Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownies – A Decadent Dessert Recipe
Imagine biting into a piece of luscious Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownies, where each bite is a dance of rich, fudgy chocolate and sweet, succulent cherries. These Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownies are more than just a dessert; they’re a sweet symphony of flavors that promise to delight your taste buds. With the irresistible allure of fudgy textures, these treats are sure to evoke a sense of indulgence and warmth.
Growing up, I remember the smell of chocolate and cherries wafting through the kitchen on chilly winter afternoons. My grandmother would lovingly prepare these Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownies, her hands working magic with each ingredient. The anticipation of tasting the first brownie was almost as wonderful as the taste itself. Those cherished moments, wrapped in laughter and warmth, made these treats not just a dessert, but a heartfelt family tradition.
If you’re looking for something sweet and decadent, you might love whipping up some cherry cheesecake egg rolls or perhaps some delightful white chocolate cherry fudge. Both sound like they would complement the rich flavors of chocolate and cherry perfectly!
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Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownies – A Decadent Dessert Recipe
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Savor every bite of these Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownies, a sweet symphony of fudgy chocolate and succulent cherries.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup baking cocoa
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup half-and-half or milk
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 13 x 9 inch baking pan with foil. Lightly spray with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, mix sugar, melted butter, and water until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
- Whisk together flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Fold in chocolate chips.
- Spread the batter in the prepared pan and bake for 20–25 minutes. Let cool completely.
- Chop maraschino cherries. Beat butter, powdered sugar, half-and-half, cherry juice, and almond extract until smooth. Fold in cherries.
- Spread the cherry buttercream over cooled brownies and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
- Melt chocolate chips and butter, then pour ganache over the chilled cherry buttercream. Let set at room temperature or refrigerate further.
- Lift brownies using foil and cut into squares.
Notes
- Use high-quality chocolate chips for enhanced flavor.
- Ensure brownies are completely cool before spreading buttercream.
- Experiment with different cherries for varied flavors.
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownies, fudgy chocolate, sweet cherries
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownies
- Easy to make: With simple steps and no fancy tools required, these brownies are perfect for any skill level.
- Flexible: Easily change ingredients or styles to suit your taste, whether you want to try fudgy brownies or add an extra cherry twist.
- Great for busy days: Perfect for families or when guests come over, these brownies can be prepared with minimal fuss.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Best Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownies
Tools You’ll Need
- Large bowl
- Whisk
- 13 x 9 inch baking pan
- Cooking spray
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Spatula
Step 1: Preparation for the Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownies
For the Brownie Base:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter (or margarine)
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup baking cocoa
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
The Cherry Buttercream:
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped (reserve a little cherry juice)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup half-and-half or milk
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons butter
Step 2: Cooking the Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 13 x 9 inch baking pan with foil. Lightly spray the foil with cooking spray. In a large bowl, mix sugar, melted butter, and water until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract. In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Fold in chocolate chips.
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 20–25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely.
Step 3: Assembling and Finishing
Chop the maraschino cherries. In a bowl, beat butter, powdered sugar, half-and-half, 1–2 tablespoons reserved cherry juice, and almond extract until smooth and fluffy. Fold in the chopped cherries. Spread the cherry buttercream evenly over the cooled brownies and refrigerate for about 30 minutes until firm.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and butter in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Pour the ganache over the chilled cherry buttercream and spread evenly across the top. Let the ganache set at room temperature or refrigerate for 15–20 minutes. Lift brownies from the pan using the foil and cut into squares.
Tips for the Best Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownies Every Time
- Use high-quality chocolate chips to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Ensure the brownies are completely cool before spreading the cherry buttercream to avoid melting.
- Experiment with different types of cherries for varied flavors.
Easy Ways to Customize Your Dish
- Add nuts to the brownie batter for extra crunch.
- Try using different types of chocolate for the ganache, such as dark or white chocolate.
- Incorporate other fruits like raspberries or strawberries for a unique twist.
Perfect Sides to Serve with Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownies
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements they delightfully chocolatey flavor.
- Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk for a comforting treat.
Occasions Perfect for This Recipe
- These brownies make an excellent choice for special events like birthdays and holidays.
- Perfect for Valentine’s Day or Christmas to share love and sweetness.
- Bring them to potlucks or parties for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
FAQs
Absolutely! Fresh cherries can be a delightful addition to these Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownies. Just pit and chop them before folding them into your batter or as a topping. They add a natural, tart sweetness that complements the chocolate beautifully.
Maraschino cherries are often used for their bright color and sweetness, but fresh cherries or even dried cherries can also work well, depending on your taste preference. Each type will bring a different flavor and texture to your brownies.
Melt chocolate chips and butter together to create a smooth ganache. Pour it over your cooled brownies and let it set. This not only adds a delightful layer of rich chocolate but also gives them an elegant finish.
Stored in an airtight container, these brownies will stay fresh for about 4–5 days at room temperature. To extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them, where they’ll last for up to a week.
Yes, you can freeze them! Wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to three months, and thawing them at room temperature is all it takes to enjoy them again.
A Sweet Conclusion
Whether you’re a fan of fudgy brownies or a lover of maraschino cherries, this recipe for Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownies brings a decadent delight to your dessert table. With its combination of rich chocolate and sweet cherries, it’s perfect for any occasion and sure to impress both family and friends.
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider trying out our other dessert recipes, like the enticing white chocolate cherry fudge for more delicious inspirations.
We hope you enjoy making and savoring these delightful treats! Feel free to share your thoughts, leave a comment below, or save this recipe for your next sweet adventure. Happy baking!
