So you want something ridiculously decadent, stupidly easy, and guaranteed to make everyone think you’re some kind of dessert wizard? Yeah, I thought so. These chocolate cherry brownie bombs are basically little spheres of heaven wrapped in chocolate—and honestly, they’re so good they should probably be illegal.
Picture this: fudgy brownie mixed with sweet cherries, rolled into perfect little balls, and coated in smooth chocolate. It’s like a truffle had a baby with a brownie, and that baby won the genetic lottery. The best part? You don’t need a culinary degree or fancy equipment. Just some basic ingredients and the ability to roll things into balls. If you made Play-Doh snakes as a kid, you’re overqualified.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
Let me count the ways, my friend.
First off, these brownie bombs are practically foolproof. I’m talking “you could make them half-asleep on a Sunday morning” level of easy. There’s no precise baking temperature to stress about once you’ve got your brownies done, no worrying if they’ll rise properly, and zero chance of them coming out dry. They’re pre-made magic.
Second, they’re ridiculously impressive. Seriously, bring these to a party and watch people lose their minds. They look fancy, taste expensive, and nobody needs to know you made them while binge-watching your favorite show. Your secret’s safe with me.
Third, the chocolate-cherry combo is chef’s kiss. It’s classic for a reason—the tartness of cherries cuts through the rich chocolate perfectly. It’s like they were made for each other, like peanut butter and jelly, or me and dessert.
And finally, they’re portable. No plates, no forks, no mess. Just pop one in your mouth and experience pure bliss. Perfect for road trips, movie nights, or sneaking snacks at work. Not that I’ve ever done that. Ahem.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Brownie Base:
- 1 box of brownie mix (plus whatever eggs, oil, and water it calls for—we’re not judging you for using a mix)
- 1 cup dried cherries, chopped (or use fresh if you’re feeling fancy)
- 1/4 cup cherry juice or liqueur (optional, but it adds that chef’s kiss factor)
For the Coating:
- 2 cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (your choice—I won’t judge either way)
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil or butter (makes the chocolate silky smooth)
- Sprinkles, crushed freeze-dried cherries, or cocoa powder for topping (because we eat with our eyes first, people)
Equipment You’ll Actually Need:
- A baking pan (duh)
- A cookie scoop or your trusty hands
- A microwave-safe bowl
- Parchment paper (saves cleanup—you’re welcome)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Bake your brownies according to the box directions. Yeah, we’re starting with a mix. No shame in the game. Let them cool completely—and I mean completely. Impatient bakers end up with mushy chocolate hands. Ask me how I know.
- Crumble those cooled brownies into a large bowl. Get in there with your hands and break them up into fine crumbs. This is therapeutic, trust me. You want it to look like chocolatey sand.
- Mix in your chopped cherries and cherry juice. Stir everything together until it forms a slightly sticky dough. If it’s too dry, add a tablespoon of cherry juice at a time. Too wet? Add a bit of cocoa powder to soak up the moisture.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Use a cookie scoop for consistency, or just eyeball it—we’re making dessert, not performing surgery. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet as you go.
- Freeze those balls for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial, folks. Cold brownie bombs = easier coating. Warm ones will just create a chocolatey disaster. Been there, done that, had to eat the evidence.
- Melt your chocolate and coconut oil together. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each one. Don’t rush this or you’ll end up with seized chocolate—and nobody wants that kind of drama.
- Dip each brownie ball into the melted chocolate. Use a fork to roll them around and lift them out, tapping off excess chocolate. Place back on the parchment paper and immediately add your toppings before the chocolate sets.
- Let them set at room temperature or pop them in the fridge for about 15 minutes. Then devour. Or share. But mostly devour.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not letting the brownies cool completely. I know waiting is hard, but hot brownies will turn into a melted mess faster than your diet plans on a Monday. Be patient, grasshopper.
Skipping the freezing step. Look, I get it—you want instant gratification. But frozen brownie balls are 10000% easier to coat. Don’t be a hero; just freeze them.
Overheating the chocolate. Chocolate is dramatic and will seize up if you look at it wrong. Use low heat, stir frequently, and add that coconut oil or butter to keep it smooth and dippable.
Making the balls too big. These are rich, my friend. Like, really rich. Stick to one-inch balls unless you want to be in a sugar coma by ball number two. Speaking from experience here.
Using terrible chocolate. Don’t buy the cheapest chocolate chips you can find and expect magic. You don’t need fancy artisan chocolate, but get something decent. Your taste buds will thank you.
Alternatives & Substitutions
Dried cherries too pricey? Use dried cranberries, chopped strawberries, or even maraschino cherries (just drain and pat them dry first). Fresh raspberries work too, but they’ll make the mixture wetter, so adjust accordingly.
Not a fan of dark chocolate? Milk chocolate works great here. White chocolate is also an option if you want to go full decadent. IMO, dark chocolate balances the sweetness best, but you do you.
Want to make them boozy? Replace the cherry juice with cherry liqueur, bourbon, or even rum. Just don’t add too much or they won’t hold their shape. A tablespoon or two is plenty for that grown-up kick.
Need them gluten-free? Use a gluten-free brownie mix. Seriously, that’s it. The rest of the recipe works exactly the same way.
Don’t have coconut oil? Butter works fine. Even a bit of vegetable oil will do in a pinch. The goal is just to thin out the chocolate slightly so it’s easier to work with.
FAQs
Can I use homemade brownies instead of a mix?
Absolutely! In fact, if you’ve got a killer brownie recipe, go for it. Just make sure they’re fudgy, not cakey. Cakey brownies don’t hold together as well when you crumble them up. We want that dense, rich texture here.
How long do these brownie bombs last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, they’ll last about a week. In the freezer? Up to three months. But let’s be real—they probably won’t last that long because you’ll eat them all. No judgment.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! That’s actually the beauty of these bad boys. Make them a day or two before your event and store them in the fridge. They actually taste better after sitting for a bit because the flavors meld together. It’s like they get even more delicious with age. Unlike most things.
My chocolate coating is too thick—help!
Add more coconut oil or butter, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches a thinner consistency. If it’s already cooled too much, just reheat it gently in the microwave. The chocolate should be smooth and runny, not gloopy.
Can I use white chocolate chips for coating?
Sure can! White chocolate is sweeter and less stable than dark or milk chocolate, so add a bit more coconut oil to help it set properly. It also looks super elegant if you drizzle some dark chocolate over the white coating. Fancy pants.
Do I have to use cherry flavoring?
Nope! This recipe is totally customizable. Try orange zest and orange juice for a chocolate-orange vibe, or skip the fruit entirely and add some espresso powder for mocha brownie bombs. The world is your oyster, my friend.
Why are my brownie bombs falling apart?
Either your brownie mixture is too dry, or you didn’t pack them tightly enough when rolling. Add a bit more liquid (cherry juice, melted butter, or even a splash of milk) to help them bind together. Squeeze those balls firmly when shaping—don’t be shy.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it—chocolate cherry brownie bombs that’ll make you look like a total rockstar in the kitchen. Whether you’re making them for a party, a gift, or just because you deserve something amazing (spoiler: you do), these little spheres of joy won’t disappoint.
The best part? Once you master the basic technique, you can customize these babies however you want. Different fruits, different chocolates, different toppings—the possibilities are endless. It’s like having a dessert template for life.
So go ahead, grab that brownie mix, and get rolling. Your taste buds are about to go on a first-class trip to Flavor Town, and honestly, they’ve earned it. And hey, if they turn out a little wonky-looking? Nobody’s going to care once they taste them. Trust me on this one.
Now stop reading and start baking. Those brownie bombs aren’t going to make themselves!
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