix the butter, powdered sugar, half-and-half, reserved cherry juice (from maraschino cherries), and almond extract until smooth and creamy. Fold in chopped maraschino cherries.
Step 6: Spread the cherry buttercream evenly over the cooled brownies. Refrigerate the pan for about 30 minutes to set the layer.
Step 7: For the ganache, melt the chocolate chips and butter together in a microwave-safe bowl in short bursts, stirring until smooth. Pour this ganache over the buttercream layer.
Step 8: Let the ganache set at room temperature or refrigerate for 15-20 minutes until firm. Once set, cut into squares and serve.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh or frozen cherries if you prefer less sweetness and a more natural cherry flavor in the buttercream.
For a denser, fudgier brownie, omit the baking powder in the batter.
Swap almond extract with vanilla extract if anyone has nut allergies, or omit it for a subtler flavor.
You can use white chocolate chips in the batter or ganache for a different flavor profile.
To make this recipe dairy-free, choose margarine or plant-based butter and substitute milk with almond or coconut milk.

Storage

Store these brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow the brownies to come to room temperature or warm slightly before serving for the best texture. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature before enjoying.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Yes, fresh or frozen cherries work well as a substitute. You might want to add a little sugar or cherry juice to the buttercream to maintain sweetness and moisture.

How can I make these brownies vegan?

Replace butter with plant-based margarine, use flax or chia eggs instead of eggs, and choose dairy-free milk alternatives. Ensure the chocolate chips are also dairy-free for a fully vegan treat.

Decadent Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 90 reviews

Decadent Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownies combine rich cocoa flavors with luscious cherry buttercream and a smooth chocolate ganache topping. These indulgent brownies are perfect for chocolate and cherry lovers alike, featuring a moist, fudgy base topped with creamy cherry-infused frosting and a glossy chocolate finish.

Author: Dana
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 12 brownies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Batter

1 cup Sugar
1/2 cup Butter (or margarine for dairy-free option)
1/4 cup Water
2 large Eggs (egg replacements can be used if needed)
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (use pure vanilla for best flavor)
1 cup All-purpose Flour (substitute with gluten-free blend if necessary)
1/3 cup Baking Cocoa (Dutch-processed cocoa for richer taste)
1 teaspoon Baking Powder (omit for dense brownies)
1/2 teaspoon Salt (kosher salt is an alternative)
1 cup Chocolate Chips (dark or white chocolate can also be used)

Cherry Buttercream

2 cups Powdered Sugar (coconut sugar as a less sweet alternative)
1/4 cup Half-and-Half or Milk (dairy-free alternatives can be used)
1/2 teaspoon Almond Extract (can replace with vanilla extract)
1 cup Maraschino Cherries (can substitute with fresh or frozen cherries, chopped)
Reserved cherry juice (from the maraschino cherries)
2 tablespoons Butter (plant-based butter can maintain vegan aspect)

Chocolate Ganache

1 cup Chocolate Chips (high-quality chocolate recommended)
2 tablespoons Butter (plant-based butter can maintain vegan aspect)

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 13 x 9 inch baking pan with aluminum foil, lightly sprayed with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the sugar, melted butter, and water, stirring until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time and then add the vanilla extract, mixing well to combine all wet ingredients thoroughly.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking cocoa, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and cocoa powder.
Make Brownie Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips gently to incorporate them evenly without overmixing.
Bake Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Prepare Cherry Buttercream: In a bowl, beat the butter, powdered sugar, half-and-half, reserved cherry juice, and almond extract together until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries to distribute them evenly in the frosting.
Frost Brownies: Spread the cherry buttercream evenly over the cooled brownies. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set and firm up.
Make Ganache: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and butter together in short bursts, stirring between each interval until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
Top and Set Ganache: Pour the ganache over the cherry buttercream layer, using a spatula to spread it evenly. Let the ganache set at room temperature or refrigerate for 15-20 minutes until firm.
Serve: Once the ganache is set, cut the brownies into squares and serve. Store any leftovers refrigerated to maintain freshness.

Notes

Use margarine and dairy-free milk substitutes to make this recipe dairy-free or vegan-friendly.
For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
If you prefer dense brownies, omit the baking powder.
Chopped fresh or frozen cherries can be used instead of maraschino cherries for a less sweet variation.
Reserve cherry juice when draining maraschino cherries to add flavor and moisture to the buttercream.
Ensure the brownies are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting the buttercream.
Store brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Keywords: chocolate cherry brownies, chocolate covered cherry brownies, cherry buttercream brownies, chocolate ganache brownies, decadent brownies, cherry dessert