Step-by-step instructions
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a mini muffin tin with paper liners for easy removal.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a larger bowl, mix the melted butter and granulated sugar together until they’re well-combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine Mixtures: Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until everything is just combined.
Add the Good Stuff: Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips, chopped cherries, and walnuts if you’re using them.
Fill the Muffin Tin: Spoon the rich brownie batter into your prepared muffin tin, making sure to fill each cup about 3/4 full.
Bake: Pop them in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. They’re done when a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs!
Cool Down: Let the brownie bombs cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Dust and Serve: Just before serving, dust the tops with powdered sugar for that extra touch of sweetness.
Best ways to enjoy it
The best way to enjoy your Cherry Brownie Cherry Bombs is warm, with the chocolate still gooey inside. They’re perfect on their own, but you can elevate the experience by pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Serve them on a colorful platter for that extra wow factor. You can also drizzle chocolate sauce over the top for an indulgent touch.
How to store & freeze
To keep your Cherry Brownie Cherry Bombs fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to store them longer, you can freeze them! Just place them in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them up slightly in the microwave.
Helpful cooking tips
For the best results, be sure to use room temperature eggs for better mixing. If you prefer a more intense cherry flavor, feel free to add a splash of cherry juice to the batter. Don’t overmix when combining the wet and dry ingredients; you want a tender brownie.
Creative twists
Feel like getting adventurous? Consider these fun variations:
- Add Zest: A teaspoon of orange zest can complement the cherries beautifully.
- Nutty Options: Swap out walnuts for pecans or skip nuts altogether for a nut-free version.
- Different Fruits: You could also try other fruits like raspberries or strawberries for a different flavor profile.
Common questions
How long do these take to prepare?
The total time for this recipe is about 30-40 minutes, including baking. It’s a quick and satisfying dessert option!
Can I use frozen cherries?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and chop them before mixing them into the batter.
What if I have leftovers?
Store any leftover Cherry Brownie Bombs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just reheat to enjoy later!
Can I substitute the cocoa powder?
Yes! You can use Dutch-processed cocoa for a creamier taste, but keep in mind it’s always best to stick with a high-quality cocoa powder for the richest flavor.
