If you’re longing for a show-stopping dessert that blends luscious chocolate, sweet-tart cherries, and fluffy clouds of whipped cream, the Chocolate Cherry Brownie Parfait is just the treat your taste buds crave! Each spoonful is a delightful symphony of fudgy brownie, succulent cherries, and airy cream, making it perfect for celebrations, family get-togethers, or when you need a little indulgence all to yourself. The Chocolate Cherry Brownie Parfait is not only stunning in a glass, but also ridiculously easy to assemble — you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up pure happiness in just a few layers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Brownie Chunks:
3 cups brownie chunks from baked and cooled brownies
Cherries:
2 cups fresh or canned cherries, pitted and halved
Cherry Preserves or Pie Filling:
2 tablespoons
Whipped Cream:
2 cups
Powdered Sugar:
1 tablespoon
Vanilla Extract:
1 teaspoon
Chocolate Shavings or Mini Chocolate Chips:
1/2 cup for garnish
How to Make Chocolate Cherry Brownie Parfait
Step 1: Prep the Cherry Layer
Start by mixing your pitted, halved cherries with the cherry preserves or pie filling in a medium bowl. The preserves add juiciness and a glossy, sweet boost, turning fresh or canned cherries into the ultimate parfait-ready topping. Give them a gentle toss and set aside to soak up all those flavors.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
In another bowl, combine the whipped cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. If you’re using heavy cream, whip until you reach soft, billowy peaks. For pre-whipped topping, just blend gently with a spatula to incorporate the sugar and vanilla. This step gives the whole dessert that light, luxurious texture you crave in every layered bite.
Step 3: Assemble the Parfaits
This is where the Chocolate Cherry Brownie Parfait magic happens! Set out four glasses or dessert jars. Begin by layering generous brownie chunks at the bottom, then spoon on a hearty portion of the cherry mixture. Add a glorious scoop of whipped cream. Repeat these layers until your glasses are filled, finishing with a beautiful cloud of whipped cream at the top.
Step 4: Garnish and Chill
Finish off your parfaits with a flourish: scatter chocolate shavings or a handful of mini chocolate chips over the whipped cream for that extra pop of chocolate and a touch of crunch. Serve immediately if you love a soft and gooey contrast, or chill in the fridge for up to two hours to let the flavors meld and layers firm up—either way, you’re in for a true treat!
How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Brownie Parfait
Garnishes
The crowning touch for a Chocolate Cherry Brownie Parfait is a generous dusting of chocolate shavings or a scattering of mini chocolate chips. For special occasions, add a fresh cherry or a flourish of grated dark chocolate on top—every little detail makes the dessert look as good as it tastes!
Side Dishes
These parfaits are pretty indulgent on their own, but pair them with crisp biscotti or delicate almond cookies for a touch of crunch. If you’re serving a larger crowd, consider a simple fruit salad alongside to balance the richness and add a refreshing contrast to every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
While individual glasses make a beautiful presentation, you can also layer your Chocolate Cherry Brownie Parfait in a dramatic trifle dish for parties, letting guests scoop their own servings. For an extra-tiny treat, use shot glasses and create mini parfait tasters. Don’t hesitate to play with presentation—pretty jars, vintage teacups, or even clear wine tumblers all turn this no-bake wonder into something memorable!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Chocolate Cherry Brownie Parfait, simply cover the glasses tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll stay tasty and fresh in the refrigerator for up to two days, though the brownie layers will get even fudgier as they soak up cherry juices—yum!
Freezing
Freezing isn’t ideal for the full parfait, as whipped cream and cherries can become watery after thawing. However, you can freeze brownie chunks in advance and store them in a zip-top bag, ready for parfait assembly whenever the craving hits! Assemble the rest fresh for best results.
Reheating
Since this is a no-bake, chilled dessert, reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer slightly softer brownies, let the parfait sit out at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving. Otherwise, dig right in—no heating required!
FAQs
Can I make the parfait ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble Chocolate Cherry Brownie Parfaits up to two hours before serving and keep them chilled in the fridge. Any longer and the whipped cream can start to soften, but the flavors meld wonderfully in that short time.
Do I have to use homemade brownies?
Nope! Store-bought brownies taste fantastic here and make assembly a breeze. If you have the time, homemade brownies add that extra homemade magic, but you’ll love this dessert either way.
What’s the best way to pit fresh cherries?
A cherry pitter is super handy for this job! If you don’t have one, you can use a sturdy straw or chopstick to poke out the pits. Just slice the cherries in half and remove any bits of stem or pit before mixing with the preserves.
Can I use frozen cherries?
Definitely. Thaw frozen cherries completely and drain any extra liquid before combining them with the preserves. They’re a perfect substitute for when cherries are out of season, keeping your Chocolate Cherry Brownie Parfait delicious year-round.
How do I make this dessert vegan?
Easy swap! Use your favorite vegan brownie recipe (or store-bought vegan brownies), plant-based whipped topping, and make sure your chocolate chips and cherry preserves are dairy-free. Every spoonful will still be irresistibly decadent and satisfying!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to impress or just want a fun, fuss-free treat, the Chocolate Cherry Brownie Parfait is a legendary dessert that’s impossible to resist. Every spoonful is the perfect mix of creamy, fruity, and chocolatey, making it your new go-to for any occasion—so go on, treat yourself and your loved ones to a parfait that’s out of this world!
PrintChocolate Cherry Brownie Parfait Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (uses pre-baked brownies)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake, Layered
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent layers of rich brownie chunks, sweet cherries, fluffy whipped cream, and chocolate shavings in this delightful Chocolate Cherry Brownie Parfait.
Ingredients
Brownie Chunks:
3 cups brownie chunks from baked and cooled brownies
Cherries:
2 cups fresh or canned cherries, pitted and halved
Cherry Preserves or Pie Filling:
2 tablespoons
Whipped Cream:
2 cups
Powdered Sugar:
1 tablespoon
Vanilla Extract:
1 teaspoon
Chocolate Shavings or Mini Chocolate Chips:
1/2 cup for garnish
Instructions
- Toss Cherries: In a medium bowl, toss cherries with cherry preserves or pie filling.
- Mix Whipped Cream: In another bowl, mix whipped cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy.
- Layer Parfaits: Assemble parfaits by layering brownie chunks, cherries, and whipped cream in dessert glasses.
- Garnish: Top each parfait with chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips.
- Serve or Chill: Serve immediately or chill for up to 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- You can use store-bought brownies for convenience.
- For a richer flavor, drizzle layers with chocolate sauce or cherry liqueur.
- This parfait can also be made in a large trifle dish for parties.
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