Instructions
Step 1: Make the Chocolate Cake
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the vegetable oil, egg, vanilla extract, and buttermilk to the dry ingredients. Mix until combined. Gradually add the boiling water, stirring until the batter is smooth.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Cherry Filling
- Cook the Cherries: In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat, stirring gently until the mixture starts to bubble and thicken, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool.
Step 3: Make the Chocolate Mousse
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips with 1/4 cup of heavy cream. Heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until melted and smooth. Let it cool slightly.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the remaining 3/4 cup of heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Fold Together: Gently fold the cooled chocolate mixture into the whipped cream until well combined. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream.
Step 4: Assemble the Trifle
- Layer the Ingredients: In a large trifle dish or individual serving glasses, start by breaking the cooled chocolate cake into chunks and layering them at the bottom. Add a layer of chocolate mousse, followed by a layer of the cherry filling.
- Repeat Layers: Continue layering until you reach the top of the dish, finishing with a layer of chocolate mousse.
Step 5: Add the Topping
- Whip the Topping: In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
- Top the Trifle: Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the top of the mousse layer. Garnish with chocolate shavings or curls for an elegant touch.
Serving Suggestions
- Chill Before Serving: Allow the trifle to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld together.
- Garnish with Fresh Cherries: Add fresh cherries on top for an extra burst of flavor and color.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: This dessert is perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, holiday celebrations, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy at home.
Conclusion
This Chocolate and Cherry Trifle is a delightful way to celebrate any occasion or simply satisfy your sweet tooth. With its luscious layers and rich flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. So gather your ingredients, whip up this decadent treat, and indulge in every delicious bite!