Cherry Cheese Brownies with Chocolate Glaze

Ribbons of cream cheese and cherries are surrounded by rich chocolate. A decadent dessert that is as delicious as it is satisfying. This is an excellent recipe for any special occasion or anytime you feel like spoiling yourself with a luxurious treat. You could give it a festive spin by using a combination of red and green maraschino cherries.

Directions (Brownies):

Yield: 9″x12″ pan

1. Mix all of the brownie ingredients together in a large bowl using an electric mixer. Blend until smooth.
2. Set aside while you prepare the cream cheese filling.

Directions (Cream Cheese Filling):

1. Cream sugar with cream cheese in a small bowl with electric mixer.
2. Add eggs and blend until smooth.
3. Blend in flour and gently fold in drained, chopped Maraschino Cherries.
4. Line a 9″x12″ pan with parchment paper or lightly grease with shortening.
5. Pour 1/2 of the brownie mixture into prepared pan and spread out evenly.
6. Pour cream cheese and cherry mixture over the brownie mixture in pan.
7. Top with remaining brownie batter. This works best if you spoon small amounts at a time over the cream cheese mixture to cover.
8. Bake in preheated 300°F oven for 60 – 70 minutes, being careful not to over bake.
9. Remove from oven and cool in pan on wire rack.

Directions (Chocolate Glaze):

1. Melt butter or margarine in a small saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add cocoa and stir until smooth.
3. Add vanilla and icing sugar stirring with a whisk.
4. Add water one teaspoon at a time until desired consistency.
5. Spread evenly over warm or cool brownies.

These brownies are great with or without frosting. You can top them with your favorite frosting or butter cream or use the chocolate glaze above, which is a favorite of mine.

The chocolate glaze is super versatile. It is great on these cherry cheese brownies, but also try it on these chocolate cupcakes or you can try experimenting.