1 box chocolate cake mix, plus ingredients required on the box
2 cans (21 ounces each) cherry pie filling
1/2 cup dark cherry juice, for soaking the cake
3 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract
1/2 cup dark chocolate shavings or curls
1/4 cup maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Bake and Cool the Cake: Begin by preparing the chocolate cake according to the package instructions or your favorite recipe. Once the cake is fully baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. It is important that the cake is totally cool before assembly so it does not melt the whipped cream layers. Once cooled, cut the cake into one inch cubes and set them aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Whipped Cream: In a large chilled mixing bowl, combine the cold heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and alcohol-free vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or a stand mixer to beat the mixture on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat, as you want the texture to remain light and airy for the best mouthfeel in the finished trifle.
Step 3: Create the First Layer: Place half of the chocolate cake cubes into the bottom of a large glass trifle dish or a deep glass bowl. Drizzle half of the dark cherry juice over the cake cubes to ensure they stay moist and flavorful. Spoon one can of the cherry pie filling over the cake, spreading it out to the edges so the fruit is visible through the glass.
Step 4: Add Cream and Repeat: Spread about half of the whipped cream over the cherry layer, smoothing it out with a spatula. Repeat the entire process by adding the remaining cake cubes, another drizzle of cherry juice, and the second can of cherry pie filling. Top everything with the remaining whipped cream, leaving a little bit of texture or swirls on the surface for a beautiful finish.
Step 5: Garnish and Chill: Sprinkle the dark chocolate shavings generously over the top of the cream layer. Arrange the maraschino cherries on top to add a pop of bright color. Place the trifle in the refrigerator for at least two to four hours before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together and the cake to soften perfectly.
