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