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Each bite of these Cherry Brownie Bombs bursts with fudgy chocolate and a surprise lush cherry center. I first whipped these up to give as holiday treats. Now everyone I know asks for them every year!
My niece and I made these together. She couldn’t stop giggling as we rolled each one and couldn’t wait to hand them out to our family.
Decadent Ingredients
- Cherry pie filling or maraschino cherries: Maraschinos are easier to wrap, but pie filling brings more cherry taste. Dry off any extra juice so the bombs don’t get mushy.
- Almond bark for dipping: Go for a smooth, creamy brand—it sets up way nicer than chocolate chips.
- Chocolate frosting: Store-bought or homemade both work. Add just a little at first while mixing, or it’ll get too sticky.
- Fudgy box brownie mix plus eggs and oil: The fudgier, the better! Underbake them just a touch to keep things moist.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Dip Each Bomb:
- Grab a bomb with a fork and dunk it in your melted almond bark. Lift it out, let the extra chocolate drip off, then put it down on some parchment or wax paper so it can set up and harden.
- Melt Almond Bark:
- Break the almond bark into pieces and toss them in the microwave for quick bursts. Stir in between so it melts smooth—pour it into a deep bowl for easier dunking.
- Freeze them:
- Lay out all the brownie balls on a baking sheet and freeze for twenty minutes so they’ll hold together for dipping later.
- Shape the Bombs:
- Scoop a big blob of brownie mix, about one and a half tablespoons, and flatten it in your hands. Thumb a dent in the middle, tuck in a cherry, then wrap it up and roll it into a ball.
- Dry Cherries:
- Take your cherries and use a paper towel to pat away moisture. This keeps the bombs from getting soggy later.
- Crumble and Mix:
- Break up the cooled brownies with your fingers or a spatula and put them in a big bowl. Add some chocolate frosting (about three-quarters cup) and mix until you can mash it all into balls. Don’t add too much frosting or it’ll get gooey.
- Bake and Cool Brownies:
- Make your brownies in a metal pan using the box directions. Let them cool all the way—if they’re warm, you can’t roll them yet.
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The best part? Cracking through the chocolate and hitting that cherry. My daughter tries to pick the one with the biggest cherry every time!
Storage Advice
Keep your brownie bombs in a tightly sealed container at room temp for up to three days. Need them to last longer? Stash them in the fridge with wax paper in between so they don’t get sticky. They freeze well—just set out to thaw about an hour before you want them.
Swaps and Variations
If you’re not using boxed brownies, make sure your homemade ones are dense and fudgy, not fluffy. No almond bark? Melting wafers are a solid backup. Want extra tang? Cream cheese frosting makes these pop against those sweet cherries.
Fun Ways to Serve
Show off these treats on a pretty plate for dessert tables or box them up to give away. They’re so good with coffee or milk. Want to get fancy? Once the chocolate sets, add a white chocolate drizzle on top.
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How This Treat Got Popular
Chocolate cherries have always been a hit at American candy counters. These brownie bombs mash up that candy shop charm with everyone’s favorite brownies—no wonder they’re huge hits at Christmas and Valentine’s Day for our crew.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino or pie filling?
If you’ve got fresh cherries and don’t mind pitting them, go for it. Just be sure to drain them really well first, so you don’t end up with soggy brownies. Maraschino cherries and pie filling are just a lot juicier and sweeter.
- → What is the best way to coat the brownie bombs in chocolate?
Just grab a fork or any candy dipper, dunk each ball into melted almond bark, and shake off the extra. Let them chill on a sheet of wax paper until they’re set.
- → Can these be made ahead of time?
Definitely. You can chill the finished brownie bombs in the fridge a day or even two early. Want to make a big batch? Pop them in a sealed container with some paper towels between layers to catch any extra moisture.
- → Is it possible to freeze the finished brownie bombs?
For sure. Lay them out to freeze fast, then put them in a sealed box with paper towels in between. Thaw them in your fridge before eating.
- → Will any kind of frosting work for binding the brownie crumbs?
Chocolate frosting works best, but if you want, swap in vanilla or cream cheese. Just mix in a bit at a time until the texture is easy to roll into balls.