These homemade Chocolate Cherry Brownies are much better than packaged brownies but just as easy to make! The slightly sweet, dense chocolate brownie is dotted with maraschino cherries for that classic chocolate-covered cherry flavor we all know and love.
Unlike most brownie recipes, this one will not leave you with a toothache. It's perfectly balanced. A fudgy chocolate brownie with a sweet maraschino cherry in each bite, this is sure to become a household favorite!
I think I'm on a chocolate cherry kick! I recently share chocolate cherry cupcakes with you for Valentine's Day. I was so hooked on the flavor I decided to keep it going.
I took my most treasured brownie base, the one I used for these Snickers Brownies and Double Chocolate Brownies. The brownies are thick, dense, and stick to your teeth fudgy without being overly sweet.
I went with half unsweetened chocolate and half semisweet. My favorite brand of chocolate is Ghirardelli. I use it all the time! It's high quality and has intense chocolate flavor.
You don't have to Ghirardelli, but I highly recommend you choose a premium chocolate. For the cocoa powder, I used a Dutch-processed variety which tends to be more chocolatey in flavor.
Maraschino cherries are mixed in for added sweetness. Who can resist that classic chocolate cherry flavor? It's by far one of my favorites.
This brownie recipe is simple and comes together in a snap. It requires only 2 bowls and a silicone spatula or wooden spoon.
Heat the butter and chocolate together over simmering water until it's hot and melted. Stir the cocoa powder into the melty chocolate. Mix the eggs, sugar, vanilla, and salt in a separate bowl and then mix in the warm chocolate. Stir in the flour, followed by the cherries and it's ready to bake.
Stir in the flour, followed by the cherries and it's ready to bake. The smell of brownies baking in the oven is one of the greatest pleasures in life. It fills the air and by the time the brownie are finished baking, you are ready to devour them.
I used an 8x8 inch pan because I love ultra thick brownies. I lined it with aluminum foil for easy removal and clean up. You can also use parchment paper instead.
Start checking the brownies at the 15-minute mark. You don't want to overbake them. They are ready when the top is dry and the edges start to pull away from the pan.
Let the brownies cool completely before cutting them. Once they reach room temperature, I like to pop them in the refrigerator for a few hours. This helps them hold their shape and maintain clean cut edges.
Chocolate Cherry Brownies
These homemade chocolate cherry brownies are much better than packaged brownies but just as easy to make! The slightly sweet, dense chocolate brownie is dotted with maraschino cherries for that classic chocolate covered cherry flavor we all know and love. Unlike most brownie recipes, this one will not leave you with a toothache. It’s perfectly balanced. A fudgy chocolate brownie with a sweet maraschino cherry in each bite, this is sure to become a household favorite!
Ingredients
- 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
- 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, coarsely chopped
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 large eggs
- 1 and 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 10 ounce jar maraschino cherries, drained
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Line an 8x8-inch pan with aluminum foil, leaving a 1-inch overhang on all sides. Spray the foil lightly with nonstick spray.
- Add the chocolate and butter to a medium heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water. Stir occasionally until fully melted and smooth. Whisk in the cocoa powder until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, vanilla, and salt until combined. Whisk in the melted chocolate until well combined. Fold in the flour with a rubber spatula just until combined. Fold in the cherries.
- Spread the batter evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top of the brownies look dry and the edges begin to pull away from the sides of the pan. Cool the brownies in the pan on a wire rack.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 16Amount Per Serving: Calories: 240
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Since different brands of ingredients have different nutritional information, the values shown are just an estimate.
Carlene Mabey says
Can I substitute frozen raspberries for the cherries ? Also can I double the recipe and double the size baking tray ? Thanks, carlene, new zealand.
Jen Sobjack says
I haven't tried using frozen fruit in these brownies. I worry that frozen raspberries will release too much moisture and ruin the texture. If you decide to try it, let me know how it goes. It should be fine to double it.
Carlene Mabey says
Maybe I will thaw them and pat the juice off then. Kiddies not too keen on the cherries you see :-). Will let you know anyway - thank you
mira says
Love the flavor combination! These look delicious and thick! Pinning!
Tan Cynthia says
This looks awesome! can I use fresh strawberries instead? As I’m unable to locate cherries... thank u
Jen Sobjack says
Fresh strawberries might work okay, I haven't tried it.
Laura @ Laura's Culinary Adventures says
Yum! Chocolate and cherry are such a wonderful combination!
Annie says
Wow! These are like the most perfectly fudgy brownies ever! I love the combo of chocolate and cherries so these are calling my name!
kushi says
WOW! They look so fudgy and delicious. Amazing combo!
Katie @The Semisweet Sisters says
Chocolate & Cherry go soo well together, this recipe looks delicious!
Nicole @ Young, Broke and Hungry says
These brownies look so fudgy! And i can never resist cherries and chocolate together.
Summer says
OMG These brownies are superb ♥
Jessica @ A Kitchen Addiction says
Love how fudgy these look!
Jen says
Thanks, Jessica!
Rachel @ Bakerita says
I adore the chocolate cherry combination, and these brownies are absolute perfection! They look so incredibly fudgy and delish!
Jen says
Thanks, Rachel!
Medha @ Whisk & Shout says
These brownies look so fudgy and packed with flavor! Love the cherries in these delicious bars 🙂
Blair @ The Seasoned Mom says
Thick and dense brownies? Sign me up! The cherry is just a happy addition!!
Manali @ CookWithManali says
These brownies look delicious Jen, so fudgy and delicious! I am sure cherries were so good in these brownies!
Sarah @Whole and Heavenly Oven says
Oh my goodness, these brownies look INSANE, Jen! Chocolate + cherries is one of my FAV dessert combos ever and you totally nailed it here! I want these for breakfast!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
I'm loving all of your chocolate cherry recipes, Jen! These brownies look SO good! I wish I could reach through my screen and grab a few for breakfast. I love how thick and fudgy they are...my definition of a perfect brownie! And such a great idea to add in cherries. Love this combination!
Jen says
Thanks, Gayle! I think I've gone on a chocolate cherry binge!