Description
A decadent, no-bake showstopper layered with chocolate Swiss roll, cherry-soaked brownie bites, luscious chocolate custard, and clouds of whipped cream. This trifle is as stunning as it is indulgent the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table.
Ingredients
Chocolate Custard
5.3 oz (150 g) dark chocolate, chopped
16.9 fl oz (500 ml) ready-made custard
Whipped Cream
20.3 fl oz (600 ml) double cream
2 tbsp icing sugar
Base Layers
1 large chocolate Swiss roll
4–5 tbsp cherry juice or syrup (from canned cherries)
Filling & Toppings
14 oz (400 g) cherries in syrup or cherry pie filling
7 oz (200 g) fresh cherries
7 oz (200 g) cherry jam or conserve
1 tub brownie bites
1 oz (25 g) grated dark chocolate, for garnish
Instructions
Prepare chocolate custard: Melt dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water (or microwave gently). Whisk melted chocolate into custard until smooth. Cover surface with plastic wrap and cool completely.
Whip the cream: Beat double cream and icing sugar to soft peaks. Refrigerate until needed.
Prepare Swiss roll: Slice into ¾-inch rounds for the base layers.
Build first layer: Arrange half the Swiss roll slices in the bottom of a large trifle dish. Brush generously with half the cherry syrup.
Add cherries & brownies: Spread half the cherry jam over the Swiss roll, then top with half the syrupy cherries and brownie bites.
Add custard & cream: Spoon half the chocolate custard over the layer, then spread one-third of whipped cream on top.
Repeat layers: Add remaining Swiss roll slices, brush with syrup, and top with remaining cherries, brownies, and custard.
Finish & chill: Spread or pipe remaining whipped cream on top. Garnish with fresh cherries and grated chocolate. Chill at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
Notes
Assemble in a clear glass trifle dish to show off the layers.
Cool chocolate custard fully before layering to prevent melting the cream.
Do not over-soak Swiss roll — just enough for flavor and moisture.
Trifle sets best when chilled overnight for deep, developed flavor.
Substitute heavy whipping cream for double cream if needed.
- Prep Time: 35
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake / Assembly
- Cuisine: German-Inspired / Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/12 recipe)
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 43 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
Keywords: black forest trifle, christmas chocolate trifle, layered holiday dessert, cherry chocolate trifle, no bake christmas dessert