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Individual Black Forest Trifles

Decadent individual desserts featuring layers of rich chocolate cake, tart cherry filling, and fresh whipped cream in a glass, topped with chocolate shavings and fresh cherries.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 trifles
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, German
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Layers
  • 6 cups chocolate cake or brownies cubed into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 cans (21 oz) cherry pie filling or compote
  • 1/4 cup Kirschwasser or cherry juice optional, for drizzling cake
Whipped Cream
  • 3 cups heavy whipping cream cold
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
Topping
  • 4 oz dark chocolate bar for shaving
  • 1 cup fresh whole cherries with stems

Equipment

  • Individual glass bowls or trifle glasses
  • Electric mixer or stand mixer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Vegetable peeler (for chocolate shavings)

Method
 

  1. Ensure chocolate cake or brownies are cooled and cut into 1-inch cubes. If using Kirsch or cherry juice, lightly toss cubes with the liquid.
  2. In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until medium-stiff peaks form.
  3. Use a vegetable peeler to create chocolate shavings from the chocolate bar.
  4. To assemble, place a layer of cake cubes in the bottom of 6 individual glass bowls.
  5. Top cake with a layer of cherry filling, followed by a layer of whipped cream.
  6. Repeat the layers: cake, cherries, ending with a final generous layer of whipped cream.
  7. Garnish heavily with chocolate shavings and top with fresh cherries.
  8. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

For the best flavor, use homemade brownies and a tart cherry compote instead of store-bought sweet filling. The dessert can be assembled up to 6 hours in advance, but add the chocolate shavings and fresh cherries just before serving.