Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, fudgy brownie, topped with chocolate and juicy cherries. In this post, I'll show you how to make Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownies that will make your taste buds dance. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create this sweet delight at home. Get ready to impress your friends and family with a dessert that looks as good as it tastes! Let's dive right in!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate and cherries creates a rich, indulgent taste that is hard to resist.
- Fudgy Texture: These brownies are moist and fudgy, making them the perfect treat for chocolate lovers.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, allowing even novice bakers to create something impressive.
- Beautiful Presentation: The glossy chocolate topping and cherry garnish make these brownies visually appealing for any occasion.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
- Butter: 1 cup unsalted, melted
- Sugars: 1 1/4 cups granulated and 1 cup packed brown
- Eggs: 4 large
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Flour and Cocoa: 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- Leavening Agents: 1 teaspoon baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Chocolate Chips: 1 cup dark chocolate chips and 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for topping)
- Cherries: 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and halved
- Coconut Oil: 1 tablespoon (for topping)
These ingredients create a rich and moist brownie that bursts with flavor. The melted butter gives a nice base, while the mix of sugars adds sweetness. Using both granulated and brown sugar makes the brownies perfectly chewy.
The eggs help bind everything together, giving the brownies their structure. I love adding vanilla extract for a warm, sweet note.
When it comes to flour and cocoa, they work together to create that fudgy texture. The baking powder and salt balance the flavors and help the brownies rise a bit.
Chocolate chips bring extra chocolate goodness, and the cherries add a lovely tartness that cuts through the sweetness. Finally, the coconut oil on top gives a delightful sheen and a hint of tropical flavor.
With these ingredients, you're on your way to making the perfect chocolate-covered cherry brownies. Each component plays a role in creating that irresistible delight.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat Oven: 350°F (175°C)
- Prepare Baking Pan: 9x13 inch, greased and floured
To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking. Next, grab a 9x13 inch baking pan. Grease it with unsalted butter or cooking spray. Lightly dust with flour to keep the brownies from sticking.
Mixing Instructions
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Blend butter, sugars, eggs, and vanilla
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt
In a large bowl, blend the melted butter with granulated and brown sugars. Mix until smooth and creamy. Then, add four large eggs one by one. Each egg should blend fully before adding the next. Stir in one teaspoon of vanilla extract for flavor.
Now, in a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This helps mix the dry ingredients evenly.
Folding and Baking
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gently fold to combine
- Add Chocolate and Cherries: Fold in dark chocolate chips and maraschino cherries
- Bake: Pour batter and bake for 25-30 minutes
Gently fold the dry mix into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the brownies tough. Once combined, fold in one cup of dark chocolate chips and one cup of halved maraschino cherries. Pour the rich batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick. It should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Topping Preparation
- Melt Chocolate: Combine semi-sweet chocolate chips with coconut oil
While the brownies cool, melt one cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips with one tablespoon of coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until smooth.
Final Touches
- Apply Chocolate Topping: Spread melted chocolate over brownies
- Decorate: Arrange maraschino cherries on top
- Cut and Serve: Slice into squares
Once the brownies cool for about 10-15 minutes, pour the melted chocolate over them. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Decorate with more halved maraschino cherries for a beautiful finish. Finally, cut the brownies into squares. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Tips & Tricks
Baking Tips
- Oven Temperature Accuracy: Always use an oven thermometer. This small tool helps you know the real temperature inside your oven. If your oven runs hot or cold, it affects your brownies. Accurate heat ensures they bake evenly.
- Testing for Doneness: Use the toothpick method. Insert a toothpick in the center of the brownies. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are ready. Don't wait until it’s clean; that could mean dry brownies.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Butter Alternatives: If you want a vegan option, use margarine or coconut oil. They can work well in this recipe. Each option adds a slightly different flavor but keeps it rich.
- Sugar Variations: You can swap granulated sugar with coconut sugar or honey. Coconut sugar adds a deep flavor, while honey gives a touch of sweetness. Adjust the amount of liquid if you use honey.
Presentation Ideas
- Serve with Style: Use a decorative platter for serving. It makes the brownies look fancy. You can also garnish each piece with a cherry or a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
- Extra Indulgence Options: For an extra treat, add whipped cream on top. A light dusting of cocoa powder also adds a nice touch. These simple steps make your brownies even more tempting.
Pro Tips
- Use Room Temperature Eggs: Using eggs at room temperature helps them incorporate more easily into the batter, resulting in a smoother texture.
- Don't Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to denser brownies, which we want to avoid for a fudgy result.
- Cool Before Topping: Allow the brownies to cool for at least 10-15 minutes before adding the chocolate topping. This helps prevent it from melting into the brownies too much.
Variations
Flavor Enhancements
You can make your chocolate covered cherry brownies even better with some fun twists.
- Add Nuts: Try mixing in walnuts or pecans. They give a nice crunch and add flavor.
- Different Chocolates: Swap in milk chocolate chips. This change makes the brownies sweeter and richer.
Seasonal Variants
You can also change the flavors to match the seasons.
- Festive Additions: During the holidays, add crushed peppermint. This twist brings a fresh, minty flavor that feels special.
- Fruit Swaps: If you want a new taste, use fresh raspberries or strawberries. These fruits can make your brownies bright and fresh.
These variations let you be creative and make each batch unique!
Storage Info
Storing Brownies
Room Temperature: Keep your brownies at room temperature in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for about three days. Place a piece of wax paper between layers to avoid sticking. If they start to dry out, add a slice of bread to the container. The bread will help keep them moist.
Refrigeration Tips: If you want your brownies to last longer, you can refrigerate them. Wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in an airtight container. They can last up to a week in the fridge. Just remember, cold brownies may lose some of their rich flavor.
Freezing Instructions
Long-Term Storage: To freeze your brownies, cut them into squares first. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer bag or an airtight container. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, thaw the brownies in the fridge overnight.
Best Practices for Texture: To prevent freezer burn, make sure to remove as much air as possible from the container. You can also use parchment paper between layers of brownies. This will protect each piece from sticking together and losing texture. Enjoy your delicious brownies later without losing that fudgy goodness!
FAQs
How do I prevent brownies from being dry?
To keep your brownies moist, avoid overbaking them. Check for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs. Adding extra chocolate chips can also help retain moisture.
Can I make chocolate-covered cherry brownies ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake these brownies a day ahead. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Just add the chocolate topping right before serving to keep it fresh.
What can I substitute for maraschino cherries?
If you want a different fruit, consider using fresh cherries or raspberries. You can also try dried cherries for a chewy texture. Each option brings a unique flavor.
How long do brownies last?
When stored properly, brownies can last about 3-4 days at room temperature. If you refrigerate them, they can last up to a week. Just make sure they are in a sealed container to avoid drying out.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture. This way, everyone can enjoy the deliciousness!
This blog post shared a simple way to make chocolate-covered cherry brownies. We covered ingredients, steps to bake, tips, and storage. Each section helps you bake and enjoy these tasty treats.
In the end, you can experiment and make these brownies your own. Whether you add nuts or choose a different fruit, the possibilities are endless. Enjoy baking and sharing them with friends and family!
