Cherry Cola Brownies

If you love brownies and you love a little fizzy fun, then this Cherry Cola Brownies recipe is going to blow your mind. Imagine rich, fudgy brownies infused with the subtle sweetness and bubbly flair of cherry cola, studded with juicy maraschino cherries, and topped with a luscious, chocolatey frosting that has a hint of that same soda magic. Trust me, once these hit your kitchen, the aroma alone will have everyone hovering, forks in hand, waiting for a taste. This is dessert with personality—playful, indulgent, and completely irresistible.

Recipe Origin:

Inspired by the quirky charm of soda-infused desserts, this recipe takes a classic brownie and gives it a nostalgic, soda-shop twist. The combination of cherry cola and chocolate creates a flavor profile that’s rich, slightly tangy, and undeniably addictive. Perfect for birthday parties, casual gatherings, or a weekend treat just for yourself.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need:

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or electric mixer
• 9×9-inch baking pan
• Spatula
• Knife for chopping cherries
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Saucepan for frosting
• Cooling rack

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Why You’ll Love Cherry Cola Brownies

This recipe isn’t just dessert—it’s an experience. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or a special occasion, here’s why these brownies will become a favorite:

Fudgy and Moist: Cherry cola adds a subtle sweetness and moisture, making these brownies perfectly dense without being dry.

Flavor-Packed: The combination of chocolate, cherry, and soda creates a playful, nostalgic taste that’s unique but universally loved.

Easy and Fun: Using a boxed brownie mix keeps it simple, while the cherry cola twist makes it feel like a gourmet creation.

Crowd-Pleasing: Adults and kids alike will devour these brownies, making them perfect for parties, potlucks, or dessert tables.

Customizable: You can add more cherries for extra bursts of flavor or sprinkle in chocolate chips for an even richer treat.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results:

• Room Temperature Eggs and Oil: This helps create a smoother batter and more consistent texture.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined to avoid dense, tough brownies.
• Cherry Prep: Chop maraschino cherries evenly to ensure every bite has a sweet burst.
• Cooling Time: Let brownies cool slightly before frosting to prevent melting and maintain a clean, glossy finish.

Ingredients in Cherry Cola Brownies

Here’s what makes these brownies so magical:

Fudge Brownie Mix: The base that guarantees fudgy, chocolatey perfection with minimal effort.

Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and helps create that signature dense, chewy texture.

Eggs: Bind everything together while contributing to the rich, soft crumb.

Cherry Cola Soda: Adds sweetness, a hint of fizz, and a unique cherry flavor that transforms a simple brownie into a showstopper.

Chopped Maraschino Cherries: Bursting with juicy sweetness, they add flavor, color, and a playful texture to every bite.

Frosting: Made with butter, unsweetened cocoa, powdered sugar, and cherry cola soda, this frosting is rich, glossy, and perfectly complements the chocolate-cherry combination.

(Note: full measurements are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s turn these ingredients into a dessert masterpiece:

Preheat Your Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking pan. Preheating ensures even baking and helps the brownies cook perfectly.

Prepare the Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the brownie mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and cherry cola soda. Whisk until smooth and well incorporated. Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries gently to avoid breaking them up too much.

Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Do not overbake—fudgy is the goal!

Cool: Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting. This ensures the frosting sets beautifully and doesn’t slide off.

Prepare the Frosting: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Whisk in unsweetened cocoa until smooth. Remove from heat and gradually whisk in powdered sugar. Stir in cherry cola soda until the frosting reaches a glossy, spreadable consistency.

Frost and Garnish: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Top with extra maraschino cherries for a festive, cherry-packed finish. Slice into squares and serve.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 280 (approx.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Cherry Cola Brownies

As a Standalone Treat: These brownies are rich enough to enjoy on their own—no sides needed!
With Ice Cream: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.
With Coffee or Milk: Pairing with a hot cup of coffee or cold milk enhances the chocolate-cherry flavors.
For Parties: Arrange on a platter and garnish with extra cherries for a visually stunning dessert centerpiece.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Prep Ahead: Bake brownies a day in advance and frost just before serving to save time.
Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Refrigerate for longer freshness.
Freezing: Freeze unfrosted brownies in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and frost before serving.

Variations to Try

Extra Fudgy: Add a handful of chocolate chips or chunks to the batter.
Cherry Explosion: Fold in more maraschino cherries or use fresh cherries when in season.
Frosting Twist: Add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of almond extract to the frosting for depth.
Chocolate Ganache: Swap the frosting for a rich chocolate ganache for an ultra-luxurious version.

Additional Tips

Prep Ahead: Chop cherries and measure ingredients to save time.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste the frosting as you mix; adjust the amount of powdered sugar if needed.
Experiment with Soda Flavors: Try cola, root beer, or grape soda for a fun twist on the classic recipe.
Serving Size: Cut brownies into small squares for parties—perfect bite-sized treats.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use diet soda?
A1: Regular soda works best for sweetness and flavor, but diet soda can be used if needed—expect slightly different results.

Q2: Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?
A2: Yes, fresh or frozen cherries work; adjust sugar in frosting if using tart cherries.

Q3: Can I make these gluten-free?
A3: Yes, substitute a gluten-free brownie mix for a similar texture and taste.

Q4: Can I make frosting ahead of time?
A4: Yes, make and store in the fridge. Rewhisk before spreading if it thickens.

Q5: Can I double the recipe?
A5: Yes, use a larger baking pan and adjust baking time accordingly.

Q6: Can I bake in a different pan size?
A6: You can use an 8×8-inch pan, but baking time may be slightly longer.

Q7: How do I store frosted brownies?
A7: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Q8: Can I add nuts?
A8: Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch.

Q9: Can I frost while brownies are slightly warm?
A9: It’s best to let them cool completely; frosting on warm brownies may melt and slide off.

Q10: Can I make mini brownies or bars?
A10: Yes! Bake in a mini muffin tin or cut into smaller pieces for bite-sized treats.

Conclusion

These Cherry Cola Brownies are a delightful twist on a classic favorite, combining rich chocolate, juicy cherries, and the playful magic of soda. Fudgy, sweet, and topped with creamy frosting, they’re perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or an indulgent weekend treat. Once you taste that first bite, with the cherries bursting and the chocolate melting in your mouth, you’ll understand why this recipe is destined to become a new favorite. Fun, flavorful, and utterly irresistible—these brownies are a little slice of dessert heaven.

Watch how to bake rich and fudgy Cherry Cola Brownies:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JpOt1CUtvE