Name: Decadent Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
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); 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 juice from cherries; 2 tablespoons Butter (plant-based butter can maintain vegan aspect); 1 cup Chocolate Chips (high-quality chocolate recommended); 2 tablespoons Butter (plant-based butter can maintain vegan aspect)

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 your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 13 x 9 inch baking pan with aluminum foil. Lightly spray the foil with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine sugar, melted butter, and water, stirring until smooth. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently, then fold in the chocolate chips.

Step 4: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan.

Step 5: To make the cherry buttercream, mix the butter, powdered sugar, half-and-half, 1/4 cup reserved cherry juice from the maraschino cherries, and almond extract until smooth. Chop the cherries and fold them into the buttercream.

Step 6: Spread the cherry buttercream evenly over the cooled brownies. Refrigerate the pan for about 30 minutes to set the layer.

Step 7: For the ganache, melt the chocolate chips and butter together in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 20 seconds until smooth and glossy. Pour the ganache over the chilled buttercream layer.

Step 8: Let the ganache set at room temperature or refrigerate for 15-20 minutes until firm. Once set, cut the brownies into squares and serve.

Tips & Variations

Use Dutch-processed cocoa for a deeper chocolate flavor, but natural cocoa powder works well too.

For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with margarine and half-and-half with almond or oat milk.

If you prefer a denser brownie, simply omit the baking powder.

Fresh or frozen cherries can replace maraschino cherries; soak them briefly in sugar syrup for extra sweetness.

White chocolate chips add a nice contrast in both flavor and color.

Storage

Store the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to keep the ganache and buttercream fresh. For longer storage, freeze brownies wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving. Reheat slightly at room temperature for best texture.

FAQs

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Be sure to choose one that contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help with texture.

What if I don’t have maraschino cherries?

You can use fresh or frozen cherries instead. To mimic the sweetness and flavor, soak them in a bit of sugar and cherry juice or syrup before folding into the buttercream.