Description

This Easy Chocolate Cherry Brownie Parfait is a quick and indulgent layered dessert featuring fudgy brownies, fresh cherries, smooth chocolate ganache or pudding, and light whipped cream. Perfect for last-minute cravings or special occasions, it combines rich chocolate, juicy cherries, and fluffy cream for a balanced, elegant treat that’s simple to assemble and customize for various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Fudgy Brownies

1 cup brownie pieces (homemade or store-bought, cut into bite-sized pieces)

Fresh Cherries

1 cup fresh cherries, washed, pitted, and halved or quartered

Chocolate Ganache or Pudding

3/4 cup chocolate ganache or chocolate pudding (thick and spoonable)

Whipped Cream

1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp sugar (adjust sweetness to taste)

Additional Ingredients (Optional)

Chopped toasted almonds or walnuts for garnish
Shaved chocolate or cocoa powder for topping
Sweetener or sugar to adjust to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Brownies: Cut your brownies into bite-sized pieces to ensure they layer well in the parfait glasses. If you are baking homemade brownies, prepare according to your favorite fudgy brownie recipe and allow them to cool completely before cutting.
Pit and Prepare the Cherries: Wash and pit fresh cherries, then slice them into halves or quarters depending on their size to ensure even distribution throughout the layers.
Make the Chocolate Layer: Prepare a smooth chocolate ganache or chocolate pudding. Make sure it is thick yet spoonable to layer nicely with the other ingredients without running.
Whip the Cream: Gently whip heavy cream with vanilla extract and sugar until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip to keep the cream light and fluffy.
Assemble the Parfait: In clear glasses or jars, layer brownies, chocolate ganache or pudding, fresh cherries, and whipped cream. Repeat layers until the container is filled. Top with a few cherry halves, brownie crumbs, shaved chocolate, or nuts for garnish.
Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the assembled parfaits for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and layers to firm up before serving.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for better layering without melting.
Refrigerate parfaits before serving for a firmer texture and enhanced flavor melding.
Select high-quality chocolate for deeper richness in the chocolate layer.
Stop whipping cream at soft peaks to maintain lightness.
Serve in individual glasses for an appealing presentation and easy portion control.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to two days to maintain freshness.
Freeze brownie pieces if needed, but avoid freezing assembled parfaits due to texture changes.
Enjoy parfaits cold or at room temperature; avoid reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes (if baking brownies)
Category: Dessert
Method: No baking required (if using store-bought brownies); baking required only if making brownies from scratch
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 parfait (approx.)
Calories: 350
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 110mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: chocolate cherry brownie parfait, layered dessert, easy dessert, chocolate dessert, cherry dessert, quick parfait, no fuss dessert