Introduction
Prepare for a dessert experience that is truly “the bomb!” These Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownie Bombs are an incredible fusion of three classic treats: a rich, fudgy brownie, a sweet cherry center, and a crisp chocolate shell. Each bite is a delightful surprise, with the satisfying chew of brownie giving way to a burst of fruity cherry. They look like professional-level confections but are surprisingly simple to make, especially by using a brownie mix and canned pie filling. Perfect for a special occasion, a potluck, or just a fun baking project!
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownie Bombs
- Explosive Flavor: The combination of chocolate and cherry is a timeless classic that always hits the mark.
- Textural Contrast: The soft, gooey brownie, the juicy cherry, and the snappy chocolate coating create a perfect textural harmony.
- Impressive Appearance: They look like gourmet chocolates, making them an excellent gift or a stunning addition to a dessert table.
- Surprisingly Simple: This recipe uses clever shortcuts to create a high-impact dessert without hours of work.
- Perfectly Portion-Controlled: Each “bomb” is a single, satisfying bite of pure indulgence.
Ingredients
For the Brownie Base:
- 1 box (18.3 oz / 520g) fudgy brownie mix (plus ingredients to make it: eggs, oil, water, etc.)
- 1 (21 oz / 595g) can cherry pie filling
For the Chocolate Coating:
- 1 ½ cups (200g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
For Garnish (Optional):
- White chocolate, melted (for drizzling)
- Sprinkles or chopped nuts
- Maraschino cherries
Equipment You’ll Need:
- 8×8 inch square baking pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Spoon or small scoop
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Microwave-safe bowl for melting chocolate
Instructions
Part 1: Prepare the Brownie Base
- Bake the Brownies: Prepare the brownie mix according to the package directions. Pour the batter into an 8×8 inch pan and bake as instructed. It’s best to underbake them slightly to keep them extra fudgy.
- Cool Completely: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan. Once cool, crumble the entire brownie block into a large bowl.
- Add Cherry Filling: Add about ⅓ to ½ cup of the cherry pie filling to the crumbled brownies. Use a fork or your hands to mix until the mixture is a thick, workable dough. Don’t add too much filling, as it will make the dough too wet. You’re looking for a consistency that you can roll into balls.
Part 2: Shape and Chill the Bombs
- Form the Balls: Scoop out heaping tablespoons of the brownie-cherry mixture and roll them into 1 to 1 ½-inch balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Chill: Once all the balls are formed, place the baking sheet in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This is crucial for the balls to firm up, which makes the chocolate-dipping process much easier.
Part 3: Coat and Garnish
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted.
- Dip the Bombs: Remove the chilled brownie balls from the freezer. Working with one at a time, drop a ball into the melted chocolate. Use a fork to turn it until it’s fully coated. Lift the ball out and gently tap the fork against the side of the bowl to let any excess chocolate drip off.
- Set and Garnish: Place the coated ball back on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Before the chocolate sets, you can add sprinkles, chopped nuts, or a small cherry on top.
- Final Chill: Repeat with the remaining balls. Once finished, place the baking sheet back in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes, or until the chocolate coating is completely set.
Storage and Essential Tips for the Best Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownie Bombs
- Don’t Over-Mix the Brownies: When adding the cherry filling, start with a small amount. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away.
- Chill, Chill, Chill: A proper chill time is the secret to these working. The firm, cold balls will hold their shape and make the chocolate set instantly.
- Use Good Quality Chocolate: A higher-quality chocolate will melt smoother and provide a better-tasting coating.
- Get Creative: Feel free to experiment with different fillings, like raspberry or strawberry jam, or roll the finished bombs in chopped pistachios or toasted coconut for a different flavor profile.
Share Your Sweet Creation!
Did you make a batch of these Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownie Bombs? We’d love to see your impressive treats! Share your photos on Instagram and tag @Bakingideas and use the hashtag #BrownieBombs. What’s your favorite brownie-based dessert?