1-First, start with the cherry sauce to add that signature flavor. Combine 2 cups cherries, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and 2 tablespoons kirsch in a pot, heat over medium until the cherries break down and become syrupy. Then, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water, stir it in, and cook until thickened. Let it cool completely and set some aside for drizzling later.

2-Next, preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare your baking pan by lining it with parchment paper. In a bowl, whisk together 1 ¼ cups melted unsalted butter, 1 ½ cups light brown sugar, and 1 cup granulated sugar until smooth.

3-Mixing and Baking Steps:

1. Add 4 large eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, whisking for 4-5 minutes until light and fluffy.
2. Whisk in 2 tablespoons kirsch and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Fold in 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ¾ cup cocoa powder, and ½ teaspoon salt just until mixed, then gently add ½ cup chocolate chunks if you’re using them.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, drop spoonfuls of the cooled cherry sauce on top, and swirl it in gently.
5. Bake for 30-45 minutes until a knife comes out mostly clean, then cool completely in the pan.

4-Once cooled, slice the brownies and top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, fresh cherries, chocolate shavings, and that reserved cherry syrup for the full effect.