Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownie Bombs Recipe
If you’re a fan of rich chocolate and the sweet tartness of cherries, you’re going to love this Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownie Bombs Recipe. It’s one of those delightful treats that feels like a bite-sized celebration—fudgy brownie, luscious cherry center, all wrapped in a glossy coat of chocolate. These little bombs are perfect for when you want something indulgent but also a bit fancy, whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or just craving a special homemade dessert.
What makes this Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownie Bombs Recipe really stand out to me is how simple yet impressive it is. I remember the first time I made these, and everyone couldn’t stop asking for more. The chewy brownie base combined with the bright cherry inside and that smooth chocolate exterior creates a fantastic flavor punch. Plus, once you get the hang of it, whipping up these sweet bombs goes surprisingly fast, making it a fantastic “wow” dessert without hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to create a perfect balance of texture and flavor. I always recommend using quality ingredients since each one shines through in this dessert.
- Chewy fudge brownie mix: A boxed mix keeps things easy without compromising fudginess. Duncan Hines is my go-to because of its rich flavor.
- Vegetable oil: Helps keep the brownies moist and chewy.
- Water: To hydrate the brownie mix and create the perfect batter consistency.
- Large eggs: At room temperature for better mixing and structure.
- Whipped chocolate frosting: This adds an extra layer of chocolatey sweetness and helps seal the cherry inside the brownie bomb.
- Maraschino cherries: Drained, stems removed and patted dry to avoid excess moisture that could make the brownies soggy.
- Chocolate almond bark: For that glossy, sturdy chocolate shell that makes these bombs look like little works of art.
Variations
I love playing around with this Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownie Bombs Recipe depending on the occasion or whoever I’m sharing them with. You can really make them your own!
- Use dark or white chocolate almond bark: I once switched to white chocolate almond bark for a holiday party, and the contrast with red cherries was stunning and festive.
- Add a splash of almond extract to frosting: This hints at marzipan flavors and pairs beautifully with cherries.
- Try fresh cherries or frozen cherries: Just be sure to dry them thoroughly to avoid soggy brownies.
- Make it vegan: Use a dairy-free brownie mix, substitute flax eggs, and pick dairy-free frosting and chocolate coatings.
How to Make Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownie Bombs Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Brownie Batter
Start by combining your brownie mix, vegetable oil, water, and eggs in a large bowl. I like to whisk gently until everything is just combined—overmixing can make brownies tough, so keep it light. The batter should be thick and glossy, the perfect base for these brownie bombs.
Step 2: Fill Your Hands with Batter
Now, this part is a bit messy, but trust me, it’s worth it! Lightly grease your hands or use a little oil to prevent sticking. Scoop about a tablespoon of brownie batter into your palm and flatten it slightly into a small disk. You’ll be enclosing a cherry in this batter, so don’t make it too thin.
Step 3: Add the Cherry and Frosting Filling
Place one dried, stemless maraschino cherry in the center of the batter disk. Next, add a small dollop (about ½ teaspoon) of whipped chocolate frosting on top of the cherry. The frosting acts like a delicious glue and an extra chocolatey surprise inside your brownie bomb.
Step 4: Seal and Shape the Bombs
Gently fold the edges of the brownie batter around the cherry and frosting, sealing it completely. Roll it between your palms into a neat ball, about the size of a walnut. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly smooth—it will still taste amazing and look great once dipped.
Step 5: Bake the Brownie Bombs
Place your brownie balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them—the goal is a chewy texture inside with a lightly firm outside. Let them cool completely before the next step.
Step 6: Dip in Melted Chocolate Almond Bark
Once cooled, melt your chocolate almond bark in short bursts in the microwave or over a double boiler, stirring frequently. Using a fork or dipping tool, coat each brownie bomb in the melted chocolate, letting excess drip off. Set them on parchment paper to harden—if you want to speed this up, pop them in the fridge for a few minutes.
How to Serve Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownie Bombs Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep garnishes simple—a light sprinkle of crushed toasted almonds or a tiny pinch of sea salt on top of the chocolate just before it sets adds both texture and flavor contrast. Sometimes, I drizzle a bit of white chocolate for a pretty visual effect that also tastes wonderful.
Side Dishes
These brownie bombs are rich, so I love pairing them with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. A cup of strong coffee or a bright herbal tea also complements the dense chocolate-cherry combo perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
I’ve brought these to holiday parties arranged on tiered dessert trays and even wrapped a few in colorful cupcake liners to give as tasty favors. They also make great gifts stacked in a pretty box with some parchment paper—personal, homemade elegance!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to 5 days. Just let them come to room temperature before serving to enjoy that perfect chewy texture again.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these brownie bombs successfully—place them on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge and then bring them to room temp before serving. They still taste fresh and delicious, which is such a relief.
Reheating
If you want to warm a brownie bomb up slightly, just pop it in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Be careful not to melt the chocolate coating too much—our goal is a soft, warm center with that satisfying chocolate shell still holding strong.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries work beautifully but make sure to pit and dry them thoroughly to avoid extra moisture in your brownie bombs. Patting them dry especially helps keep the brownie texture nice and chewy rather than soggy.
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What if I don’t have chocolate almond bark?
You can easily substitute high-quality melting chocolate or chocolate chips. Just add a little vegetable oil to thin the chocolate for easier dipping if needed. The almond bark is convenient because it melts smoothly and hardens with a nice shine, but chocolate chips work just fine.
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Can I make these brownie bombs gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free brownie mix and confirm your frosting and chocolate coatings are gluten-free as well. With those swaps, you’ll have delightful gluten-free Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownie Bombs that everyone will enjoy.
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Why add the frosting inside the brownie bombs?
The frosting adds moisture and extra chocolate flavor inside the bomb, making each bite richer and creamier. It also helps seal in the cherry and keeps the bite satisfying rather than dry.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, these Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownie Bombs Recipe hold a special place in my dessert rotation because they’re both nostalgic and fun to make. It’s a sweet project that turns out looking and tasting like you spent hours in the kitchen, when really, it’s just a few simple steps. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy the magic of that gooey cherry surprise wrapped in chocolate and brownie—it’s like a little moment of happiness in every bite.
Print
Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownie Bombs Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 12–15 brownie bombs 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in these decadent Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownie Bombs, featuring a rich, chewy fudge brownie exterior wrapped around a juicy maraschino cherry, all coated in smooth chocolate almond bark. Perfect for parties or a sweet treat, these brownie bombs combine classic flavors with an irresistible chocolate shell for an impressive yet easy-to-make dessert.
Ingredients
Brownie Bombs
- 18.3 ounces box of chewy fudge brownie mix (your favorite brand, like Duncan Hines)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ¼ cup water
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 10 ounce jar of maraschino cherries, drained, stems removed, and patted dry
Frosting
- 12 ounce can of whipped chocolate frosting (your favorite brand, such as Betty Crocker)
Coating
- 18 ounces of chocolate almond bark
Instructions
- Prepare the Brownie Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chewy fudge brownie mix, vegetable oil, water, and eggs. Stir until well blended and smooth to form the brownie batter.
- Shape the Brownie Bombs: Using your hands or a spoon, take a portion of the brownie batter and flatten it into a disk. Spread a small amount of whipped chocolate frosting on the disk, then place one maraschino cherry in the center. Carefully wrap the brownie batter around the cherry, sealing it completely and shaping it into a ball. Repeat until all cherries and batter are used.
- Bake the Brownie Bombs: Place the shaped brownie bombs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them slightly apart. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the brownie (not the cherry) comes out with moist crumbs. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
- Melt the Chocolate Almond Bark: While the brownie bombs are cooling, melt the chocolate almond bark. Use a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each until smooth and glossy.
- Coat the Brownie Bombs: Once fully cooled, dip each brownie bomb into the melted chocolate almond bark, ensuring it is completely coated. Place the coated bombs back on parchment paper to let the chocolate set and harden. You can refrigerate them for faster setting.
- Serve and Store: Enjoy your Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownie Bombs immediately, or store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Make sure the maraschino cherries are well drained and patted dry to prevent excess moisture interfering with the baking and coating process.
- Use room temperature eggs for better batter consistency.
- This recipe works well with any brand of chewy fudge brownie mix and whipped chocolate frosting.
- The chocolate almond bark can be substituted with high-quality melting chocolate if preferred.
- To speed up chocolate setting, refrigerate the coated brownie bombs after dipping.