Have you ever craved a dessert that’s sweet, creamy, chocolatey, and fruity—all in one spoonful? If yes, then this cherry trifle is the dreamy treat you need in your life. Layered with rich chocolate chips, fluffy whipped cream, and juicy cherries, this dessert is not only delicious but also eye-catching enough to impress at any gathering.
Jump to Recipe Print RecipeIn today’s post, we’ll walk you through how to make a cherry chocolate chip trifle that’s perfect for any season. Whether you’re a beginner or a kitchen pro, you’ll find this recipe fun, fast, and flexible. Let’s dig in!
🌟Table of Contents
🥄 What Makes This Cherry Trifle Special?
This isn’t your average trifle. What makes this cherry trifle shine is the balance of textures and flavors. Soft, cake-like layers soak up cherry juice, while chocolate chips add a delightful crunch. It’s a no-bake, no-fuss dessert that’s ready in under 30 minutes, yet looks like it took hours.
Time required: 25 minutes
Difficulty level: Easy
Perfect for: Potlucks, holidays, birthdays, and sweet tooth emergencies!
🍒 Essential Ingredients
To make this layered cherry trifle, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s what to gather:
✅ Key Ingredients:
- Angel food cake or pound cake (cubed): Acts as the soft, spongy base that absorbs flavor.
- Cherry pie filling: Brings tart, juicy bursts in every bite.
- Chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark): Adds richness and texture.
- Whipped topping (like Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream): Fluffy and light, balances the bold flavors.
- Vanilla pudding (optional): Adds creaminess and extra flavor depth.
Ingredients Cherry Trifle @Kitchennest
🔄 Substitutions & Variations:
- Use brownie pieces for an ultra-rich twist.
- Try Greek yogurt instead of whipped cream for a tangy kick.
- Replace chocolate chips with white chocolate or chopped nuts.
- Use fresh cherries in summer for a more natural touch.
🍰 Making the Vegan Chocolate Cake
Want to make your own cake layer from scratch? This vegan chocolate cake is incredibly easy to prepare and adds a rich, homemade touch to your cherry trifle. I recommend baking the cake at least one day in advance and storing it in the fridge overnight. Not only does this save time, but chilled cake is firmer and easier to cut into neat cubes for layering.
To make the cake, simply mix your dry ingredients (flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, and salt) in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine your wet ingredients like plant-based milk, oil, and vanilla. Pour the wet mixture into the dry and whisk until smooth. Bake in a lined tray at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool completely before using it in your trifle!
🧁 Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s break down the magic of making this cherry chocolate chip trifle:
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
- Cut your cake into bite-sized cubes.
- If using homemade whipped cream or pudding, prepare them now.
- Open your cherry pie filling and stir it gently for easier layering.
Step 2: Make It Creamy
- If using pudding, mix it with whipped topping to create a light and fluffy cream layer.
- No pudding? Just use whipped topping—it’s delicious on its own!
Step 3: Set Up Your Trifle Dish
- Choose a glass bowl or trifle dish to show off the beautiful layers.
- Clear cups work great for single servings too!
Cherry Trifle @Kitchennest
🍨 Assembling the Cherry Trifle
Here’s where the fun begins! Layering a trifle is like painting with dessert.
🎨 Layering Guide:
- Cake layer: Start with a base of cubed cake.
- Cream layer: Spoon on whipped topping or pudding mix.
- Cherries: Add a layer of cherry pie filling.
- Chocolate chips: Sprinkle generously.
- Repeat layers until the dish is full, ending with cherries and chocolate on top.
🎀 Presentation Tips:
- Use a spoon to gently press down layers for even stacking.
- Sprinkle extra chocolate chips or shaved chocolate on top.
- Add a few fresh cherries or mint leaves for color!
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best parts about this cherry trifle is how well it stores. It actually gets better as it chills!
⏳ Storage:
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Avoid freezing—dairy and fruit don’t thaw well in this form.
⏰ Make-Ahead:
- Prep the layers the night before and assemble the next day.
- Or assemble the whole trifle and let it chill overnight for maximum flavor blending.
🍓 Creative Recipe Variations
Trifles are meant to be playful! Here are a few twists you can try:
- Black Forest Cherry Trifle: Add layers of chocolate cake and drizzle with cherry juice.
- Cherry Cheesecake Trifle: Swap pudding for cream cheese + whipped cream mix.
- Mini Trifles: Use mason jars or dessert glasses for a fun party presentation.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free cake or brownies for a celiac-friendly treat.
📝 Conclusion
Whether you’re making dessert for a dinner party or just treating yourself, this cherry trifle recipe is a total win. It’s simple, adaptable, and guaranteed to bring smiles. So, go ahead—experiment, have fun, and most of all, enjoy every sweet, chocolatey bite!
You can enjoy your cherry trifle after a savory meal like this spatchcock chicken recipe—crispy, juicy, and full of flavor. It’s a perfect main dish to balance out this sweet and creamy dessert!
❓ FAQs About Cherry Trifle
1. Can I make cherry trifle without chocolate?
Yes! Just skip the chocolate chips or replace them with fruit, nuts, or coconut flakes.
2. Is cherry trifle vegan?
It can be! Use vegan cake, dairy-free whipped cream, and check your chocolate chips and pudding ingredients.
3. How long does cherry trifle last in the fridge?
It stays fresh for about 2–3 days. After that, the texture may become soggy.
4. Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned?
Absolutely. Just pit and slice them. You may want to sweeten them slightly or simmer them into a compote.
5. Can I use other fruits?
Yes! Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries work great too—but then it won’t be a “cherry trifle” 😉
If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to try our other desserts like Easy Carrot Cake Recipe.
Ready to make your own cherry trifle? Grab your spoon and start layering! 🍒🍫
How to Make Cherry🍒 chocolate🍫 Chip Trifle
Course: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy10–12
servings25
minutes30
minutes320
kcalA rich and irresistible cherry trifle layered with moist chocolate cake, fluffy whipped cream, sweet cherry filling, and mini chocolate chips. A showstopper dessert! 🍒🍫
📝Ingredients
- For the Cake Layer:
1 box chocolate cake mix (or homemade recipe)
Ingredients listed on the box (e.g., eggs, oil, water)
- For the Cherry Layer:
1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
1 tsp almond extract (optional)
- For the Whipped Cream Layer:
2 cups heavy whipping cream
¼ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the Chocolate Chip Layer:
1 cup mini chocolate chips
¼ cup grated chocolate (optional, for garnish)
👩🍳Directions
- Bake the cake: Prepare and bake the chocolate cake as instructed on the box. Let it cool completely, then cut or crumble into bite-sized pieces.
- Whip the cream: In a bowl, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Set aside.
- Prepare the cherry layer: Mix almond extract (if using) into the cherry pie filling for an extra pop of flavor.
- Assemble the trifle: In a large glass trifle bowl or dessert cups, layer in this order:
🌸Crumbled chocolate cake
🌸Cherry pie filling
🌸Whipped cream
🌸Mini chocolate chips - Repeat layers until the dish is full, finishing with whipped cream, chocolate chips, and grated chocolate on top.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Serve: Enjoy chilled and spoon up this chocolate-cherry delight!
Notes
- For extra crunch, add a layer of crushed cookies or graham crackers.
Brownies can be swapped in for an ultra-decadent version.🍫
Want a boozy twist? Add cherry 🍒liqueur or rum to the cherry filling.
Best when chilled for at least an hour or overnight for flavor blending.