Chocolate cherry trifle is a delicious and indulgent layered dessert made with rich chocolate cake, creamy custard, and sweet cherries. The moist chocolate sponge is combined with a smooth cocoa custard, offering a perfect balance of flavors. Topped with whipped cream and garnished with cherry syrup and chocolate sprinkles, this dessert is a treat for any occasion.
The combination of chocolate and cherry creates a decadent flavor, making it a popular choice for dessert lovers. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or treating yourself, this trifle will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Chocolate Cherry Trifle
Trifle is not only an easy recipe to try but it taste amazing too. This is just wonderful when served cold for any parties.
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This trifle is one of the quickest and easiest desert you could ever make. Plus it is so tasty and light. Great for big parties or get togethers. But i can assure you can finish this whole thing from start to finish in under 30 mins. I made this with just cake, custard and cream.
The layers of texture, spongy cake, creamy custard, and soft whipped cream, come together beautifully, creating a delightful contrast in every bite. It’s easy to customize too, add nuts, different fruits, or even a dash of liqueur for an extra twist. This dessert is not only a visual delight but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
About Chocolate Cherry Trifle
Last weekend, I surprised my family with a homemade chocolate cherry trifle, and it vanished within minutes. The rich layers and bursts of cherry made it everyone’s new favorite dessert. Chocolate cherry trifle is a show-stopping dessert made for chocolate lovers who enjoy fruity layers in every bite. With layers of moist chocolate sponge cake, cocoa custard, and juicy canned cherries, it brings together sweetness and richness in a single dish.
Why I love this recipe - It Looks Fancy, But It’s Easy: Even though it looks like a bakery-style dessert, it’s super simple to make with basic ingredients and steps. The soft sponge, creamy custard, juicy cherries, and whipped cream layers create a mix of textures that feels like a treat in every spoonful. There’s no pressure to get the layers perfect, once it’s all spooned into a glass, it still looks and tastes amazing. Chocolate + Cherry = My Favorite Combo: The deep flavor of chocolate with sweet-tart cherries is one of my favorite combinations, it always hits the spot. It’s a guaranteed hit with family and guests. Whether it’s a casual evening or a festive gathering, this dessert never fails to impress.
This easy-to-make layered chocolate dessert is perfect for festive gatherings, holiday parties, or a simple weekend treat. Topped with whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles, each spoonful is creamy, chocolaty, and full of flavor. It’s a no-fail dessert idea that looks as good as it tastes.
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Why this recipe work?
Perfect Flavor Pairing: Chocolate and cherry are a classic match bittersweet cocoa balances the juicy sweetness of cherries, creating a rich, satisfying flavor. Each layer brings something different cake for structure, custard for creaminess, cherries for freshness, and whipped cream for lightness.
Moist and Soft Texture: The chocolate sponge stays moist from the custard and cherry syrup, making every bite soft, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth. Using maple syrup or honey instead of refined sugar adds natural sweetness without making it overly sugary.
Easy to Customize: You can add nuts, change the fruit, or use flavored custard to suit your taste, making this a flexible and foolproof dessert. This recipe comes together with simple kitchen tools, n electric mixer or baking expertise required.
Great for Make-Ahead: The trifle tastes even better when chilled, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert for parties or special occasions.
Ingredients
Custard - Cornflour thickens the custard to a creamy, smooth consistency. Cocoa powder adds a chocolatey kick to the custard layer. Milk is the liquid base that makes the custard rich and smooth. Sugar sweetens the custard without overpowering it. Vanilla extract brings in a warm aroma and enhances the overall flavor.
Sponge cake - You can use store bought cake or make it at home. The cake is made with wheat flour which gives the cake its structure while keeping it soft and slightly dense. Cocoa powder adds deep, rich chocolate flavor. Baking powder and baking soda help the sponge rise and stay airy. I used oil which keeps the sponge moist and fluffy. Maple syrup or honey gives a natural sweetness with a hint of depth and richness.
Topping - Canned cherries add fruity bursts of flavor and color to each layer. Whipped cream gives a light, airy finish and creamy texture. Chocolate sprinkles add a decorative touch and a slight crunch on top.
Hacks
Chill the Custard Before Layering: Let your custard cool completely before assembling to keep the layers clean and prevent the whipped cream from melting.
Add Cherry Syrup for Extra Flavor: Drizzle some syrup from the canned cherries over the sponge to keep it moist and boost the cherry taste.
Use a Piping Bag for Neat Layers: For a clean look, pipe the custard and whipped cream instead of spooning it. It looks fancier with little effort.
Toasted Nuts for Crunch: Sprinkle some toasted almonds or walnuts between layers for an added crunch and a rich, nutty flavor.
Make Individual Servings: Layer the trifle in small glasses or jars for a cute, mess-free dessert great for parties or gifting.
Freeze the Bowl Before Whipping Cream: Chilling your mixing bowl and beaters helps whip cream faster and makes it fluffier.
Add a Chocolate Shard or Curl on Top: Garnish with a chocolate curl or shard for a pro-level finishing touch that takes seconds to do.
Chocolate Cherry Trifle (Step by Step Pictures)
1)Start by making cake. Take wheat flour in a bowl.
2)Add cocoa powder
3)Add baking powder
4)Add salt
5)Add baking soda
6)Mix well
7)Add in egg into the dry ingredients.
8)Pour in oil.
9)Pour in enough milk. Mix into a smooth batter.
10)Add in honey or maple syrup
11)Fold gently.
12)Spoon this into baking pan
13)Bake till done
14)Take cornstarch in a bowl.
15)Add cocoa powder.
16)Pour in milk.
17)Mix well
18)Take milk in a sauce pan and bring it to a boil.
19)Sprinkle in sugar into the milk.
20)Mix well and bring it to a boil
21)Add the cocoa mix in
22)Stir till it thickens.
23)Take sponge cake in a trifle stand.
24)Top with the liquid.
25)Top with cherries.
26)Top with chocolate custard.
27)I whipped some cream.
28)Spread cream over custard.
29)Decorate and serve
Expert tips
Don’t Over-mix the Batter: Gently mix the cake batter just until everything is combined. Over-mixing can make the sponge dense instead of soft.
Chill Everything Before Layering: Make sure the cake and custard are completely cooled before assembling to prevent layers from becoming soggy or runny.
Soak the Cake Well: Drizzle enough cherry syrup over the cake layer to keep it moist and flavorful, this really enhances the taste.
Use a Clear Trifle Bowl: A glass bowl shows off the beautiful layers and adds to the visual appeal of the dessert.
Make it a Day Ahead: Letting the trifle sit overnight in the fridge helps the flavors blend and the texture improve, it tastes even better the next day.
Whip Cream Fresh: Use freshly whipped cream just before serving to keep the top layer light and fluffy.
Add a Crunchy Element: A sprinkle of toasted nuts, crushed cookies, or chocolate chips between layers can add an exciting contrast in texture.
Variations
Chocolate Cherry Cake: A rich and moist chocolate cake paired with juicy cherries, this dessert offers a balance of deep cocoa flavor and fruity sweetness in every bite.
Triple Chocolate Trifle Cake: Layered with chocolate sponge, chocolate pudding, and chocolate ganache, this indulgent trifle is a dream come true for chocolate lovers.
Nutella Biscuit Trifle: Creamy Nutella meets crunchy biscuits in this no-bake trifle, creating a simple yet decadent treat perfect for quick desserts.
Plum Custard Trifle: This cozy dessert layers sweet stewed plums with creamy custard and soft cake, bringing a comforting balance of tart and smooth flavors.
Cake Crumb Trifle Recipe: A great way to use leftover cake, this trifle turns crumbs into a delicious layered dessert with cream, fruits, or custard.
Jelly Custard Trifle: A colorful and nostalgic treat, this classic trifle includes fruity jelly, creamy custard, sponge cake, and a generous layer of whipped cream.
FAQ
Q: Can I make chocolate cherry trifle in advance?
Yes! In fact, it’s better when made ahead. Chill it for a few hours or overnight to let the flavors blend and layers set perfectly.
Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned?
Absolutely. Just pit and slice the cherries, and simmer them briefly with some sugar and water to create a syrupy texture.
Q: What type of cake works best?
A moist chocolate sponge or even leftover brownies work great. You can also use store- bought cake for convenience.
Q: Can I make it eggless?
Yes, use an eggless chocolate sponge cake recipe and ensure your custard is thickened with cornflour or custard powder instead of eggs.
Q: How long does it last in the fridge?
It stays fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.
Q: Can I skip the whipped cream?
You can, but the whipped cream adds a light, creamy finish. You could replace it with vanilla yogurt or a dairy-free alternative if needed.
Q: Can I freeze chocolate cherry trifle?
Freezing isn’t recommended as it may affect the texture of the custard and cream once thawed.
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📖 Recipe Card
Chocolate Cherry Trifle Recipe
Equipment
- Cooking pot
- Trifle Stand
Ingredients
For Chocolate Sponge Cake
- 1 cup Wheat Flour 120 grams
- ¼ cup Cocoa Powder 25 grams
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- ½ tsp Baking Soda
- ⅛ tsp Salt
- 1 large Egg
- ½ cup Milk 120 ml
- ¼ cup Refined Oil 60 ml
- ½ cup Maple Syrup or Honey 120 ml
For Chocolate Custard
- 4 tbsp Cornstarch
- 4 tbsp Cocoa powder
- 1½ cup Milk 360 ml
- ½ cup Sugar 100 grams
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
For Trifle
- 1 can Canned Cherry
- 2 cups Whipped Cream or as needed
- 2 tbsp Chocolate Sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180 degree C.
- Mix dry ingredients for cake in a bowl. Add all the wet ingredients and mix well. Spoon this in a baking dish and bake for 35 to 40 mins until a tooth pick comes out clean. Once baked Remove from oven and cool completely.
- Now for custard. Mix cornstarch, cocoa powder in a bowl. Add little milk and mix well so there is no lumps. Now heat milk in a sauce pan. Add in sugar and mix well. Add the cocoa mix in and stir till it thickens. Set aside to cool down.
- Take the cake, slice it. Now take trifle stand and place cake in the bottom. Spoon the cherry liquid over it and let them soak. Now top with cherries and custard. Top with whipped cream when serving and more sprinkles and cherries. Place them in fridge overnight. Serve cold.
Nutrition
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