Cherry Brownie Trifles

To make the brownies, melt the butter and chocolate together in a double boiler or microwave oven and allow to cool.

Beat together the eggs, sugar and vanilla until smooth. Add in the cooled chocolate/butter mixture and continue to beat until fully incorporated.

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cocoa powder and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and blend until all the flour is incorporated.

Line a baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil and pour in the batter. Bake in a preheated 350ºF oven for 1 hour.

To make the cherry cream, combine the cherry preserves and water in a small bowl and microwave for about 20 seconds. Stir well. In a separate bowl, cream together the cream cheese and sugar. Add the cherry preserves and stir to combine.

Assemble each mini trifle by crumbling a few brownie pieces into a dessert dish. Layer on a couple of tablespoons of cherry cream and repeat the process twice more. Garnish with some whipped cream and a cherry, if desired.

Inspired by Cravings of a Lunatic blog.