Name: Decadent Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 20 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 cherry juice from the 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, for ganache)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 13 x 9 inch baking pan with aluminum foil. Lightly spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine sugar, melted butter, and water. Stir until smooth, then beat in eggs and vanilla extract until well incorporated.

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

Step 4: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan.

Step 5: Prepare the cherry buttercream by mixing butter, powdered sugar, half-and-half, reserved cherry juice (from maraschino cherries), and almond extract until smooth. Fold in chopped cherries for texture.

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

Step 7: For the ganache, melt chocolate chips and butter together in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring until smooth. Pour the ganache over the buttercream layer and spread evenly.

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

Tips & Variations

For a denser brownie, omit the baking powder and increase baking time slightly.

Use dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor or white chocolate for a sweeter contrast.

Fresh or frozen cherries can replace maraschino cherries to reduce sweetness or add natural tartness.

For a vegan option, use plant-based butter, egg replacements, and non-dairy milk alternatives.

Adding a pinch of espresso powder to the batter can enhance the chocolate flavor without making it taste like coffee.

Storage

Store brownies covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to keep the buttercream and ganache fresh. Let them come to room temperature before serving for best texture. You can also freeze uncut brownies wrapped tightly for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Yes, fresh or frozen cherries work well. If using fresh cherries, consider adding a bit of sugar to the buttercream for sweetness, and reserve some cherry juice or syrup for flavor.

What can I use to replace eggs in this recipe?

You can substitute each egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or use commercial egg replacers following package instructions. This works well for those with egg allergies or following a vegan diet.