Name: Maraschino Cherry Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 33 min
Total time: 43 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box (18.4 ounces) Betty Crocker Milk Chocolate Brownie Mix; ½ cup chocolate chips; ½ cup quartered maraschino cherries, drained and dried with a paper towel; ½ cup olive oil; 2 eggs; 3 tablespoons hot water; 2 teaspoons instant coffee (or 1 packet, 0.1 ounces); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup mini chocolate chips (for topping); 3 tablespoons quartered maraschino cherries, drained and dried (for topping)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 30 reviews

If you have a sweet tooth and a love for cherries, this Maraschino Cherry Brownies Recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence. Rich, fudgy brownies mingled with bursts of juicy maraschino cherries bring a delightful twist to a classic treat. The chocolate chips blended inside and scattered on top work like magic to marry the rich cocoa with the cherries’ vibrant pop of flavor. Every bite is a luscious harmony of textures and tastes that’s sure to brighten your day and impress anyone lucky enough to share them with you.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white marbled surface with a clear glass bowl of dark brown chocolate chips on the left, a tall glass jar filled with light golden oil in the center, and a clear small glass bowl containing bright red cherries with a black spoon on the right side; below these are two light brown eggs in the middle, a small bottle of dark brown vanilla extract with a red cap on the bottom left, a small black and orange packet next to it, and a large transparent plastic bag filled with light brown powder at the bottom center; in the top left corner, a blue and white checkered towel lays partially folded. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Maraschino Cherry Brownies Recipe keeps things delightfully straightforward with pantry staples that each play a crucial role. The brownie mix forms the fudgy base, while cherries and chocolate chips elevate the flavor and texture, and the coffee adds a subtle depth that intensifies the chocolate without overpowering the cherries.

Brownie mix (18.4 ounces): The foundation of these brownies, providing that beloved fudgy texture with minimal fuss.
Chocolate chips (½ cup): Adds rich melty pockets of chocolate throughout the batter.
Maraschino cherries, quartered (½ cup + 3 tablespoons): Juicy bursts of sweetness and color that transform the brownies into something special.
Oil (½ cup): I use olive oil here for a subtle fruity richness, but you can swap with your favorite baking oil.
Eggs (2): Essential for structure and binding all those delicious ingredients together.
Hot water (3 tablespoons): Helps dissolve the instant coffee and keeps the batter silky smooth.
Instant coffee (2 teaspoons): Enhances the chocolate flavor with a gentle, sophisticated boost.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and rounds out the sweetness perfectly.
Mini chocolate chips (½ cup): Tossed on top for an inviting look and extra chocolate hit with every bite.

How to Make Maraschino Cherry Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter a 9×9 baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking, then line it with parchment paper, and butter that paper too. This double layer keeps your brownies intact and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, pour in the brownie mix along with the chocolate chips and half the quartered maraschino cherries. Stir them gently to coat the chips and cherries in the dry brownie mix—this little step helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of your brownies.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Into the bowl, add the oil and eggs. Whisk these together with the dry ingredients until everything is combined but don’t overdo it—overmixing can make the brownies tough instead of tender.

Step 4: Prepare Coffee Mixture

In a small bowl, dissolve your instant coffee in the hot water. Pour this mixture along with the vanilla extract into your brownie batter. The coffee deepens the chocolate flavor so subtly that it makes these brownies extra decadent.

Step 5: Combine and Bake

Give the batter one last gentle whisk until everything is just combined. Pour it into your prepared dish, spreading evenly. Bake for about 30 to 33 minutes. You’ll know they are perfect when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs attached.

Step 6: Add Finishing Touches

As soon as your brownies come out of the oven, sprinkle the remaining mini chocolate chips and maraschino cherries on top. Let them cool completely to set before slicing, serving, and enjoying your delicious creation!

How to Serve Maraschino Cherry Brownies Recipe

Three thick chocolate brownies sit on white parchment paper with a white marbled texture beneath. Each brownie shows two layers: a dense dark brown base and a lighter, slightly cracked chocolate-brown top layer. Small chocolate chips are scattered on top of each piece, along with several bright red cherries placed evenly across the surface. In the background, there is a white square bowl filled with many shiny red cherries. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra dash of elegance, sprinkle some powdered sugar over the cooled brownies or drizzle a bit of melted white chocolate on top. Fresh mint leaves or a dollop of whipped cream can also create a beautiful contrast and freshness to the rich chocolate and cherries.

Side Dishes

This recipe plays wonderfully alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a simple fresh fruit salad. The creamy ice cream balances the decadence while fresh fruits add brightness, creating a well-rounded dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the brownies into bite-sized squares and serving them on decorative skewers with a cherry on top for parties. You can also sandwich them with cherry jam or cream cheese frosting for a stunning layered dessert that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Maraschino Cherry Brownies Recipe fresh, store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Properly covering them prevents them from drying out and preserves that moist, fudgy texture you love.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these brownies later, they freeze beautifully. Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.

Reheating

To bring frozen or room-temperature brownies back to life, warm them for about 15 seconds in the microwave or briefly in a low oven. This helps revive the melty chocolate goodness and makes every bite just as delightful as fresh out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Absolutely! Fresh cherries provide a less sweet but equally juicy complement to the chocolate. Just be sure to pit and chop them finely to distribute evenly throughout the batter.

What kind of brownie mix works best?

A classic milk chocolate or fudgy brownie mix, like Betty Crocker Milk Chocolate, gives the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Avoid mixes that are cakey or overly sweet as they can clash with the cherries.

Why is instant coffee added to this recipe?

Instant coffee enhances the chocolate flavor without making the brownies taste like coffee. It adds depth and richness, making the chocolate taste more intense and satisfying.

Can I substitute the oil with butter?

Yes, you can substitute oil with melted butter for a richer flavor profile. Keep the same quantity for consistent texture but remember that butter solidifies when cooled, which might slightly affect the fudginess.

How do I keep the maraschino cherries from making the brownies too wet?

Draining and drying the cherries thoroughly on paper towels before mixing them in is key. This prevents excess moisture from seeping into the batter and keeps your brownies perfectly fudgy rather than cakey or soggy.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly joyful about biting into a brownie studded with maraschino cherries, and this Maraschino Cherry Brownies Recipe nails it every single time. It’s simple enough for any level baker but delivers flavors that make it feel special and festive. Give it a try—you’ll be sharing this recipe with everyone you know in no time!

Maraschino Cherry Brownies Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need