Valentine's Cherry Pie Brownie Parfaits
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A Valentine's dessert that comes together in 15 minutes. Fudgy brownies, cherry pie filling and buttery crust get layered with lavender whipped cream into very pretty glasses.
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Why this pairing works
Chocolate and cherry are a classic sweetheart pairing. Lavender whipped cream lightens the rich brownie, and bits of flaky pie crust add a buttery crunch between the layers.
Makes 2 generous or 4 small Prep 15 min Cook 10 min
Ingredients
- 2 Lavender Brownie or homemade brownies (about 2 cups cubes), cut into cubes
- 1 Lavender Small Pie (Cherry), or 1 cup cherry pie filling plus 4 crumbled shortbread cookies
- 3/4 cup heavy cream, cold
- 2 Tbsp Lavender Sugar, plus a pinch for the tops
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 Tbsp shaved dark chocolate, for the tops
Directions
- Warm the pie at 350°F for 10 minutes so the cherry filling loosens, then cool 10 minutes. Spoon out the filling and break the crust into small pieces. (Using pie filling? Skip the warming and crumble the cookies.)
- Whip the cream with the Lavender Sugar and vanilla to soft peaks.
- In clear glasses or jars, layer brownie cubes, cherry filling, crust pieces and whipped cream. Repeat.
- Top with a final swirl of cream, shaved chocolate and a pinch of Lavender Sugar. Serve right away or chill up to 2 hours.
Serve it with: Lavender Ground Coffee (Lavender Fields)
How do you make fudgy lavender brownies from scratch?
This makes one 8x8-inch pan. Heat the oven to 350°F and line the pan with parchment.
- Whisk 1/2 cup melted butter with 1 cup Lavender Sugar or granulated sugar. Whisk in 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla until glossy.
- Sift in 1/3 cup cocoa powder, 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon baking powder, and stir just until combined. Fold in 1/2 cup chocolate chips.
- Spread in the pan and bake 22 to 26 minutes, until a toothpick shows moist crumbs. Cool before cutting.
Can you make parfaits ahead?
Assemble them up to 2 hours ahead and keep them chilled. For longer, store the brownie cubes, cherry filling and whipped cream separately for up to a day and layer just before serving, so the brownies and crust stay crisp at the edges.
What glasses work best?
Any clear glass shows off the layers: stemless wine glasses, small mason jars, juice glasses or plastic cups for a crowd. Piping the cream from a zip-top bag with the corner snipped makes neat layers.
Make it your own
- Use blueberry pie filling for a purple-and-chocolate version.
- Adults 21+ can stir a splash of cherry liqueur into the cherry layer.
- Swap the brownies for crumbled chocolate cake or chocolate cookies.
- Top with a fresh cherry or raspberry and a heart-shaped cookie.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use fresh cherries?
Yes. Simmer 2 cups pitted cherries with 1/4 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cornstarch until thick, about 5 minutes, then cool.
How many does this make?
2 generous parfaits for a date night, or 4 small ones for a family dessert.
Can kids help?
Yes. Layering is a great job for kids, and nothing needs a knife once the brownies are cubed.
Made it? Rate this recipe below and tell us who you made them for.
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