Description
A festive layered dessert featuring rich chocolate cake, creamy chocolate custard, cherries, and whipped cream—an elegant, crowd-pleasing Christmas trifle.
Ingredients
- 1 prepared chocolate cake or brownies, cubed
- 2 cups cherry pie filling or jarred Morello cherries (drained, juice reserved)
- 1/4 cup Kirsch or cherry juice (optional)
- Chocolate Custard:
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 oz dark chocolate, chopped
- Whipped Cream Layer:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Chocolate shavings or extra cherries for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the chocolate cake or brownies and cut into 1-inch cubes.
- In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, cocoa powder, and cornstarch. Add milk gradually and whisk until smooth.
- Add egg yolks and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and chopped chocolate until melted. Let cool completely.
- In a bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
- To assemble, place a layer of chocolate cake cubes at the bottom of a trifle dish. Drizzle lightly with Kirsch or cherry juice if desired.
- Spoon a layer of cherries over the cake.
- Add a thick layer of chocolate custard.
- Repeat layers until the dish is full, ending with whipped cream on top.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings and extra cherries. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Make the trifle a day ahead for the best flavor and texture.
- Use store-bought pudding for a shortcut.
- Kirsch adds authentic Black Forest flavor but can be omitted.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Layered/Chilled
- Cuisine: German