Decadent Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownies Recipe

Introduction

These Decadent Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownies combine rich chocolate flavor with a luscious cherry buttercream and smooth ganache topping. Perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to a luxurious dessert.

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

1. Step 1: 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.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine sugar, melted butter, and water, stirring until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
3. Step 3: In another bowl, whisk the flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, then fold in chocolate chips.
4. Step 4: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.
5. Step 5: To prepare the cherry buttercream, mix butter, powdered sugar, half-and-half, reserved cherry juice (from the maraschino cherries), and almond extract until smooth. Fold in chopped cherries.
6. Step 6: Spread the cherry buttercream evenly over the cooled brownies and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to set.
7. Step 7: For the ganache, melt chocolate chips and butter in a microwave-safe bowl in short bursts, stirring until smooth. Pour the ganache over the buttercream layer.
8. Step 8: Let the ganache set at room temperature or refrigerate for 15-20 minutes. Once firm, cut into squares and serve.

Tips & Variations

• Use dark chocolate chips for a richer ganache or white chocolate for a sweeter finish.
• Fresh or frozen cherries can replace maraschino cherries for a less sweet, more natural flavor.
• For a dairy-free version, choose margarine and plant-based milk alternatives throughout.
• If you prefer fudgy brownies, omit the baking powder for a denser texture.
• Adding a pinch of espresso powder to the batter can enhance the chocolate flavor.

Storage

Store brownies covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?

Yes, fresh or frozen cherries work well as a substitute. If using fresh, you might want to add a little sugar or cherry juice to maintain sweetness and moisture in the buttercream.

How do I make these brownies vegan?

Use margarine or a plant-based butter substitute, replace eggs with a suitable egg replacement like flax eggs or commercial egg replacers, and use dairy-free milk alternatives. Make sure to select vegan chocolate chips as well.