If you have a serious sweet tooth and love a playful twist on classic treats, you are going to adore this Chocolate Brownie Cherry Bombs Recipe. Imagine succulent maraschino cherries soaked in Crown Royal whisky, tucked inside rich, fudgy brownies, all enveloped in smooth chocolate and topped with sprinkles that add just the right crunch. This dessert is a sensational bombshell of flavors and textures, perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying all on your own. It’s anything but ordinary and will quickly become your go-to for impressing guests or treating yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this recipe are straightforward but absolutely essential in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Each one plays a unique role, whether it’s the moistness of the brownie, the boozy cherry surprise inside, or that final glossy, chocolaty finish.
- Maraschino Cherries (8 oz jar): These sweet cherries are the heart of the recipe, offering a juicy pop inside every brownie bite.
- Crown Royal Whisky (8-16 oz): Soaking the cherries in this adds warmth and a subtle boozy depth that takes these brownies next level.
- Chocolate Brownie Mix (18.4 oz box): The base of the recipe, providing that fudgy, rich texture that brownie lovers crave.
- Water (3 tablespoons): Helps create the perfect batter consistency.
- Oil (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and richness to the brownies, making them tender and indulgent.
- Large Eggs (2): Essential for binding everything together and bolstering that classic brownie structure.
- Chocolate Frosting (1 container): For that luscious, creamy outer layer that brings the cherry bombs to life.
- Ghirardelli Melting Chocolate (8 oz bag): Used for coating the brownie bombs, this chocolate melts beautifully for a smooth finish.
- Chocolate Sprinkles (small container): The fun textural finale that adds just the right amount of crunch and visual appeal.
How to Make Chocolate Brownie Cherry Bombs Recipe
Step 1: Soak the Cherries
Start by draining the maraschino cherries and placing them in a small container. Pour enough Crown Royal whisky over the cherries to cover them completely, then seal and refrigerate. Let the cherries soak for at least a few hours, or ideally overnight. This soaking step transforms these cherries into juicy, boozy gems that make this recipe truly unforgettable.
Step 2: Prepare the Brownie Batter
While the cherries are soaking, prepare your brownie mix according to the box instructions. Combine the chocolate brownie mix with water, oil, and eggs, mixing just until smooth. This batter should be thick yet smooth, ideal for enveloping your soaked cherries later on.
Step 3: Assemble the Cherry Bombs
Once your cherries have soaked sufficiently, gently pat them dry to avoid excess moisture. Scoop a small amount of brownie batter into the palm of your hand, place a cherry in the center, and carefully mold the batter around it until it forms a compact ball. Repeat until all cherries and batter are used up—this part is fun and addictive, getting all your hands deliciously messy!
Step 4: Bake the Brownie Balls
Place your brownie balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at the temperature recommended on the brownie box, usually around 350°F (175°C), for about 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be set but still moist and delicious inside.
Step 5: Coat with Chocolate and Frosting
Once the brownie balls have cooled, spread a thin layer of chocolate frosting over each one to act as the glue for the melting chocolate. Melt the Ghirardelli melting chocolate gently, then dip each frosted brownie ball into the melted chocolate to create a glossy, decadent shell. Before the chocolate hardens, sprinkle on chocolate sprinkles for a delightful textural contrast.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Place the finished Chocolate Brownie Cherry Bombs on a cooling rack or parchment-lined tray and let the chocolate set fully in the refrigerator. Once firm, they’re ready to be enjoyed or gifted!
How to Serve Chocolate Brownie Cherry Bombs Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing these delectable treats can be a joy in itself. A light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even a few whole maraschino cherries on the side really enhance the presentation and add an extra touch of sweetness.
Side Dishes
Serve the Chocolate Brownie Cherry Bombs alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to create an indulgent dessert experience. Fresh berries or a small salad of mixed greens with a zesty vinaigrette can also provide a refreshing counterbalance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or special occasion, arrange the brownie bombs on a decorative platter lined with doilies or edible flower petals. You could also skewer them on cocktail sticks for easy serving at gatherings. Gift boxes tied with ribbons make these brownie bombs a lovely edible present anyone would appreciate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the Chocolate Brownie Cherry Bombs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh longer, refrigeration is recommended, extending their life to about a week.
Freezing
These brownie bombs freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months, perfect for making ahead for holidays or celebrations.
Reheating
To enjoy them warm, thaw frozen bombs overnight in the refrigerator, then microwave for about 10 seconds or until just soft but not melted. For a crunchier shell, enjoy them at room temperature right after warming the brownie inside.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cherries for this recipe?
Maraschino cherries work best because of their sweetness and texture, but you can experiment with fresh cherries if you pit them and soak them similarly in whiskey. Just keep in mind fresh cherries might be less sweet and more tart.
What if I don’t want to use alcohol?
You can skip the whiskey and soak the cherries in cherry juice or a simple syrup instead. This will keep the juicy burst but without the boozy kick. It’s a great alternative for kids or anyone avoiding alcohol.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free chocolate brownie mix, and make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free. The rest of the recipe stays exactly the same, so enjoy your allergy-friendly treats.
How long do the brownie bombs last after they are made?
They are best eaten within a week if stored properly refrigerated. Their freshness and texture shine brightest in the first few days after making them.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the brownie batter?
Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans can be folded into the batter for an added crunch. Just be mindful of the size so they don’t overpower the cherry inside.
Final Thoughts
You absolutely must give the Chocolate Brownie Cherry Bombs Recipe a try. It’s one of those magical desserts that feels special but is surprisingly easy to pull off. Every bite delivers a decadent surprise that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly new. Once you make these, they’ll be a staple at your dinners, celebrations, or whenever you want to delight yourself with something extraordinary.
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Chocolate Brownie Cherry Bombs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes plus 1 hour soaking and chilling time
- Yield: 24 brownie cherry bombs
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Decadent Chocolate Brownie Cherry Bombs featuring maraschino cherries soaked in Crown Royal Whisky, wrapped in rich chocolate brownie and finished with a smooth chocolate coating and sprinkles. Perfect for parties and indulgent treats.
Ingredients
Whiskey Soaked Cherries
- 1 (8 ounce) jar of Maraschino Cherries
- 8–16 ounces Crown Royal Whisky
Brownie Batter
- 1 (18.4 ounce) box of chocolate brownie mix
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1/2 cup oil
- 2 large eggs
Coating & Decoration
- 1 container of chocolate frosting
- 1 (8 ounce) bag of Ghiradelli melting chocolate
- 1 small container of chocolate sprinkles
Instructions
- Soak the cherries: Drain the jar of maraschino cherries, reserving the juice. Pour the Crown Royal Whisky over the cherries and let them soak for at least 1 hour to infuse the flavors thoroughly.
- Prepare the brownie batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the chocolate brownie mix, water, oil, and eggs. Mix according to the package instructions until smooth and well combined.
- Bake the brownies: Pour the batter into a greased or lined baking pan and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs but not wet batter. Let cool completely.
- Crumble the brownies: Once cooled, crumble the brownies into fine pieces in a large bowl. Add chocolate frosting gradually and mix until you achieve a dough-like consistency that can hold shape when pressed.
- Form brownie balls: Take a small amount of brownie mixture and flatten it slightly. Place a whiskey-soaked cherry in the center and wrap the brownie mixture around the cherry, rolling it into a smooth ball. Repeat to make 24 balls.
- Melt the coating chocolate: Melt the Ghiradelli melting chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring after each until smooth and fully melted.
- Coat the brownie balls: Using a fork or skewer, dip each brownie ball into the melted chocolate to fully coat them. Allow the excess chocolate to drip off and place the coated balls on a parchment-lined tray.
- Decorate the brownie bombs: Before the coating hardens, sprinkle chocolate sprinkles on top of each ball for added texture and decoration.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the coated brownie cherry bombs for at least 1 hour until the chocolate sets firmly. Serve chilled or at room temperature as a delightful treat.
Notes
- Soaking cherries in whisky enhances flavor and adds a boozy kick to the dessert.
- Adjust the amount of whisky to your taste preference; more for stronger flavor.
- Use high-quality melting chocolate for the best coating texture and shine.
- You can substitute chocolate frosting with Nutella or cream cheese frosting for a different taste profile.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
