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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.

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

  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, then lightly spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Assemble Buttercream Layer: Spread the cherry buttercream evenly over the cooled brownies. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow the buttercream to set.
  8. Make Chocolate Ganache: Melt the chocolate chips and butter together in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring frequently until smooth and glossy.
  9. 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.
  10. 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

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