Chocolate Berry Trifle
A stunning, layered dessert combining rich chocolate cake, velvety custard, and fresh tart berries.
Ingredients
- •1 store-bought or homemade chocolate pound cake (about 12 oz / 340g), cubed
- •2 cups whole milk (480ml)
- •1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
- •1/4 cup cornstarch (30g)
- •1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (30g)
- •2 tablespoons unsalted butter (30g)
- •1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- •2 cups fresh mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries)
- •1 cup heavy whipping cream (240ml)
- •2 tablespoons powdered sugar (15g)
- •2 oz dark chocolate (60g), shaved for garnish
Instructions
- 1
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and cocoa powder.
- 2
Gradually whisk in the whole milk until smooth and no lumps remain.
- 3
Place the saucepan over medium heat, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil.
- 4
Remove from heat and stir in the unsalted butter and vanilla extract until glossy and smooth, then let it cool slightly.
- 5
In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar together until stiff peaks form.
- 6
Slice or cube the chocolate pound cake into bite-sized pieces.
- 7
In a large glass trifle bowl or individual serving glasses, create a bottom layer of chocolate cake cubes.
- 8
Spoon a layer of the chocolate custard over the cake, followed by a layer of fresh mixed berries.
- 9
Add a layer of whipped cream, then repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of whipped cream, berries, and shaved dark chocolate.
- 10
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
💡 Chef tips
- You can substitute store-bought brownies or chocolate sponge cake if you don't have pound cake.
- Make this dessert up to 24 hours in advance; keeping it refrigerated softens the cake into a delicious, mousse-like texture.
- To make this recipe pareve, substitute the dairy milk and butter with almond or soy milk and vegan margarine, and use coconut whipped cream.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished trifle looks visually striking with neat alternating layers of deep chocolate and vibrant red berries, and it tastes luxuriously creamy, chocolaty, and refreshingly fruity.