Cherry Chocolate Trifle is a delightful dessert that many people adore. It combines rich chocolate cake, creamy whipped cream, and juicy cherries in a beautiful layered treat. I remember the first time I tried a trifle at a family gathering. My aunt had made one, and it was a showstopper. The layers looked so tempting, and as I took my first bite, the flavors danced on my tongue. That moment made me realize how much joy dessert can bring to a gathering or special occasion. This Cherry Chocolate Trifle is worth trying because it’s easy to prepare, delicious, and perfect for sharing. Whether it’s for a holiday celebration, a special dinner, or just a sweet treat at home, it is sure to please everyone.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make this Cherry Chocolate Trifle. First, it is simple to put together. You can use a box cake mix, which takes away the stress of baking from scratch. The cake is rich and chocolatey, paired beautifully with the tartness of the cherries. This recipe offers an amazing combination of flavors and textures that can brighten anyone’s day.
Secondly, the ingredients are easy to find. You probably already have some of them in your pantry. The whipped cream is silky and light, making it a perfect companion to the dense chocolate cake. Families and friends love to gather around sweets, and this trifle is a great way to bring people together. It also looks stunning when served, creating a sense of festivity and celebration. Plus, you can make it the day before and let it chill in the fridge. It saves time and keeps everything fresh.
The best part? Even beginners in the kitchen can try making this dessert. With step-by-step instructions and helpful tips, anyone can whip together this crowd-pleaser without any fuss. Just imagine serving it at a gathering and watching everyone smile with delight!
How to Make Cherry Chocolate Trifle
Creating a Cherry Chocolate Trifle is a fun and rewarding process. Begin by baking the chocolate cake, which fills your kitchen with the warm, comforting aroma of chocolate. There’s something magical about the smell of cake baking in the oven. After baking, let it cool before slicing it into cubes. This is a crucial step! If you slice it too soon, the warm cake might crumble and break apart.
While the cake cools, prepare the whipped cream. You’ll whip heavy cream until it’s light and fluffy, creating a lovely light cloud of sweetness that complements the rich chocolate. As you mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla, the cream takes on a delightful sweetness that balances the dessert perfectly.
Then, it’s time to layer everything! Take a glass trifle dish or a large bowl and start with a layer of cake cubes. Follow this with juicy cherries, a drizzle of cherry jam, and then a generous scoop of whipped cream. The colors will be vibrant, and the layers will look like art in a bowl. Repeat these layers until you finish all the ingredients, ending with a fluffy cloud of whipped cream on top.
To give it that extra special touch, drizzle melted chocolate and add some optional almonds or chocolate shavings on top. This not only adds flavor but also looks beautiful! The trifle should then chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours—this allows all the flavors to mingle together and makes each bite even more delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix: This is the base of our trifle. It provides a rich chocolate flavor and a soft texture. You can substitute it with a gluten-free cake mix if necessary.
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream: This ingredient adds a light and airy element to our dessert. When whipped, it becomes fluffy and creamy. For a lighter version, you can use low-fat whipping cream.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: This gives the whipped cream a touch of sweetness. It also helps achieve the right consistency in the cream. If you prefer less sugar, feel free to reduce the quantity.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This adds a lovely flavor to your whipped cream. Using pure vanilla extract will give the best result, but imitation vanilla can be used as a substitute.
- 2 cups fresh or jarred cherries, pitted and halved: Cherries contribute wonderful freshness and a burst of flavor. If cherries are out of season, you can use frozen cherries—just thaw and drain them before using.
- 1/2 cup cherry jam or preserves: This ingredient enhances the cherry flavor and adds sweetness. You can swap it with raspberry jam if you’re in the mood for a different berry flavor.
- 1 cup chocolate chips, melted: This provides a lovely chocolate drizzle that adds richness. Use dark chocolate for a more intense flavor or white chocolate for something sweeter.
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds or chocolate shavings (optional for garnish): These make your trifle look beautiful and add a bit of crunch. You can skip them if you prefer a simpler dessert.
Directions
-
Prepare the chocolate cake mix: Start by following the instructions on the cake mix box. Mix the ingredients as directed, and pour the batter into a cake pan. Bake until it’s done—check with a toothpick by inserting it into the center. If it comes out clean, it’s ready! After baking, let the cake cool completely before cutting it into cubes. This might take about 30 minutes.
-
Whip the cream: In a large mixing bowl, pour in the heavy whipping cream. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer on medium-speed to whip the cream until stiff peaks form. This means the cream should stand up when you lift the beaters out! Be careful not to overmix, or it may turn into butter.
-
Cut the cooled chocolate cake into cubes: With a serrated knife, cut the cooled cake into bite-sized cubes. They don’t have to be perfect; just aim for pieces about an inch big.
-
Begin layering in a trifle dish: Start by placing half of the chocolate cake cubes at the bottom of a trifle dish or a large glass bowl. Make sure they cover the bottom evenly.
-
Next, add cherries and jam: Scatter half of the halved cherries over the cake. Then, drizzle half of the cherry jam over the cherries. This will give a wonderful layer of sweetness and flavor.
-
Add whipped cream: Now, add half of the whipped cream on top of the cherries and jam. Spread gently so you don’t disturb the layers below.
-
Repeat the layers: Start once again with the remaining chocolate cake cubes. Add the rest of the cherries, followed by the remaining cherry jam. Finally, spread the last of the whipped cream on top, creating a fluffy layer.
-
Drizzle with chocolate and garnish: Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave, stirring until smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the trifle. For a finishing touch, sprinkle with sliced almonds or chocolate shavings if you like.
-
Chill in the fridge: Cover the trifle with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This helps all the flavors blend together beautifully.
How to Serve Cherry Chocolate Trifle
Enjoying Cherry Chocolate Trifle can be done in various delightful ways. The first step is to grab a large spoon and scoop generous portions into bowls. This dessert is perfect for any occasion—whether it is a birthday, a family dinner, or just because you want something sweet.
Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or a chilled glass of milk for a perfect finish. It can also be an excellent conclusion to a lighter meal, such as grilled chicken, salads, or vegetable dishes. You might even serve it during the holidays next to a holiday meal or as a festive treat to celebrate with friends and family. Don’t forget that it can create a sweet ending to a cozy movie night at home too!
How to Store Cherry Chocolate Trifle
Leftover Cherry Chocolate Trifle can last in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days, stored in an airtight container. Just make sure to cover it well, as you want it to stay fresh. If you plan to have it later on, avoid adding the chocolate drizzle and garnishes until you’re ready to serve.
As for freezing, it is best to let the trifle sit in the fridge first. However, trifle doesn’t freeze well because the whipped cream may change texture. If you do have leftover cake, you can freeze that separately. Slice it before freezing, so it’s easier to thaw later.
Tips to Make Cherry Chocolate Trifle
- Use cold equipment for whipping cream: Place your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 10 minutes. A cold bowl helps the cream whip better and quicker!
- Don’t overmix the cream: Whip until you get stiff peaks. If you whip too long, it will turn into butter, and we don’t want that!
- Use fresh cherries when possible: Fresh fruit enhances the flavor. If using jarred cherries, make sure to drain them well to avoid excess liquid in your trifle.
- Layer thoughtfully: Try to spread ingredients evenly to ensure balanced flavor in every bite. You want each spoonful to be delicious!
- Make it a day ahead: This dessert tastes even better after chilling overnight. It gives time for the flavors to deepen and mingle.
Variation
If you want to mix things up a bit, here are a few variations to try:
- Use different fruits: Swap cherries for strawberries, raspberries, or peaches. Each one brings a unique flavor to the trifle.
- Change the flavor of the cake: Try using a vanilla or sponge cake instead of chocolate. This switch can lead to a lighter dessert that still pleases the palate.
- Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free cake mix and be sure your other ingredients (like jam) do not contain gluten. This allows everyone to enjoy the treat!
- Dairy-free option: Use coconut cream instead of whipped cream and a dairy-free cake mix if you want a dairy-free version. It adds a luscious flavor that pairs nicely with cherries.
FAQs
Q: Can I make Cherry Chocolate Trifle ahead of time?
A: Yes! This dessert is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it a day in advance and let it chill in the refrigerator. It often tastes better after a night in the fridge as the flavors develop.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat it?
A: There’s no need to reheat Cherry Chocolate Trifle, as it’s a chilled dessert. Just take it out of the refrigerator and serve it cold. It’s refreshing that way!
Q: Can I use a different cake mix or fruit?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to customize with any cake flavor you prefer—vanilla, lemon, or even red velvet could work well. For the fruit, you can mix in any seasonally fresh options you enjoy.
In summary, Cherry Chocolate Trifle is a wonderful dessert that brings together delightful flavors, beautiful presentation, and simple preparation. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to enjoy a sweet treat at home, this trifle will become a cherished recipe for years to come. Enjoy making and sharing it with your loved ones!
Print
Cherry Chocolate Trifle
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful dessert combining rich chocolate cake, creamy whipped cream, and juicy cherries for a beautiful layered treat.
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh or jarred cherries, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup cherry jam or preserves
- 1 cup chocolate chips, melted
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds or chocolate shavings (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to package instructions and bake until done. Allow to cool completely before cutting into cubes.
- In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Cut the cooled chocolate cake into bite-sized cubes.
- In a trifle dish, layer half of the cake cubes, followed by half of the cherries, half of the cherry jam, and half of the whipped cream. Repeat layers with remaining ingredients.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the top and garnish with sliced almonds or chocolate shavings if desired.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
For a lighter dessert, use low-fat whipping cream. This trifle can be made a day in advance for enhanced flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake Layering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: cherry, chocolate, trifle, dessert, easy dessert, layer cake