Vanilla Cherry Brownies
Rich and indulgent vanilla cherry brownies combine the sweetness of vanilla-milk chips with tart maraschino cherries and crunchy almonds. Perfect for dessert or a sweet snack, they offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures that satisfy any chocolate lover seeking a fruity twist.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries, well drained ⓘ
- 1/3 cup butter, softened ⓘ
- 3/4 cup sugar ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Kirsch liqueur
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1/3 cup slivered almonds ⓘ
- 1 cup vanilla-milk-flavored chips ⓘ
- Vanilla Chip Drizzle ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350°F.
- Line a 9-inch square baking pan with foil, then grease and flour it.
- Blot the chopped maraschino cherries between layers of paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a small mixer bowl, beat together the softened butter, sugar, eggs, light corn syrup, and Kirsch liqueur until blended.
- Add the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa, and baking powder to the mixture.
- Blend until the batter is combined smoothly.
- Stir in the chopped cherries, slivered almonds, and vanilla-milk-flavored chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the brownies begin to pull away from the sides of the pan.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan.
- Cut into squares and garnish with Vanilla Chip Drizzle before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer chocolate flavor, consider using dark cocoa powder instead of unsweetened cocoa. If you want to substitute Kirsch liqueur, a splash of cherry juice or almond extract can work well. Make sure to drain the cherries thoroughly to avoid a soggy brownie. Topping with a scoop of vanilla ice cream can elevate this dessert, similar to serving Oatmeal Cookies(Oatsies) with ice cream.
Serving Suggestions
These brownies are delicious on their own but can also be served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or topped with whipped cream and additional cherries. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk. For a delightful dessert spread, consider serving them alongside Mama'S Coconut Pie or Deluxe Strawberry Dessert for a varied dessert experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm treat, or enjoy them chilled. For longer storage, freeze individual pieces wrapped in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vanilla Cherry Brownies contains roughly 212 calories, with 5g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (17% of the Daily Value), protein (11% of the Daily Value), and calcium (11% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries! Just be sure to pit and chop them, and note that they may add more moisture, so adjust baking time as needed. Fresh cherries can provide a tart contrast to the sweetness of the brownies.
What can I use instead of butter?
If you're looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. Both will provide a similar texture and richness to the brownies, allowing everyone to enjoy them.
How can I make these brownies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free brownies, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients, including the baking powder, are also gluten-free to maintain the integrity of the recipe.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).