But as elegant as this dessert looks, it is really super-simple to actually make. This is because you are using a pre-packaged brownie mix, together with canned cherries. You could make your own brownie recipe, from scratch, if you have a favorite one, you just need to plan for the extra amount of time that would take in your schedule.

This presentation of individual trifles is going to be an instant crowd-pleaser. Guests enjoy being singled out for individual attention. Having such an elegant and delicious dessert all to themselves is one way to show that you really appreciate them.

 

INGREDIENTS

For the Brownie Layer
1 pkg. Fudge Brownie Mix (and ingredients called for on back)

For the Cherry Filling
1 (15-oz.) can Dark Sweet Cherries
2 Tbsp. Cornstarch
2 Tbsp. Sugar
Water

For the Cheesecake Mousse
2 (8-oz.) pkgs. Cream Cheese, softened
1½ cup Powdered Sugar
2 tsp Vanilla Extract
2 cup Heavy Whipping Cream

 

For Garnish

Maraschino Cherries

1 oz. block Semi-sweet Baking Chocolate

 

INSTRUCTIONS

Pre-heat oven to 350.
Bake brownies according to package directions. Once done, remove from oven and cool.
Meanwhile in large bowl add your cream cheese and mix with hand mixer until smooth. Add your powdered sugar and vanilla and continue to beat until combined.
In another bowl add your heavy whipping cream and beat on high until stiff peaks form.
Fold your whipped cream into your cream cheese mixture by adding half of the whip cream and folding, then remaining whip cream and folding. Place in refrigerator to chill.
To make your cherry filling, drain your cherries reserving 1 cup of the liquid (if you don’t get 1 cup, add enough water until you do). Mix your cherry juice and cornstarch together until dissolved. Add your cherry juice to sauce pan and heat, stirring continuously until thickened. Stir in your cherries, remove from heat to cool.
Once everything has cooled, cut your brownies into bite sized pieces.

 

TO ASSEMBLE:
Using 6-8 pint-sized mason jars, layer your brownies, top with a little bit of your cherry filling then top with the cheesecake mousse. Repeat layers to fill jar, then repeat with all mason jars.

Once filled, sprinkle with chocolate shavings and top with a maraschino cherry. Serve and enjoy!

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Quick Tip:  If you want your brownies to look extra dark and mysterious, you could add some black food coloring to the batter.

Recipe and image courtesy of Maria at Tinsel Box