Preparation Steps

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
• In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and butter together until smooth. Let cool slightly.
• Whisk the sugar into the chocolate mixture, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
• Fold in the flour and salt until just combined.
• Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan.
• In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
• Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter in the pan. Then spread remaining brownie batter on top.
• Scatter halved maraschino cherries evenly over the batter and gently press them in.
• Bake for 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs.
• Let cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares to serve.