Description
This recipe transforms a simple Ghirardelli brownie mix into a stunning, family-friendly dessert with a rich chocolate and tart cherry swirl. It’s an easy and special treat perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 box (18-20 oz) Ghirardelli brownie mix, fudgy type
- 2–3 large eggs, as per box instructions
- 0.5 cup vegetable oil, as per box instructions (or melted unsalted butter)
- 0.25 cup water, as per box instructions
- 1 can (21 oz) ruby cherry filling (or 2 cups sweetened chopped frozen cherries)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 0.5 cup (85 g) chocolate chips (optional, for extra indulgence)
- 0.25 tsp almond extract (optional, for cherry flavor)
- Pinch of flaky sea salt (optional, for balance)
Instructions
- Prepare Brownie Batter: Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy lift-out. In a large bowl, combine the Ghirardelli brownie mix, eggs, oil, and water as directed on the box. Mix with a spoon or spatula until just combined; the batter should look thick and glossy. If it seems dry, add one extra tablespoon of water, but avoid overmixing.
- Prepare Cherry Swirl: If using canned cherry pie filling, gently stir it to loosen. If using frozen cherries, thaw fully, chop coarsely, and sweeten with 1-2 teaspoons of sugar, tasting for balance.
- Assemble And Swirl: Pour about two-thirds of the prepared brownie batter evenly into your lined 9×13-inch pan. Dollop spoonfuls of the ruby cherry filling over this layer, leaving small gaps. Then, add the remaining brownie batter in smaller dollops across the pan. Using a butter knife or skewer, gently draw through the layers to create a beautiful, distinct ruby cherry swirl effect. Do not overdo it, or the colors will blend too much.
- Bake Brownies: Place the pan in a preheated oven (check box for temperature, usually 325-350 F / 160-175 C). Bake for the time specified on the Ghirardelli brownie mix instructions, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. The edges should look set and slightly puffed.
Notes
For lighter brownies, use unsweetened applesauce for half or all of the oil. Melted unsalted butter can be used instead of vegetable oil for a richer taste. Raspberry filling offers a tasty alternative to cherry. Chilling the finished brownies for at least an hour before slicing helps achieve super clean cuts and a neat presentation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie square
- Calories: 280 calories
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg