Description

Indulge in these Decadent Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownies featuring a rich, fudgy base topped with a luscious cherry buttercream and finished with a smooth chocolate ganache. Perfectly balanced with sweet maraschino cherries and layers of intense cocoa, these brownies are a delightful treat for chocolate and cherry 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)
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)

Ganache

1 cup Chocolate Chips (high-quality chocolate recommended)
2 tablespoons Butter (plant-based butter can maintain vegan aspect)

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: 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.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the sugar, melted butter, and water. Stir until the mixture is smooth. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract thoroughly until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking cocoa, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently. Then fold in the chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter.
Bake the Brownies: Pour the prepared batter into the lined baking pan. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan.
Prepare the Cherry Buttercream: In a bowl, mix together the butter, powdered sugar, half-and-half (or your chosen milk), reserved cherry juice, and almond extract until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries gently.
Assemble the Layer: Spread the cherry buttercream evenly over the cooled brownies. Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for about 30 minutes to set the buttercream.
Make the Ganache: Melt the chocolate chips and butter together in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 20-second increments and stirring between each until fully melted and smooth.
Finish Brownies: Pour the smooth ganache over the chilled buttercream layer. Allow the ganache to set by letting it sit at room temperature or refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes to firm up.
Serve: Once the ganache has set, cut the brownies into squares and serve. Enjoy the rich layers of chocolate and cherry in every bite.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, use margarine or plant-based butter and a dairy-free milk alternative such as almond or oat milk.
Substitute egg replacements to make it vegan or allergy-friendly if necessary.
Using Dutch-processed cocoa will enhance the chocolate flavor in the brownies significantly.
Omitting baking powder will create a denser, more fudgy brownie texture.
Fresh or frozen cherries can be used instead of maraschino cherries but ensure to reserve some juice for the buttercream.
Store brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days for optimal freshness.
To soften the ganache before serving if refrigerated, allow it to come to room temperature for a few minutes.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: chocolate cherry brownies, cherry buttercream, chocolate ganache, fudgy brownies, homemade brownies, decadent dessert