Bakery-Style Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Some days only a rich, chocolatey brownie will do, and this recipe definitely delivers. With sweet maraschino cherries tucked between layers of fudgy brownie and finished with a smooth chocolate ganache, these honestly taste incredible.

I love making these when I need a dessert that feels a little bit special without being difficult. They look impressive enough for parties and holidays, but they’re just as welcome as an after-dinner treat with a cup of coffee.

If you’re a fan of the classic chocolate and cherry combination, you’re going to love these brownies. They’re rich, indulgent, and every bite is packed with plenty of chocolate and juicy cherries.

Equipment

You won’t need much to make these chocolate cherry brownies. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Cooking spray
• Parchment paper
• Medium mixing bowl
• Stand mixer with whisk attachment
• Small microwave-safe mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour – This gives the brownies their structure while still keeping them soft and fudgy.

• Cocoa powder – Adds a rich chocolate flavor to the brownie batter without making it too heavy.

• Baking soda – Gives the brownies just enough lift so they stay tender instead of becoming too dense.

• Salt – A little salt helps balance the sweetness and brings out the chocolate flavor.

• Salted butter, softened – Butter adds richness and keeps every bite wonderfully moist.

• Granulated sugar – Sweetens the brownies and helps create a soft, chewy texture.

• Powdered (icing) sugar – This gives the batter an extra smooth texture and helps create a tender crumb.

• Large eggs – Eggs hold everything together while adding richness and helping the brownies bake up perfectly.

• Vanilla extract – Just a splash adds warmth and enhances all of the chocolate flavors.

• Maraschino cherries – These add little bursts of sweet cherry flavor and make every slice feel extra special. Be sure to drain them well before using.

• Chocolate chips – Mixed into the brownies and used for the ganache, they add plenty of melty chocolate goodness from start to finish.

• Heavy cream – Combined with the chocolate chips, this creates a silky ganache that finishes the brownies beautifully.

Recipe Instructions

Full measurements and cooking times can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray the baking sheet with cooking spray and line with parchment paper. Set aside for now.

Step 2: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt. Set it aside for just a minute. 

Step 3: In the bowl to your stand mixer, cream together the granulated sugar, powdered sugar and butter on medium speed until smooth.

Step 4: Add the vanilla and one egg and beat on medium speed until combined. Add the remaining eggs one at a time until just combined. 

Step 5: Add the flour mixture to the bowl very slowly, about 1/4 cup at a time, and beat on medium low speed until no streaks of flour remain. The batter will be very thick.

Step 6: Press half of the batter into the prepared baking dish.

Step 7: Sprinkle 1 cup of the chocolate chips and the maraschino cherries over the brownie batter. Reserve the remaining 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for later.

Step 8: Scoop the remaining batter in tablespoons over the chocolate chips and cherries.

Step 9: Bake for 40-45 minutes. The middle of the pan will still look very moist. You can check with a toothpick but the melted chocolate and cherries can fool you into thinking they aren’t done. Cool completely in the pan. 

Step 10: Place the reserved chocolate chips in a small mixing bowl. Heat the cream in the microwave on high for 1-2 mins. You want the cream to be steaming and hot. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips, making sure that all of the chips are submerged. Let the bowl sit for 5 minutes.

Step 11: Once the 5 minutes have passed, whisk the ganache smooth. Drizzle the ganache over the top of the cooled brownies. Let the ganache sit and harden for 5 minutes before removing from the pan, slicing and serving. Enjoy!

What to Serve With Chocolate Cherry Brownies

These brownies are rich enough to enjoy on their own, but they’re even better with a few simple extras.

• Vanilla ice cream – A scoop of vanilla ice cream melts into the warm brownies and makes them feel like a restaurant-style dessert.

• Fresh whipped cream – Lightly sweetened whipped cream balances the rich chocolate and cherry flavors perfectly.

• Fresh cherries – If they’re in season, a handful of fresh cherries makes a lovely finishing touch.

• Hot coffee – The deep flavor of coffee pairs beautifully with the chocolate, making these brownies perfect for an afternoon treat.

• A glass of cold milk – You really can’t go wrong with this classic pairing, especially if you’re serving these to kids.

• Chocolate sauce – Drizzle a little extra chocolate sauce over the top if you’re making these for a special occasion or dessert table.

• Toasted almonds – Sprinkle a few chopped toasted almonds over each brownie for a little crunch that works really well with the chocolate and cherries.

Storing

These chocolate cherry brownies keep really well, making them a great make-ahead dessert for parties, holidays, or whenever you’re craving something sweet. Once the ganache has set, store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They’ll stay soft and fudgy, and if you like them extra gooey, pop one in the microwave for 15–20 seconds before serving.

If you’d like to keep them for longer, they freeze beautifully. Put them in a freezer-safe container with a piece of parchment paper between the layers to stop them from sticking together, then freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, let the brownies thaw at room temperature until softened.

Variations & Substitutions

A few simple swaps can give these brownies a completely different twist while still keeping them just as delicious.

• Use dark chocolate chips – Swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate if you prefer a richer, less sweet brownie.

• Add chopped nuts – Stir in some chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans for a little crunch. Almonds are especially delicious with the cherries.

• Try fresh cherries – When they’re in season, pitted fresh cherries can be used instead of maraschino cherries for a less sweet, fruitier flavor.

• Skip the ganache – The brownies are still rich and delicious without the chocolate topping if you’re short on time.

• Mix in white chocolate chips – A handful of white chocolate chips adds a creamy sweetness that pairs really well with the cherries.

• Use unsalted butter – If that’s what you have on hand, simply add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the batter to balance the flavors.

• Add a little almond extract – Replace about 1/2 teaspoon of the vanilla extract with almond extract for a classic cherry and almond flavor combination.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Yes! Fresh cherries work well when they're in season. Pit and halve them before adding them to the batter. Keep in mind they'll be less sweet than maraschino cherries, so the flavor will be a little different.

Why are my chocolate cherry brownies still soft in the middle?

These brownies are meant to have a fudgy texture, so the center will still look quite moist when they come out of the oven. Melted chocolate chips and juicy cherries can also make a toothpick look wetter than it really is. Let the brownies cool completely before slicing for the best texture.

Can I freeze chocolate cherry brownies?

Absolutely. Once the brownies have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between the layers. They'll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Do I have to make the chocolate ganache?

No. The brownies are delicious on their own, but the ganache adds an extra layer of rich chocolate flavor and makes them look extra special.

How do I store chocolate cherry brownies?

Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you'd like them warm and extra gooey, microwave a brownie for 15–20 seconds before serving.

Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?

Yes! Milk chocolate chips will make the brownies a little sweeter, while dark chocolate chips will give them a richer flavor. Use whichever you prefer.

Can I make these brownies ahead of time?

Yes. These brownies are a great make-ahead dessert because they stay soft and fudgy for several days. You can bake them the day before serving, then add the ganache once they've cooled.

Why do I need to drain the maraschino cherries?

Draining the cherries well helps prevent extra moisture from making the brownies too wet in the middle. Patting them dry with paper towels is even better if they seem especially juicy.