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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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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

Find it online: https://dishedbydana.com/decadent-chocolate-covered-cherry-brownies-recipe/