Description

Indulge in these Decadent Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownies, a luscious treat combining rich cocoa brownies with a cherry buttercream layer and a smooth chocolate ganache topping. Perfect for chocolate and cherry lovers alike, these brownies offer a delightful balance of fudgy texture and fruity sweetness, ideal for any dessert table or special occasion.

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, chopped)
Reserved maraschino cherry juice (from the 1 cup cherries)
2 tablespoons Butter (plant-based butter can maintain vegan aspect)

Chocolate Ganache

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

Instructions

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 prevent sticking.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine sugar, melted butter, and water; stir until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract, mixing to incorporate fully.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute all dry components.
Combine Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing carefully until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips gently to distribute without overmixing.
Bake Brownies: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Remove from oven and cool completely in the pan.
Prepare Cherry Buttercream: While brownies cool, mix butter, powdered sugar, half-and-half or milk, reserved cherry juice from the maraschino cherries jar, and almond extract in a bowl. Beat until smooth and creamy. Fold in chopped maraschino cherries evenly.
Spread Buttercream: Once the brownies are fully cooled, spread the cherry buttercream evenly over the surface. Place the pan in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to set the buttercream layer.
Make Chocolate Ganache: Melt the chocolate chips and butter together in a microwave-safe bowl in short intervals, stirring between each until smooth and glossy.
Top with Ganache: Pour the warm ganache over the chilled cherry buttercream layer, spreading gently to cover the entire surface evenly.
Set Ganache and Serve: Allow the ganache to set at room temperature or refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to firm up. Once set, cut the brownies into squares and serve.

Notes

For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with margarine or plant-based butter and use almond milk or another dairy-free milk in the buttercream.
You can replace eggs with egg replacers or flax eggs for a vegan-friendly version.
Using Dutch-processed cocoa enhances the chocolate flavor, but natural cocoa powder can be used alternatively.
If you prefer denser brownies, omit the baking powder from the batter.
Fresh or frozen cherries can be substituted for maraschino cherries for a less sweet and more natural cherry flavor.
Ensure the brownies are fully cooled before applying the buttercream to prevent melting.
Make sure to use high-quality chocolate chips for the ganache to achieve the smoothest, most luxurious finish.
The recipe yields about 12-16 brownies depending on the size of the cuts.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: chocolate brownies, cherry brownies, chocolate covered cherry, buttercream recipe, chocolate ganache, dessert, rich brownies