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Decadent Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 109 reviews

These Decadent Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownies combine rich, fudgy chocolate brownies with luscious cherry buttercream and a glossy chocolate ganache topping. Perfectly balanced between sweet and tart, this treat is ideal for cherry and chocolate lovers alike.

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)
  • 2 tablespoons Butter (plant-based butter can maintain vegan aspect)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Almond Extract (can replace with vanilla extract)
  • 1 cup Maraschino Cherries (can substitute with fresh or frozen cherries)

Chocolate Ganache

  • 1 cup Chocolate Chips (high-quality chocolate recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons Butter (plant-based butter optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 13 x 9 inch baking pan with aluminum foil and lightly spray it with cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the brownies later.
  2. Make Brownie Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the sugar, melted butter, and water, stirring until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract until fully incorporated and creamy.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking cocoa, baking powder, and salt thoroughly to distribute the leavening evenly.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet sugar mixture, mixing carefully to avoid overworking the batter. Once combined, gently fold in the chocolate chips to add texture and flavor.
  5. Bake the 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 or with a few moist crumbs attached. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
  6. Prepare Cherry Buttercream: In a medium bowl, beat the butter, powdered sugar, half-and-half, reserved cherry juice from the maraschino cherries, and almond extract until smooth and fluffy. Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries carefully.
  7. Frost Brownies: Spread the cherry buttercream evenly over the cooled brownies. Refrigerate the pan for about 30 minutes to allow the buttercream to set firmly.
  8. Make Chocolate Ganache: Melt the chocolate chips and butter together in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth. Pour the ganache evenly over the chilled buttercream layer.
  9. Set Ganache and Serve: Allow the ganache to set at room temperature or place in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes until firm. Once set, cut into squares using a sharp knife and serve chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor.

Notes

  • To keep brownies dense and fudgy, omit the baking powder.
  • Use gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • Vegan versions can substitute butter with plant-based butter and use egg replacements.
  • Reserve some cherry juice from the maraschino cherries to enhance the buttercream flavor.
  • Ensure brownies are completely cooled before spreading buttercream to prevent melting.
  • High-quality chocolate chips improve the ganache texture and taste.
  • Store brownies refrigerated to maintain the buttercream and ganache layers.

Keywords: chocolate cherry brownies, chocolate covered cherry brownies, cherry buttercream brownies, fudgy brownies, chocolate ganache brownies

Find it online: https://zestywithzane.com/decadent-chocolate-covered-cherry-brownies-recipe/