Cherry Chocolate Brownies

Cherry Chocolate Brownies are such a treat. They are tender chocolate brownies with chopped maraschino cherries mixed in, so every bite has cherry flavor. You will love this recipe if you are a fan of chocolate-covered cherries. Fruit and chocolate are always welcome in our home.

Last month, my recipe for Maraschino Cherry Cupcakes was something I felt like I couldn’t top. Then I made chocolate cherry brownies, and I was shocked. Maraschino cherries are so much more than for an ice cream sundae. Run to the store, buy a jar, and try this recipe.

These cherry chocolate brownies are moist and chewy and full of sweet maraschino cherry goodness. You can also add nuts, but I left them out of my recipe. Whether you top them with vanilla ice cream or eat them plain, they make a scrumptious (and seriously simple) dessert.

Ingredients

The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

• Butter
• Sugar
• Almond extract
• Eggs 
• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Cocoa powder
• Maraschino cherries

How to Make Chocolate Cherry Brownies

• Step One: Stir together melted butter and sugar. 

• Step Two: Whisk in almond extract and eggs.

• Step Three: Stir in flour, salt, and cocoa. 

• Step Four: Add cherries and mix again.

• Step Five: Spread in a greased 9×13-inch pan and bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes, or till a toothpick comes out clean.

Can I Use a Boxed Brownie Mix?

If you don’t like making homemade brownies, you can opt for a box, add chopped cherries, fold them in, and bake. But I will tell you the recipe is super easy to make, and homemade brownies always win me over.

Add-Ins

• White chocolate chips
• Walnuts
• Macadamia nuts
• Chocolate chips

Storage Instructions

I keep these in the fridge, allowing them to last longer before they go bad. If you want a warmer brownie, just warm it up in the microwave or allow it to come to room temperature before eating.

Can I Freeze?

You should have no problem freezing these brownies. Allow them to fully cool on the counter, then cut and transfer to a freezer bag or freezer-friendly container. Then freeze for up to three months. Thaw on the counter or in the fridge, and serve. 

I have done it this way: When I crave a sweet, I grab one brownie, let it thaw, and then enjoy it. Or, if you prefer, you can make an extra batch of brownies and freeze them without cutting them. 

How to Serve

• Add a dusting of powdered sugar on top
• A dollop of whipped cream
• Or a scoop of ice cream

Can I Use Real Cherries?

You could easily swap out maraschino for real cherries. Just make sure to get rid of the seeds and chop them up. Then, fold them into the batter like you would with the maraschino. You might find it isn’t as sweet as with the maraschinos, but I am sure it would still be a delicious brownie recipe.

Will Dried Cherries Work?

I can’t say for sure, but it would work. Dried cherries would offer a sweeter flavor, and it would be tasty to have bits of dried cherries throughout the dish.

How to Keep Brownies Moist 

Once the brownies are cooked and cooled, you can store them. To keep them moist, lay a piece of parchment paper on top, place a piece of bread on top, and then top with another piece of parchment paper or wax paper. This will help keep the brownies moist for 1-2 days longer. 

Do not eat the bread once you have used it, and don’t add more than one piece to the brownies. 

Brownie Recipes

• Banana Split Brownies
• Peanut Butter Cheesecake Brownies
• Caramel Bacon Brownies
• Salted Caramel Brownies
• Brownie Cheesecake Cups
• Chocolate Raspberry Brownies
• Reese’s Stuffed Brownies

Try my Chocolate Surprise Bars, Winter Cherry Cobbler, Triple Chocolate Poke Cake, and Hot Fudge Pudding Cake.

Follow me on Instagram @simplystacieblog, Facebook at Simply Stacie, TikTok @simplystacierecipes or Pinterest at @simplystacie and let me know how you liked this recipe and my other recipes.