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Rich Cherry Chocolate Recipe

Rich Cherry Chocolate Recipe


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4.8 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Sumptuous cherry chocolate delight merges rich Belgian chocolate with ripe summer cherries in a luxurious dessert. Silky ganache and fresh cherry compote create an irresistible flavor profile you’ll savor to the last delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cherries (canned or fresh, pitted, with juice or syrup reserved)
  • 1 box chocolate cake mix (or homemade chocolate cake)
  • 2 cups vanilla pudding (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (for whipping)
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup cherry juice (from the canned cherries or fresh)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup dark chocolate shavings (or grated chocolate)
  • 1 tbsp cocoa powder (optional for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cake Preparation: Bake chocolate cake using preferred method until perfectly moist and golden, allowing complete cooling before further handling.
  2. Cake Transformation: Slice cooled cake into precise one-inch cubes, creating uniform geometric pieces for layered construction.
  3. Cream Compilation: Whip heavy cream vigorously with powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until achieving luxurious peaks that hold their structured form.
  4. Cherry Preparation: Drain canned cherries or pit fresh cherries, then gently macerate in their natural juice to intensify flavor complexity.
  5. Trifle Foundation: Layer chocolate cake cubes as the initial base in a transparent serving vessel, pressing gently to create a compact foundation.
  6. Layering Technique: Systematically build dessert by spreading vanilla pudding over cake cubes, scattering cherries, and draping with pillowy whipped cream.
  7. Vertical Construction: Continue layering ingredients, progressively building height and intricate flavor dimensions until dish reaches near capacity.
  8. Artistic Finishing: Crown the trifle with remaining whipped cream, delicately garnish with dark chocolate shavings and strategically placed whole cherries for sophisticated visual appeal.

Notes

  • Perfect Cake Texture: Ensure cake is completely cooled to prevent whipped cream from melting and maintain structural integrity of the trifle layers.
  • Cherry Selection Strategy: Choose sweet, plump cherries without bruising; drain thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making cake soggy.
  • Whipping Cream Precision: Chill mixing bowl and whisk beforehand for faster, more stable whipped cream with consistently stiff peaks.
  • Chocolate Enhancement Tip: Use high-quality dark chocolate for shavings to add depth and sophisticated flavor contrast to the sweet dessert.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg