Introduction

These decadent chocolate covered cherry brownies combine rich cocoa, sweet cherries, and smooth chocolate ganache for a truly irresistible treat. Perfect for special occasions or whenever you need a chocolate fix, this recipe is sure to delight both cherry and brownie lovers alike.

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 sprayed with cooking spray.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine sugar, melted butter, and water, stirring until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
Step 3: In another bowl, whisk the flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, then fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips.
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 to cool completely.
Step 5: Prepare the cherry buttercream by mixing butter, powdered sugar, half-and-half, reserved cherry juice (from maraschino cherries), and almond extract until smooth. Fold in chopped cherries.
Step 6: Spread the cherry buttercream evenly over the cooled brownies and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to set.
Step 7: For the ganache, melt 1 cup chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons butter in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring until smooth and glossy. Pour the ganache over the buttercream layer.
Step 8: Let the ganache set at room temperature or refrigerate for 15-20 minutes until firm. Cut into squares and serve.

Tips & Variations

To make this recipe dairy-free, use margarine and a plant-based milk alternative in place of butter and half-and-half.
For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
Omit baking powder if you prefer fudgier, denser brownies.
Swap maraschino cherries with fresh or frozen cherries for a less sweet, more natural flavor.
Add a pinch of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor without adding coffee taste.

Storage

Store brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor. You can also freeze brownies, wrapped tightly, for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before serving. Reheat briefly in the microwave if you prefer warm brownies.

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 can be used as a substitute. Just chop them finely and adjust the sugar in the buttercream if needed, since fresh cherries are less sweet than maraschino.

How do I make this recipe vegan?

Use plant-based butter or margarine, a dairy-free milk alternative, and an egg replacement such as flax eggs or commercial egg replacers. Choose dairy-free chocolate chips to keep it fully vegan.

Decadent Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 116 reviews

Indulge in these Decadent Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownies, a luscious combination of rich cocoa brownies topped with a creamy cherry buttercream and a smooth chocolate ganache. Perfect for chocolate and cherry lovers looking for an elegant dessert that’s easy to prepare and delightfully flavorful.

Author: zara
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 16 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Base

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)
Reserved cherry juice from 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, then lightly spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine sugar, melted butter, and water, stirring until smooth. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract to create a smooth wet mixture.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking cocoa, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents and cocoa.
Make Brownie Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips to add texture and bursts of chocolate.
Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking 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.
Prepare Cherry Buttercream: In a bowl, mix together the butter, powdered sugar, half-and-half, reserved cherry juice, and almond extract until smooth and creamy. Fold in chopped maraschino cherries to infuse the buttercream with fruity flavor.
Assemble Buttercream Layer: Spread the cherry buttercream evenly over the cooled brownies. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow the buttercream to set.
Make Chocolate Ganache: Melt the chocolate chips and butter together in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring frequently until smooth and glossy.
Top Brownies with Ganache: Pour the warm ganache over the buttercream layer, spreading it evenly. Let the ganache set at room temperature or refrigerate for 15-20 minutes until firm.
Serve: Once fully set, cut the brownies into squares and serve as a delectable treat perfect for any occasion.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with margarine or plant-based alternatives and use dairy-free milk in the buttercream.
To make gluten-free brownies, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Omitting baking powder will make the brownies denser; include for a lighter texture.
Fresh or frozen cherries can substitute maraschino cherries, but adjust sweetness in buttercream accordingly.
Reserve cherry juice from maraschino cherries for extra flavor in buttercream.
Use high-quality chocolate chips for the ganache to achieve the best flavor and texture.
Chill time for buttercream helps it set properly before layering ganache.

Keywords: Chocolate brownies, Cherry brownies, Chocolate covered brownies, Cherry buttercream, Chocolate ganache, Decadent dessert, Chocolate cherry dessert