Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- If using fresh cherries, pit them. In a medium bowl, combine 1.5 cups of the pitted cherries with the cherry liqueur (if using). Let them macerate for at least 15-30 minutes. If you’re not using liqueur, you can simply use the cherries as they are or macerate them in a tablespoon of their own juice or a touch of simple syrup for a little sweetness.1 cup fresh or frozen (thawed) pitted cherries, 1/4 cup cherry liqueur or kirsch
- Break your chocolate cake into roughly 1-inch pieces. You can use a good quality store-bought chocolate cake or your favorite homemade chocolate cake recipe. The texture of the cake is important, so avoid overly crumbly or dry cake.2 cups good quality chocolate cake, crumbled into bite-sized pieces
- In the bottom of your trifle dish (or individual serving glasses), create a base layer with half of the crumbled chocolate cake. Drizzle about half of the macerated cherries (and their juice/liqueur) over this cake layer.2 cups good quality chocolate cake, crumbled into bite-sized pieces, 1 cup fresh or frozen (thawed) pitted cherries, 1/4 cup cherry liqueur or kirsch
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder and milk to form a paste. Add this cocoa paste to the cream cheese mixture and beat until well combined and no streaks of cocoa remain.1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/4 cup milk
- In a separate, chilled bowl, whip the 2 cups of heavy whipping cream with the 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently fold about half of this whipped cream into the cream cheese and cocoa mixture until just combined. This will lighten the chocolate filling.2 cups heavy whipping cream, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Spread half of the lightened chocolate cream cheese filling over the cherry and cake layer in your trifle dish.2 cups good quality chocolate cake, crumbled into bite-sized pieces, 1 cup fresh or frozen (thawed) pitted cherries, 1/4 cup cherry liqueur or kirsch, 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/4 cup milk, 2 cups heavy whipping cream, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Add the remaining crumbled chocolate cake on top of the chocolate filling, followed by the remaining macerated cherries and their liquid.2 cups good quality chocolate cake, crumbled into bite-sized pieces, 1 cup fresh or frozen (thawed) pitted cherries, 1/4 cup cherry liqueur or kirsch
- Carefully spread the remaining chocolate cream cheese filling over the second cake and cherry layer, ensuring it covers the edges of the trifle dish.1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/4 cup milk, 2 cups heavy whipping cream, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- In a clean, chilled bowl, whip the remaining 1 cup of chilled heavy whipping cream with the 1/4 cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Generously dollop or pipe the whipped cream over the top layer of the chocolate filling to create a beautiful crown.1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Sprinkle the shaved dark chocolate or chocolate curls all over the whipped cream topping. If you have extra fresh cherries, place a few on top for a pop of color and freshness.1/2 cup shaved dark chocolate or chocolate curls, fresh cherries
- Cover the trifle dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours (or preferably overnight) to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set properly. This chilling time is crucial for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
This dessert is meant to be served chilled, so reheating is not necessary. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
