Description

Layers of moist chocolate cake, tangy cherry compote, and light whipped cream combine in a make-ahead festive trifle that brightens any holiday table. This easy recipe requires simple ingredients and offers tips for perfect assembly and presentation.

Ingredients

Scale

8-inch chocolate sponge cake, cubed

2 tablespoons cherry liqueur or juice (optional)

1 tablespoon cocoa powder

2 cups pitted cherries (fresh, frozen, or canned)

1/3 cup sugar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

2 cups heavy cream

3 tablespoons powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

chocolate shavings or curls for garnish

extra cherries for garnish

cocoa powder or edible glitter for dusting

Instructions

1. Cube the cooled chocolate sponge cake into 1-inch pieces and optionally brush with cherry liqueur or juice.

2. In a saucepan combine cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch and cook over medium heat until thickened, then stir in almond extract and cool.

3. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form, taking care not to overbeat.

4. In a clear trifle bowl layer cake cubes, cherry compote, and whipped cream, repeating until the bowl is filled and finishing with whipped cream on top.

5. Garnish with chocolate shavings, extra cherries, and a dusting of cocoa powder or edible glitter.

6. Cover and refrigerate the trifle for at least two hours to meld flavors.

7. Serve chilled, scooping through all layers for each portion.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: dessert
Method: bake and assemble
Cuisine: american

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 450
Sugar: 40
Sodium: 150
Fat: 22
Saturated Fat: 12
Unsaturated Fat: 8
Trans Fat: 0.5
Carbohydrates: 58
Fiber: 3
Protein: 5
Cholesterol: 80

Keywords: black forest trifle, holiday dessert, chocolate cherry trifle, festive trifle, christmas dessert