Description
Indulge in these Decadent Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownies, a luscious treat combining rich cocoa brownies with a creamy cherry buttercream and a smooth chocolate ganache topping. Perfect for chocolate and cherry lovers, this recipe offers an irresistible blend of flavors and textures that you’ll love.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Batter
- 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 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
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your 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.
- Prepare Brownie Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine sugar, melted butter, and water, stirring until smooth. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking cocoa, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture to form a batter, then fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan.
- Make Cherry Buttercream: Prepare the cherry buttercream by mixing the butter, powdered sugar, half-and-half, reserved cherry juice, and almond extract until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in chopped maraschino cherries.
- Apply Buttercream Layer: Once the brownies are cool, spread the cherry buttercream evenly over the top. Refrigerate the pan for about 30 minutes to let the buttercream set.
- Prepare Chocolate Ganache: Melt chocolate chips and butter together in a microwave-safe bowl in short intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Top with Ganache: Pour the warm ganache over the buttercream layer, spreading evenly with a spatula. Allow the ganache to set at room temperature or refrigerate for 15-20 minutes until firm.
- Serve: Once set, cut the brownies into squares and serve your decadent chocolate covered cherry brownies. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a dairy-free option, use margarine and plant-based milk alternatives.
- If you prefer a denser brownie, omit the baking powder.
- Fresh or frozen cherries can be used instead of maraschino cherries for a less sweet, natural flavor.
- Use gluten-free flour blends to make the brownies gluten-free.
- Adjust sweetness by substituting powdered sugar with coconut sugar in the buttercream.
- Store brownies covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Allow ganache to come to room temperature before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chocolate cherry brownies, cherry buttercream brownies, chocolate ganache brownies, decadent dessert, easy brownie recipe, chocolate covered cherry dessert
