Chocolate Cherry Brownie Bombs: Decadent Recipe & Baking Tips

Chocolate Cherry Brownie Bombs: Prepare to have your dessert world rocked! Imagine biting into a fudgy, intensely chocolate brownie, only to discover a burst of sweet, tart cherry nestled within. These aren’t your average brownies; they’re an explosion of flavor and texture in every single bite. I’m so excited to share this recipe with you!

While the exact origins of combining chocolate and cherries are somewhat debated, this pairing has been a beloved classic for generations. Think Black Forest cake, a German masterpiece that perfectly marries rich chocolate cake with juicy cherries and whipped cream. Our Chocolate Cherry Brownie Bombs take inspiration from this timeless combination, transforming it into a fun, portable, and utterly irresistible treat.

What makes these brownie bombs so special? It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The deep, dark chocolate of the brownie provides a comforting, familiar base, while the cherries add a delightful tanginess that cuts through the richness. The fudgy, slightly chewy texture of the brownie complements the soft, juicy cherries beautifully. Plus, they’re incredibly convenient! Perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply a satisfying afternoon treat, these little bombs of deliciousness are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to bake up a batch of pure happiness!

Ingredients:

• For the Brownie Base:
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• For the Cherry Filling:
• 1 (10 ounce) jar maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry
• 1/4 cup cherry liqueur (optional, but highly recommended!)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• For the Chocolate Coating:
• 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil (or vegetable shortening)
• Optional Garnishes:
• Sprinkles
• Chopped nuts
• Sea salt flakes

Preparing the Brownie Batter:

1. Melt the Butter: In a large, microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. You can also do this in a saucepan over low heat. Make sure it’s completely melted but not boiling hot.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the granulated sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder to the melted butter. Whisk everything together until well combined and there are no lumps of cocoa powder. This step is crucial for a smooth brownie texture.
3. Add Vanilla and Eggs: Stir in the vanilla extract. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. It’s important to incorporate each egg fully before adding the next to ensure a rich and fudgy brownie.
4. Incorporate the Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to tough brownies. A few streaks of flour are okay at this stage.

Preparing the Cherry Filling:

1. Prepare the Cherries: Thoroughly drain the maraschino cherries and pat them dry with paper towels. This is essential to prevent the filling from being too watery.
2. Chop the Cherries: Roughly chop the drained cherries into smaller pieces. You don’t want them too fine, but small enough to distribute evenly in the filling.
3. Combine Cherry Filling Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the chopped cherries, cherry liqueur (if using), and cornstarch. Stir well to ensure the cornstarch is evenly distributed. The cornstarch will help thicken the filling as it bakes.

Assembling and Baking the Brownie Bombs:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a mini muffin tin. This is important to prevent the brownie bombs from sticking. Alternatively, you can use mini muffin liners.
2. Fill the Muffin Tins: Spoon a small amount of brownie batter (about 1 tablespoon) into each mini muffin cup. This will form the base of the brownie bomb.
3. Add the Cherry Filling: Place a small spoonful of the cherry filling (about 1 teaspoon) on top of the brownie batter in each cup. Be careful not to overfill, as the filling will expand during baking.
4. Top with More Brownie Batter: Spoon another small amount of brownie batter (about 1 tablespoon) over the cherry filling, covering it completely. Try to create a smooth surface on top.
5. Bake the Brownie Bombs: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as you want the brownies to be fudgy.
6. Cool the Brownie Bombs: Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the brownie bombs cool in the tin for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Preparing the Chocolate Coating:

1. Melt the Chocolate: In a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (double boiler), or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and coconut oil (or vegetable shortening). Stir frequently until smooth and glossy. The coconut oil or shortening helps to thin the chocolate and create a smoother coating.
2. Ensure Smooth Consistency: Make sure there are no lumps in the melted chocolate. If the chocolate is too thick, add a tiny bit more coconut oil or shortening, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

Dipping and Decorating:

1. Dip the Brownie Bombs: Once the brownie bombs are completely cool, dip each one into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. You can use a fork or dipping tools to make this easier.
2. Remove Excess Chocolate: Gently tap off any excess chocolate from the brownie bomb.
3. Decorate (Optional): Immediately sprinkle the dipped brownie bombs with your desired garnishes, such as sprinkles, chopped nuts, or sea salt flakes. The chocolate will set quickly, so it’s important to add the garnishes right away.
4. Set the Chocolate: Place the decorated brownie bombs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let the chocolate set completely. You can speed up this process by placing them in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes.

Tips and Variations:

• Dark Chocolate: For a richer, more intense chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.
• Different Extracts: Experiment with different extracts in the brownie batter, such as almond extract or peppermint extract.
• Nuts: Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the brownie batter for added texture and flavor.
• Liqueur Options: If you don’t have cherry liqueur, you can substitute it with other liqueurs like Kirsch or even a splash of cherry juice.
• Storage: Store the finished brownie bombs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Freezing: You can also freeze the brownie bombs for longer storage. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
• White Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the dipped brownie bombs for an extra touch of elegance.
• Espresso Powder: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the brownie batter to enhance the chocolate flavor.

Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Cherry Brownie Bombs! They’re perfect for parties, holidays, or any time you’re craving a decadent treat.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Chocolate Cherry Brownie Bombs are more than just a dessert; they’re an experience. From the rich, fudgy brownie base to the burst of sweet cherry in every bite, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves brownies, cherries, or just wants to impress their friends and family with a decadent treat.

Why is this recipe a must-try? Because it’s incredibly easy to make, uses readily available ingredients, and delivers a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more. Forget those store-bought brownies that are often dry and bland. These homemade brownie bombs are moist, intensely chocolatey, and perfectly balanced with the tartness of the cherries. The combination is simply divine! Plus, the individual serving size makes them perfect for parties, potlucks, or even just a special treat for yourself.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! Feel free to get creative with your serving suggestions and variations. For an extra touch of elegance, dust the brownie bombs with powdered sugar or drizzle them with melted white chocolate. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable dessert experience. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped nuts.

Looking for variations? You could swap out the cherries for other fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a different flavor profile. Or, if you’re a fan of nuts, add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the brownie batter. For a boozy twist, soak the cherries in Kirsch or rum before adding them to the batter. The possibilities are endless! You can even experiment with different types of chocolate, like dark chocolate for a more intense flavor or milk chocolate for a sweeter treat.

These Chocolate Cherry Brownie Bombs are also incredibly versatile. They’re perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to formal dinner parties. They make a wonderful addition to a dessert platter, a thoughtful homemade gift, or even a simple afternoon snack. And because they’re so easy to make, you can whip up a batch in no time, even on a busy weeknight.

I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. It’s a simple, yet satisfying way to indulge in a little bit of chocolatey goodness. The combination of textures and flavors is simply irresistible, and the individual serving size makes them perfect for portion control (if you can resist eating more than one!).

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these amazing Chocolate Cherry Brownie Bombs. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? Did you make any variations? What did your friends and family think? Share your photos and comments in the comments section below. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear your feedback. Happy baking! I hope you find this Chocolate Cherry Brownie Bombs recipe as delightful as I do!

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