Chocolate Cherry Trifle

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A Chocolate Cherry Trifle is one of those timeless desserts that always steals the spotlight. It’s an irresistible combination of rich, moist chocolate cake, creamy chocolate pudding, airy whipped cream, and the sweetness of cherries, making every bite a delightful indulgence. Whether for a special occasion or just because, this dessert is as easy to make as it is enjoyable to eat.

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This no-bake dessert is simple to assemble and can be customized to your liking, whether you choose to serve it in individual cups for a more personalized touch or in a large trifle dish to share with a crowd. It’s the ultimate way to treat yourself and your guests to a stunning dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Ingredients

For the Trifle:

• 1 box Devil’s Food Cake mix (or any chocolate cake mix, baked in a 13×9-inch pan)
• 4 cups whole milk
• 2 (3.9 oz) packages Jell-O Dark Chocolate Instant Pudding (or regular chocolate pudding)
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream, sweetened with ⅓ cup sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla (or 24 ounces of Cool Whip)
• 1 can cherry pie filling (21 ounces; more if you like it with lots of cherries)
• Chocolate shavings for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Bake the Chocolate Cake

• Prepare the Devil’s Food Cake (or your choice of chocolate cake) according to the instructions on the box, using a 13×9-inch pan.
• Once baked, let the cake cool completely. Then, cut or break it into 1-inch cubes.

2. Prepare the Whipped Cream

• In a large bowl, pour in the heavy whipping cream, sugar, and vanilla extract.
• Using a mixer, beat the mixture until soft peaks form, creating a light, fluffy whipped cream.
• If you prefer the convenience of Cool Whip, you can substitute the whipped cream with 24 ounces of Cool Whip, which will also create a fluffy layer in the trifle.

3. Prepare the Chocolate Pudding

• In a separate bowl, follow the package instructions to make the chocolate pudding using whole milk.
• Once prepared, set the pudding aside to cool.

4. Assemble the Trifle

If making individual servings:

• Divide the cubed cake into 6-8 servings, depending on how many cups, jars, or dishes you’re using.
• For a large trifle dish:
  • Place half of the cubed cake in the bottom of the trifle dish.

5. Layer the Pudding, Cherries, and Whipped Cream

• Layer 1: Spread a layer of chocolate pudding over the cake, making sure to cover the edges and define the layer.
• Layer 2: Add a layer of cherry pie filling, spreading it evenly over the pudding.
• Layer 3: Spread a layer of whipped cream (or Cool Whip) over the cherries, again ensuring it reaches the edges for a smooth, even layer.

6. Repeat the Layers

• Continue layering with the remaining cake, pudding, cherries, and whipped cream. At least one more layer is recommended for a beautifully layered trifle.

7. Final Touches and Refrigeration

• After completing the layers, top the trifle with extra cherries and a garnish of chocolate shavings for a decorative finish.
• Refrigerate the trifle for at least 2 hours (or overnight, if possible) to allow the layers to set and the flavors to meld together.

Flavors, Textures, and Aromas

The Chocolate Cherry Trifle is a dessert that brings together a variety of textures and flavors, each bite more indulgent than the last. The rich chocolate cake forms the perfect foundation, with its tender, moist crumb soaking up the creamy pudding and whipped cream layers. The chocolate pudding adds a velvety richness, while the whipped cream provides a light, airy contrast to the denser cake. The cherry pie filling introduces a sweet, slightly tart burst of fruit that perfectly balances the richness of the chocolate layers.

As the trifle sits in the refrigerator, the layers meld together, creating a harmonious dessert where each component plays a role in delivering a delightful taste experience. The scent of chocolate and vanilla wafts up as you dig into this dessert, creating an inviting atmosphere perfect for any occasion.

Tips for Success

• Cake Variations: While Devil’s Food Cake is a perfect base, feel free to experiment with different chocolate cake recipes for added richness. For an even more indulgent flavor, use dark chocolate cake or flourless chocolate cake for a denser texture.
• Fruit Options: You can swap the cherry pie filling for other fruits, such as raspberries or strawberries, for a different twist on this classic trifle.
• Make-Ahead: The trifle can be prepared the night before serving. In fact, allowing it to sit in the fridge for a few hours (or overnight) enhances the flavor as the layers settle and the ingredients combine.
• Garnishing: For a more festive touch, consider topping with whipped cream rosettes, extra chocolate curls, or even a sprinkle of crushed nuts for crunch.

Serving Suggestions

• Perfect for Holidays and Gatherings: A Chocolate Cherry Trifle is a crowd-pleasing dessert for family holidays, potlucks, and birthday parties. Serve it in individual cups for a more elegant presentation.
• Pair with Coffee or Dessert Wine: This dessert pairs beautifully with a strong cup of coffee or a sweet dessert wine like a Port or Ruby Red Wine.
• Special Occasions: Top the trifle with edible gold flakes or chocolate pearls for an extra luxurious touch on special occasions like anniversaries or Valentine’s Day.

This Chocolate Cherry Trifle is an easy-to-make, visually stunning, and absolutely delicious dessert that will impress your guests every time. Whether you choose to serve it in individual portions or in one large trifle dish, this dessert’s rich layers of cake, pudding, cream, and fruit will create a memorable treat that is sure to be a favorite for any occasion.

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