Description
This Cherry Chocolate Chip Trifle is a delightful layered dessert featuring moist chocolate cake, sweet cherry pie filling, fluffy homemade whipped cream, and bursts of mini chocolate chips, all garnished with grated chocolate for an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Cake
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (or homemade)
- Ingredients required for the cake mix (eggs, oil, water)
Cherry Layer
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Whipped Cream
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup grated chocolate (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Bake the chocolate cake as directed on the box or your homemade recipe instructions. Ensure the cake is fully baked before proceeding.
- Cool and Crumble: Allow the cake to cool completely to room temperature to prevent melting the whipped cream later. Once cool, crumble the cake into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Whipped Cream: In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer until soft peaks form, indicating the cream holds its shape but is still smooth and light.
- Prepare the Cherry Layer: For enhanced flavor, gently stir the optional almond extract into the cherry pie filling until evenly combined.
- Layer the Trifle: In a large trifle dish or individual serving cups, begin by layering a portion of the crumbled chocolate cake to form the base.
- Add Cherry Pie Filling: Spoon a generous layer of the cherry pie filling over the cake crumbs.
- Add Whipped Cream: Spread or dollop a layer of the whipped cream on top of the cherry layer.
- Sprinkle Mini Chocolate Chips: Evenly sprinkle a layer of mini chocolate chips over the whipped cream.
- Repeat Layers: Continue layering cake, cherry pie filling, whipped cream, and mini chocolate chips until the container is filled, finishing off with a whipped cream layer on top.
- Finish and Garnish: Garnish the top layer of whipped cream with grated chocolate and additional mini chocolate chips for decoration and added texture.
- Chill: Refrigerate the assembled trifle for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld and the dessert to set properly.
- Serve: Serve the trifle chilled for a refreshing and indulgent dessert experience.
Notes
- The almond extract in the cherry filling is optional but adds a lovely depth of flavor.
- Ensure the cake is fully cooled before layering to prevent the whipped cream from melting.
- You can prepare this dessert a day ahead; just cover and refrigerate to enhance the flavors.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with a lower-fat whipped topping, although the texture will differ.
- If you don’t have grated chocolate, chocolate shavings or curls make an excellent garnish alternative.
