Black Forest Trifles

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I am my father’s daughter — I adore fresh bing cherries.

And I am my mother’s daughter — I love a good chocolate cake!

So when I not-surprisingly found myself with leftover chocolate cupcakes and a fridge full of fabulous bing cherries this summer, I decided to go “Black Forest” and make these adorable little trifles!

Traditionally, black forest cake is often made with jarred cherries, but I much preferred the fresh — delicious! I was actually cooking for one of my good friends who’s expecting, so decided to nix adding the Kirsch this time. But I included it in the recipe for any of you who want to add it into the cherries (and the yummy chocolate whipped cream!) to kick things up a notch. :)

Definitely a fun and delicious take on a classic that will have you saying “pretty please with a cherry on top”! :)

Black Forest Trifles

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• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8-12 servings 1x

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Description

You will love this delicious Black Forest Trifles recipe. It’s beautiful, chocolate-y delicious, and topped with a fresh cherry. Try it today!

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Ingredients

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For the cake/brownies:

• 1 pan of chocolate cake or brownies (torn or cut into small pieces)

For the cherries:

• 1 pound fresh bing cherries (**or see tip below for using jarred cherries**)
• 6 Tbsp. Kirsch or spiced rum (you can substitute cherry juice or water to make without alcohol)
• 3 Tbsp. sugar

For the whipped cream:

• 2 cups chilled heavy whipping cream
• 6 Tbsp. powdered sugar (sifted)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (sifted)
• 1 Tbsp. Kirsch (optional)

Garnish:

• bing cherries (with stems)
• chocolate curls or shavings

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Instructions

1. To Make Cherries:
2. In a small saucepan or medium skillet, stir together pitted cherries and sugar over medium heat. Cook until sugar is dissolved and cherries release their juice, about 5 minutes. Remove pan from heat, carefully stir in Kirsch, and transfer back to heat. Continue to cook over medium-heat until liquid is slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
3. To Make Whipped Cream:
4. In an electric mixer bowl (that has preferably been chilled for at least 5-10 minutes beforehand), beat the cream, powdered sugar, cocoa (and Kirsch, if desired) together until peaks form.
5. To Assemble Trifles:
6. Place a layer of chocolate cake or brownies in a trifle bowl. Then spoon or pipe on a layer of chocolate whipped cream. Then add a layer of cherries. Repeat as many times as desired, and top with a layer of whipped cream garnished with chocolate curls and a cherry.

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Notes

If using jarred or canned bing cherries, they don’t need to be cooked as long as fresh cherries.  Drain and reserve the juice, and add a few tablespoons to the Kirsch and sugar to cook in the skillet.  And then after 2 minutes, add the cherries and continue cooking until warmed through.

Ali’s Tip:

If using jarred or canned bing cherries, they don’t need to be cooked as long as fresh cherries. Drain and reserve the juice, and add a few tablespoons to the Kirsch and sugar to cook in the skillet. And then after 2 minutes, add the cherries and continue cooking until warmed through.

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