Cherry Chocolate Chip Trifle

A decadent and visually stunning dessert, this Cherry Chocolate Chip Trifle combines layers of moist chocolate cake, sweet cherry filling, fluffy whipped cream, and chocolate chips for an irresistible flavor and texture medley. It’s perfect for celebrations or whenever I crave a show-stopping treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple to Make: It uses a mix of homemade and store-bought ingredients for ease without sacrificing taste.

Beautiful Presentation: The layered trifle is stunning for parties and gatherings.

Customizable: There are plenty of variations to suit different tastes or dietary needs.

Rich Flavor: The combination of cherries and chocolate is always a crowd-pleaser.

Make-Ahead Friendly: This dessert tastes even better after chilling, making it a great choice for prepping in advance.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cake Layer:

1 box chocolate cake mix (or homemade)

Ingredients required by the box (eggs, oil, water)

Cherry Layer:

1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling

1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

Whipped Cream Layer:

2 cups heavy whipping cream

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate Layer:

1 cup mini chocolate chips

1/4 cup grated chocolate (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Prepare the Cake:

Bake the chocolate cake according to the instructions on the box or your recipe.

Allow it to cool completely before crumbling into bite-sized pieces.

Make the Whipped Cream:

Beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl until soft peaks form.

Prepare the Cherry Layer:

Stir almond extract into the cherry pie filling (optional) for a flavor boost.

Layer the Trifle:

In a trifle dish or individual cups, add layers in the following order:

Crumbled chocolate cake

Cherry pie filling

Whipped cream

Mini chocolate chips

Repeat these layers until the dish or cups are full.

Finish and Garnish:

Top the trifle with a final layer of whipped cream.

Sprinkle grated chocolate and additional mini chocolate chips over the top.

Chill and Serve:

Refrigerate the trifle for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serve chilled and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Chill Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Servings: 8-10

Calories: Approximately 320 kcal per serving

Variations

Use Brownies: Replace the chocolate cake with crumbled brownies for a denser, fudgier dessert.

Crunchy Layers: Add crushed cookies or graham crackers for extra texture.

Boozy Twist: Spike the cherry pie filling with cherry liqueur or rum for an adult-friendly dessert.

Different Fruit: Swap cherries for raspberries or strawberries to change up the flavor profile.

Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream and a dairy-free cake mix for a lactose-free version.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days.

Make Ahead: Prepare the trifle a day in advance, but wait to garnish with chocolate chips and grated chocolate until just before serving.

Freezing: This trifle doesn’t freeze well due to the whipped cream and cherry filling.

Related Recipes:

• Black Forest Trifle
• Classic Cherry Delight
• No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake

FAQs

Can I make this trifle ahead of time?

Yes, it can be prepared a day in advance. Just add the garnish right before serving to keep it fresh.

What can I use instead of chocolate cake?

Brownies, sponge cake, or even store-bought pound cake work well as substitutes.

How do I keep the whipped cream from deflating?

Ensure the heavy cream is cold before whipping, and avoid overbeating it. Adding powdered sugar helps stabilize the cream.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?

Absolutely! Cook fresh cherries with sugar and a bit of cornstarch to make a homemade filling.

Is there a way to make this trifle gluten-free?

Yes, simply use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Cherry Chocolate Chip Trifle is a layered masterpiece that combines rich chocolate, sweet cherries, and fluffy cream into an unforgettable dessert. It’s easy to customize, quick to assemble, and perfect for any occasion. Whether served in a grand trifle dish or individual cups, this dessert is sure to impress.

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