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Best Mini Black Forest Trifles

Mini Black Forest Trifles

Layers of moist chocolate cake, cherry compote, and fluffy whipped cream make these Mini Black Forest Trifles an elegant and irresistible dessert.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 6 individual trifles
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Chocolate Cake

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup buttermilk

For the Cherry Compote

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 1 tsp lemon juice

For the Whipped Cream

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

For Assembly

  • Dark chocolate shavings (optional)
  • Fresh cherries for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Cake
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8-inch baking pan.
    In a bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
    In another bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
    Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Mix until just combined.
    Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.
  • Step 2: Make the Cherry Compote
    In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cherries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook until the cherries release their juices (about 5 minutes).
    In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir it into the cherry mixture and cook for 2-3 minutes, until thickened. Let it cool.
  • Step 3: Prepare the Whipped Cream
    In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Keep it refrigerated until ready to use.
  • Step 4: Assemble the Trifles
    Cut the cooled chocolate cake into small cubes.
    In your serving glasses or jars, layer chocolate cake cubes, cherry compote, and whipped cream. Repeat the layers until the glass is filled.
    Top each trifle with chocolate shavings and a fresh cherry.

Notes

  • Make the cake and compote ahead of time for quicker assembly.
  • Use store-bought chocolate cake for an even faster version.
Keyword Mini Black Forest Trifles