If you’re a fan of chocolate, cherries, and brownies, then Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownie Bombs are about to become your new favorite dessert. These delightful treats are filled with fudgy brownie, a juicy cherry center, and a smooth chocolate coating. Perfect for holidays, parties, or just a little indulgence, these brownie bombs are as impressive as they are delicious.
Why You’ll Love Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownie Bombs
This recipe combines the best elements of chocolate-covered cherries and rich brownies into one irresistible treat. The fudgy brownie layer wraps around the sweet cherry, creating a burst of flavors and textures in every bite. Plus, the beautiful chocolate coating makes them look as good as they taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Brownies: You can use a boxed brownie mix or your favorite homemade brownie recipe for the base.
- Maraschino cherries: These are essential for the cherry filling. Drain and pat them dry to prevent excess moisture.
- Chocolate chips or melting chocolate: For the smooth coating on the outside.
- Coconut oil or butter (optional): This helps create a glossy chocolate coating.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the brownies: Bake a batch of brownies and let them cool. You’ll want the brownies to be slightly undercooked to ensure a fudgy consistency. Crumble the brownies into a large bowl.
- Form the brownie bombs: Take a small amount of crumbled brownie and flatten it in your hand. Place a maraschino cherry in the center, and then wrap the brownie around the cherry, forming a ball. Repeat until all cherries are covered.
- Chill the brownie bombs: Place the brownie bombs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate them for about 20-30 minutes to help them hold their shape.
- Melt the chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips or melting chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. You can add a teaspoon of coconut oil or butter for a shinier coating.
- Dip the brownie bombs: Using a fork or skewer, dip each brownie bomb into the melted chocolate, making sure it’s fully coated. Let any excess chocolate drip off, then place the brownie bomb back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Let them set: Allow the chocolate to harden by placing the tray in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes. Once set, your Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownie Bombs are ready to enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownie Bombs
- Choose high-quality chocolate: The quality of chocolate will affect the flavor and texture of the coating, so opt for good-quality chocolate chips or baking chocolate.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet treat, try using dark chocolate for the coating to balance the sweetness of the brownie and cherry.
- Add a twist: For a unique flavor, add a dash of almond extract to the brownie mixture or sprinkle sea salt over the chocolate coating.
How to Serve Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownie Bombs
These brownie bombs are the perfect dessert or party treat! You can serve them chilled or at room temperature. Add them to a dessert platter for an impressive presentation, or package them up as a delicious homemade gift for friends and family.
Storing Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownie Bombs
Store these brownie bombs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, they can also be frozen for up to three months.
Conclusion
Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownie Bombs are a show-stopping treat that combines everything we love about chocolate and cherries into one delectable bite. Whether for a holiday celebration or just a sweet pick-me-up, these brownie bombs are easy to make and guaranteed to impress!
Serving and Storage Tips for Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownie Bombs
Serving Tips:
- Chilled or Room Temperature: Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownie Bombs can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. Chilling them enhances the texture of the chocolate coating, making it firmer, while serving at room temperature brings out the rich, fudgy brownie flavor.
- Presentation: Arrange the brownie bombs on a decorative tray for an elegant presentation at parties or gatherings. They also make a great addition to dessert tables, alongside other treats like cookies, truffles, or brownies.
- Pairing Suggestions: Serve these brownie bombs with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgent experience.
- Gift Idea: These treats make an excellent homemade gift for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions. Simply package them in a cute box or tin, and tie with a ribbon for a charming presentation.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store the brownie bombs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Keeping them chilled helps maintain their fresh flavor and prevents the chocolate from melting.
- Freezing: To extend their shelf life, you can freeze Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownie Bombs for up to three months. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Let them thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Avoid Moisture: When storing in the fridge, be sure the container is airtight to prevent moisture from affecting the chocolate coating. If there’s any moisture buildup in the container, you can place a paper towel in the lid to absorb it.
By following these serving and storage tips, you’ll ensure that your Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownie Bombs remain fresh and delicious for as long as possible, while maintaining their irresistible appeal!
1. Can I use a different type of fruit instead of maraschino cherries?
Yes, you can use other fruits like raspberries, strawberries, or even dried cherries. Just be sure to adjust for moisture levels. Fresh fruits like berries may require extra care to prevent excess moisture from making the brownie bombs soggy.
2. Can I make these brownie bombs ahead of time?
Absolutely! Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownie Bombs can be made up to a few days in advance. Simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and they’ll stay fresh. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
3. Can I use a boxed brownie mix for the base?
Yes, using a boxed brownie mix is a convenient and quick option for the base of these brownie bombs. Just be sure to slightly underbake them to keep the texture fudgy and moist for easy shaping.
4. How do I ensure the chocolate coating stays smooth when dipping the brownie bombs?
To get a smooth and glossy chocolate coating, melt your chocolate gently using a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Adding a teaspoon of coconut oil or butter to the melted chocolate can help achieve a shinier finish.
Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownie Bombs
Indulge in these delightful Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownie Bombs—bite-sized treats featuring a luscious cherry encased in rich, fudgy brownie, all enveloped in a smooth chocolate coating. Perfect for special occasions or a sweet indulgence anytime.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: About 24 brownie bombs 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking and No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 box (approximately 18.3 ounces) of chewy fudge brownie mix
- Ingredients as specified on the brownie mix box (typically eggs, oil, and water)
- ¾ cup chocolate frosting
- 1 jar (10 ounces) maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry
- 15 ounces almond bark or chocolate melting wafers
Instructions
- Prepare the Brownies: Follow the instructions on the brownie mix box to prepare and bake the brownies. Once baked, allow them to cool completely.
- Crumble and Mix: Crumble the cooled brownies into a large mixing bowl. Add the chocolate frosting and mix until the mixture reaches a consistency that holds together when formed into a ball.
- Form the Bombs: Take approximately 1½ tablespoons of the brownie mixture and flatten it slightly in your hand. Place a maraschino cherry in the center and wrap the brownie mixture around it, rolling it into a ball to fully encase the cherry. Repeat with the remaining mixture and cherries.
- Chill: Place the brownie balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for about 20 minutes to firm up.
- Melt the Chocolate: While the brownie balls are chilling, melt the almond bark or chocolate melting wafers according to the package instructions until smooth.
- Coat the Bombs: Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each brownie ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off before placing the coated bomb back onto the parchment paper.
- Set and Serve: Let the chocolate coating set completely. Once set, your Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownie Bombs are ready to enjoy!
Notes
- For an extra decorative touch, drizzle white chocolate over the top or add sprinkles before the coating sets.
- Ensure the cherries are well-drained and patted dry to prevent excess moisture from affecting the brownie mixture.
- These treats can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.