Decadent Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownies Recipe
Introduction
These decadent chocolate covered cherry brownies are a delightful treat combining rich chocolate, sweet cherries, and a luscious cherry buttercream layer. Perfect for special occasions or whenever you need a scrumptious dessert that impresses with every bite.
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)
- 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 dry ingredients into wet, then fold in chocolate chips.
- Step 4: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.
- Step 5: Prepare the cherry buttercream by mixing butter, powdered sugar, half-and-half, reserved cherry juice, and almond extract until smooth. Fold in chopped cherries.
- Step 6: Spread the cherry buttercream over the cooled brownies and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
- Step 7: For the ganache, melt chocolate chips and butter in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring until smooth. Pour over the buttercream layer.
- Step 8: Let the ganache set at room temperature or refrigerate for 15-20 minutes. Cut into squares and serve.
Tips & Variations
- For a dairy-free version, use margarine or plant-based butter and almond or oat milk instead of half-and-half.
- Substitute fresh or frozen cherries for maraschino cherries to reduce sweetness and add natural flavor.
- Omit the baking powder if you prefer denser, fudgier brownies.
- Try white chocolate chips for a different taste and contrast with dark cocoa.
- Reserve the cherry juice from the maraschino cherries to add natural cherry flavor in the buttercream.
Storage
Store the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture. You can also freeze the brownies without ganache for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before adding ganache and serving.
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 may want to adjust the sugar in the buttercream slightly since fresh cherries are less sweet.
How do I make these brownies vegan?
Replace butter with plant-based margarine, use a dairy-free milk alternative, and substitute eggs with an appropriate egg replacer like flaxseed meal or applesauce.
Print
Decadent Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 brownies 1x
Description
Decadent Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownies are a luscious treat combining rich, fudgy brownies with a creamy cherry buttercream and a smooth chocolate ganache topping. Perfect for chocolate and cherry lovers, these brownies offer layers of flavor and texture that will delight at any gathering or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownies
- 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)
- 2 tablespoons Butter (plant-based butter can maintain vegan aspect)
- Reserved cherry juice from cherries
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 sugar, melted butter, and water, stirring until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract, mixing well to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking cocoa, baking powder, and salt until well blended for an even distribution.
- Make Brownie Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let brownies cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare Cherry Buttercream: In a bowl, mix softened butter, powdered sugar, half-and-half (or milk), reserved cherry juice from the maraschino cherries, and almond extract. Beat until smooth and creamy. Chop the maraschino cherries and gently fold them into the buttercream mixture.
- Assemble Buttercream Layer: Spread the cherry buttercream evenly over the completely cooled brownies. Place the pan in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to set this layer.
- Make Ganache: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and butter. Melt in short intervals, stirring in between until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Top and Set Ganache: Pour the melted ganache evenly over the chilled cherry buttercream layer. 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. Enjoy the rich layers of chocolate and cherry decadence!
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with margarine or plant-based butter and half-and-half with almond or oat milk.
- If you want denser brownies, omit the baking powder from the dry ingredients.
- Fresh or frozen cherries can be used instead of maraschino cherries, but adjust sugar content accordingly.
- Use high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor in both the batter and ganache.
- Ensure the brownies are completely cooled before spreading buttercream to prevent melting.
- Refrigerate the assembled brownies if not serving immediately to maintain layers and texture.
- For egg replacements, use flax eggs or commercially available egg replacers suitable for baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chocolate brownies, cherry brownies, chocolate cherry dessert, chocolate ganache, buttercream brownies, decadent brownies
