Ingredients
- Cherry Mixture:
- 3 cups frozen pitted cherries (12 oz package)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons Kirsch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Brownies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- Whipped Cream Topping:
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, Kirsch, and water. Cook over medium heat until the cherries release their juice. Lower heat and simmer until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat, mash slightly with a masher, and refrigerate to cool.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides.
- Melt butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. Stir in sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla, and eggs until well combined.
- Add flour, baking soda, salt, and chocolate chips. Stir just until combined—do not overmix.
- Spread batter into prepared pan. Dollop 1 1/2 cups of the cherry mixture over the batter and swirl gently with a knife.
- Bake for 45 minutes, covering with foil after 20 minutes if browning too quickly. Let cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes, then refrigerate for 1 hour.
- In a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, beat cream cheese and 1/2 cup of heavy cream on low. Add remaining cream and powdered sugar, mix on low 2 minutes, then high for 1 minute until soft peaks form.
- Remove chilled brownies from pan using parchment overhang and cut into 12 squares.
- Top each brownie with whipped cream and remaining cherry mixture before serving.
Notes
- Use high-quality cocoa for rich chocolate flavor.
- Kirsch can be omitted or replaced with cherry juice for an alcohol-free version.
- Brownies can be made a day ahead and chilled overnight for best texture.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie with topping
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 31g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
