Black Forest Brownies

Submitted by Lissa_L

""You'll get a double dose of cherries with these brownies - one as a fat replacer that keeps the brownies moist, and another as a sauce that adorns them. To take the brownies as a hostess gift, dust them with powdered sugar and pack them in a gift box lined with parchment paper. Don't forget to take along the cherry sauce in a small jar." From Shape magazine, lowfat and low-cal."

 

• Ready In: 30mins
• Ingredients: 14
• Serves: 12

ingredients

• canola oil cooking spray
• 2⁄3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1⁄2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups unsweetened frozen cherries, thawed
• 1 cup sugar, divided
• 1⁄2 cup water
• 1⁄2 teaspoon almond extract
• 3⁄4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 2 large egg whites
• 3⁄4 cup frozen fat-free whipped topping, thawed

directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F Line and 8" square baking pan with foil, allowing the edges to hang an inch or 2 over two sides of the pan. Coat pan and foil with cooking spray.
2. In a medium bowl whisk together the next four ingredients. Set aside.
3. Combine cherries, 1/4 cup of sugar, water and the almond extract in a small, heavy saucepan over medium heat. Cover and simmer until the cherries soften and juices form, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes. Cool slightly. Puree cherry mixture in a blender until smooth. Set aside.
4. Place 1/2 cup of chocolate chips and the butter in a large metal bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water and stir just until melted. Whisk 3/4 cup of cherry sauce, remaining 3/4 cup sugar, eggs, and egg whites into chocolate mixture to blend well. Whisk in flour mixture. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan.
5. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup chocolate chips. Bake until a toothpick inserted into center comes out with moist crumbs attached, about 30 minutes. Transfer pan to a rack anc cool completely. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover brownies and store at room temperature. Cover and refrigerate cherry sauce).
6. Using the two overhanging foil edges, carefully lift brownies out of pan. Cut into 12 pieces. Before serving, drizzle cherry sauce on top of each brownie, then add a dollop of whipped cream. Serve immediately.

Reviews

[ninachen44]

Awesome brownie recipe - very moist and healthy too with all that added fruit. Will definitely add to my list of faves!

 

[LeeSpade]

Absolutely wonderful brownies! I was looking for a recipe with some cherries I had on hand for a gift. I doubled this recipe and made 2, one for home and one for the gift and so glad I did! The sauce was great too and I put it some of it in a small jar for the gift. My kids gobbled them up, and I broke my diet...lol Glad to know its from Shape magazine! Thanks for the recipe!