In the novella, Another Big Bust by Diane Kelly, North Carolina native Shae Sharpe loves to drink the cherry-flavored soda Cheerwine. According to the Cheerwine website, L.D. Peeler created Cheerwine in 1917 in Salisbury, North Carolina. He used a wild cherry flavor that blended well with other flavors. With a burgundy-red color and cheery disposition, the name “Cheerwine” simply made sense. The soft drink with a bubbly effervescence and cherry goodness became an instant hit, especially in Eastern states. It took a little searching to find Cheerwine in Texas, but I am so glad I found it.
The Cheerwine website has plenty of recipes, including appetizers, sauces, sides, mains, desserts, and cocktails. As tempting as the cocktails looked, I decided to go with dessert. I made a slight variation to the Cheerwine Brownie recipe and then I created a fantastic Chocolate Cheerwine frosting for a thick topping. These fudgy, rich brownies are the perfect combination of chocolate and cherry.


Servings |
to 12
|
- 1 box brownie mix for a 9” x 9” pan
- Oil and egg as directed on the box of brownie mix
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup Cheerwine replaces the water needed for the recipe
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 3 cups unsifted powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa I use Guittard cocoa rouge red Dutch-process, but any brand will do
- 1 pinch salt
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 to 3 tablespoons Cheerwine as needed
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 to 3 tablespoons Cheerwine as needed
- 9 Maraschino cherries optional
Ingredients
Brownies:
Frosting:
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- Prepare the brownie mix as directed on the box, substituting Cheerwine for the water. Add almond extract and stir. Pour into a 9×9” greased pan and bake as directed. Cool completely, then frost and top with Maraschino cherries, if using.
- Beat butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy, about 2 minutes. Sift together powdered sugar, cocoa, and salt in a bowl.
- Stir together almond extract and 2 tablespoons of the Cheerwine in a small bowl. Add powdered sugar mixture to butter alternately with Cheerwine mixture, beginning and ending with powdered sugar mixture, beating on low speed until just blended after each addition.
- Beat in remaining 1 tablespoon Cheerwine to the mixture, 1 teaspoon at a time, if needed, until desired consistency is reached.