why make this recipe
Black Cherry Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat that brings together the rich chocolate flavor of brownies and the sweet-tart essence of black cherries. This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves a unique twist on classic brownies. The creamy frosting adds an extra layer of indulgence, making these brownies great for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a picnic, or just a cozy night in. Plus, using black cherry soda in the brownies enhances the flavor, making them even more special!
how to make Black Cherry Brownies
Ingredients :
- 1 boxed brownie mix
- 1 cup black cherry soda
- 4 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1/4 cup butter (room temperature)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup black cherries (chopped small)
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees or the temperature recommended on the brownie mix package.
- Spray an 8×8 square baking dish with nonstick spray and dust it lightly with flour.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the brownie mix with black cherry soda. Mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake in the oven for approximately 5-7 minutes less than the box calls for.
- Remove from oven and let cool.
- When ready to frost, combine softened cream cheese and butter in a medium bowl of an electric mixer. Beat until smooth.
- Continue beating while adding vanilla.
- Turn the mixer down to low and slowly add powdered sugar. Continue mixing until creamy.
- Toss in the black cherry pieces and stir well.
- Frost the top of the brownies and place in the refrigerator to chill.
- Store covered in the refrigerator.
how to serve Black Cherry Brownies
Serve these Black Cherry Brownies chilled for the best flavor and texture. Cut them into squares and place them on dessert plates. You may also add a few extra black cherry pieces on top of the frosting as a garnish. They pair well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat!
how to store Black Cherry Brownies
Store any leftover Black Cherry Brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them, and they will be good for about 2-3 months. Just remember to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.
tips to make Black Cherry Brownies
- Make sure the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother frosting.
- For an extra cherry flavor, you can add more chopped black cherries to the frosting.
- Adjust the amount of powdered sugar in the frosting based on your desired sweetness.
variation
You can switch out black cherry soda for other flavors, like cherry cola or even root beer, to create different brownie variations. You can also use different fruits, such as raspberries or strawberries, for the frosting!
FAQs
Q: Can I use homemade brownie mix instead of a boxed mix?
A: Yes, you can use a homemade brownie recipe if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the other ingredients accordingly.
Q: What if I don’t have black cherry soda?
A: If you don’t have black cherry soda, you can use any cola or even a cherry-flavored soda as a substitute.
Q: How long do these brownies last in the refrigerator?
A: The brownies can last up to a week in the refrigerator if stored properly in an airtight container.