Name: Decadent Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 15 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, chopped); Reserved maraschino cherry juice (from the 1 cup 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 option available)

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)

2 tablespoons Butter (plant-based butter can maintain vegan aspect)

Instructions

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.

Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine sugar, melted butter, and water, stirring until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.

Step 3: In another bowl, whisk the flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet, then fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips.

Step 4: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the brownies cool completely.

Step 5: Prepare the cherry buttercream by mixing 2 tablespoons butter, powdered sugar, half-and-half, reserved cherry juice, and almond extract until smooth. Fold in chopped cherries.

Step 6: Spread the cherry buttercream evenly over the cooled brownies, then refrigerate for about 30 minutes.

Step 7: For the ganache, melt 1 cup of chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons butter in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring until smooth. Pour the ganache over the buttercream layer.

Step 8: Let the ganache set at room temperature or refrigerate for 15-20 minutes. Once set, cut into squares and serve.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh or frozen cherries instead of maraschino for a less sweet, more natural flavor.

Omit baking powder if you prefer a denser, fudgier brownie texture.

Swap dairy butter and half-and-half for plant-based alternatives to make this recipe vegan-friendly.

For a nutty twist, add chopped walnuts or pecans into the brownie batter before baking.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Yes, frozen or fresh cherries work well. If using frozen, thaw and drain excess liquid before folding them into the buttercream.

How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

Replace butter, half-and-half, and any dairy chocolate chips with plant-based alternatives. Margarine and almond or oat milk are good substitutes that maintain the rich flavor.