Name: Chocolate Cherry Brownie Parfait: A Decadent Dessert Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 150 min
Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted; 2 cups granulated sugar; 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 4 large eggs; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 2 pounds fresh or frozen pitted cherries; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup water; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but highly recommended!); 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 4 large eggs, separated; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup heavy cream, cold; Whipped cream (optional, for topping); Chocolate shavings (optional, for garnish); Fresh cherries (optional, for garnish)

Chocolate Cherry Brownie Parfait: Prepare to be utterly captivated by this decadent dessert that marries the rich, fudgy goodness of brownies with the sweet, tangy burst of cherries, all layered into a creamy, dreamy parfait. Imagine sinking your spoon into a symphony of textures – the chewy brownie, the juicy cherries, and the smooth, cool cream. It's a dessert experience that's simply irresistible!

While the parfait itself has a long and storied history, dating back to 19th-century France as a frozen dessert, this particular Chocolate Cherry Brownie Parfait is a modern twist on a classic. It takes the comforting familiarity of brownies, a beloved American treat, and elevates it with the elegance of a parfait presentation. Cherries, often associated with indulgence and special occasions, add a touch of sophistication and a delightful counterpoint to the chocolate's intensity.

People adore this dish for several reasons. First, it's incredibly easy to assemble, making it perfect for both casual weeknight treats and impressive dinner party desserts. Second, the combination of flavors and textures is simply divine. The deep, chocolatey notes of the brownie are perfectly balanced by the bright, fruity cherries, while the creamy layers add a luxurious mouthfeel. Finally, it's visually stunning! Each layer creates a beautiful contrast, making this Chocolate Cherry Brownie Parfait a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Get ready to create a dessert that will have everyone begging for more!

Ingredients:

For the Brownies:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
4 large eggs
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the Cherry Compote:

2 pounds fresh or frozen pitted cherries
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but highly recommended!)

For the Chocolate Mousse:

8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
1/4 cup heavy cream
4 large eggs, separated
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup heavy cream, cold

For Assembly:

Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
Chocolate shavings (optional, for garnish)
Fresh cherries (optional, for garnish)

Making the Fudgy Brownies

Okay, let's start with the brownies! These are the base of our amazing parfait, so we want them to be super fudgy and delicious. Trust me, you'll want to sneak a few bites before they even make it into the parfait.

Preheat and Prep: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This will prevent the brownies from sticking and make them easy to remove. I like to use parchment paper as well, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the brownies out.
Melt the Butter: In a large bowl, melt the butter. You can do this in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or in a saucepan over low heat. Be careful not to burn it!
Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder to the melted butter. Stir until well combined. The mixture will be quite thick.
Add Vanilla and Eggs: Stir in the vanilla extract. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This is important for creating a smooth batter.
Incorporate the Flour: Gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough brownies.
Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chocolate chips. I love using semi-sweet, but you can use milk chocolate or even dark chocolate if you prefer.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. Don't overbake! You want them to be fudgy.
Cool Completely: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting them into bite-sized pieces. This is crucial for easy layering in the parfait. I know it's tempting to dig in while they're warm, but trust me, it's worth the wait!

Preparing the Cherry Compote

Next up, the cherry compote! This adds a burst of fruity sweetness and a beautiful color to our parfait. You can use fresh or frozen cherries for this recipe. If using frozen, no need to thaw them first.

Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, and water.
Cook and Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the cherries have softened and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add Lemon Juice and Almond Extract: Stir in the lemon juice and almond extract (if using). The lemon juice adds a touch of brightness, and the almond extract enhances the cherry flavor.
Cool Completely: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the cherry compote cool completely. As it cools, it will thicken further.

Making the Decadent Chocolate Mousse

Now for the star of the show: the chocolate mousse! This is what takes our parfait from good to absolutely incredible. It's rich, creamy, and oh-so-chocolatey. Don't be intimidated by the egg separation; it's easier than you think!

Melt the Chocolate: Place the finely chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for a minute to soften the chocolate. Then, whisk until smooth and glossy.
Separate the Eggs: Separate the eggs, placing the yolks in a medium bowl and the whites in a large, clean bowl. Make sure there's absolutely no yolk in the whites, or they won't whip properly.
Whisk the Yolks: Add the sugar and salt to the egg yolks and whisk until pale and thick. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Temper the Chocolate: Slowly drizzle the melted chocolate mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling. This is called tempering, and it ensures that the eggs don't cook when they come into contact with the hot chocolate.
Whip the Egg Whites: In the bowl with the egg whites, use an electric mixer to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This means that when you lift the beaters, the peaks of the egg whites stand straight up.
Fold in the Egg Whites: Gently fold about one-third of the whipped egg whites into the chocolate mixture to lighten it. Then, gently fold in the remaining egg whites until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this will deflate the mousse.
Whip the Heavy Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
Fold in the Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture until just combined. Again, be careful not to overmix.
Chill: Cover the chocolate mousse and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the mousse to set and develop its flavor.

Assembling the Chocolate Cherry Brownie Parfaits

Finally, the fun part: assembling the parfaits! This is where you get to be creative and layer everything to your liking. I like to use clear glasses or jars so you can see all the beautiful layers.

Layering: Start with a layer of brownie pieces at the bottom of each glass.
Add Cherry Compote: Spoon a layer of cherry compote over the brownies.
Add Chocolate Mousse: Top with a layer of chocolate mousse.
Repeat: Repeat the layers of brownies, cherry compote, and chocolate mousse until you reach the top of the glass.
Garnish (Optional): Garnish with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and fresh cherries, if desired.
Chill (Optional): Chill the parfaits for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Tips and Variations:

Brownie Variations: You can add nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the brownie batter for extra crunch.
Cherry Variations: Try using different types of cherries, such as Bing or Rainier cherries, for a different flavor profile. You can also add a splash of Kirsch (cherry liqueur) to the compote for an extra kick.
Mousse Variations: For a richer mousse, use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate. You can also add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the chocolate mixture for a mocha flavor.
Dietary Considerations: To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free all-purpose flour in the brownie recipe.
Make Ahead: The brownies, cherry compote, and chocolate mousse can all be made ahead of time and stored separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the parfaits just before serving.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy making and eating these delicious Chocolate Cherry Brownie Parfaits! They're perfect for a special occasion or just a sweet treat.

Conclusion:

This Chocolate Cherry Brownie Parfait isn't just a dessert; it's an experience. The rich, fudgy brownies, the sweet-tart burst of cherries, and the creamy, cool layers all come together in perfect harmony. It's the kind of treat that makes you close your eyes and savor every single bite. Trust me, once you make this, it'll become a regular in your dessert rotation! But why is this parfait a must-try? Well, beyond the incredible flavor profile, it's surprisingly easy to assemble. You can even use store-bought brownies if you're short on time, although I highly recommend trying the homemade version at least once – the difference is truly remarkable. The combination of textures is also a winner. You've got the chewiness of the brownie, the juicy pop of the cherries, and the smooth, velvety cream. It's a symphony in your mouth! Plus, it's visually stunning. Layered in a glass, it's a dessert that's as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat. It's perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to something special. And the best part? It's incredibly versatile! For a more decadent experience, try using a chocolate liqueur in the whipped cream. A splash of Kirsch (cherry liqueur) over the cherries before layering adds an extra layer of flavor that's simply divine. If you're not a fan of whipped cream, you could substitute it with vanilla ice cream or even a light and fluffy mousse. For a vegan option, use your favorite vegan brownie recipe and a plant-based whipped cream alternative. You can also experiment with different types of cherries – Rainier cherries would add a beautiful golden hue and a slightly different flavor profile. Or, for a more intense cherry flavor, try using dried cherries that have been soaked in warm water or cherry juice to plump them up. Serving suggestions? This Chocolate Cherry Brownie Parfait is perfect as an after-dinner treat, a special occasion dessert, or even a decadent afternoon snack. Serve it in individual glasses for an elegant presentation, or layer it in a large trifle bowl for a more casual gathering. A sprinkle of shaved chocolate or a dusting of cocoa powder on top adds a final touch of sophistication. You can also garnish it with a fresh cherry or a sprig of mint. For a truly indulgent experience, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese. I truly believe that this recipe is a winner. It's easy, delicious, and adaptable to your own personal preferences. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a dessert that will wow your taste buds. I'm confident that you'll love this Chocolate Cherry Brownie Parfait as much as I do. Now, I want to hear from you! Once you've tried this recipe, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. Did you make any variations? What did you think of the flavor combination? I'm always eager to hear your feedback and learn from your culinary adventures. Happy baking (and parfait-ing)! Let me know if you have any questions, and I'll do my best to answer them. Enjoy!