If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s rich, fruity, and just a little bit boozy, you have to try my Chocolate Cherry Trifle with Kirsch Recipe. This isn’t your everyday trifle—it’s layered with luscious dark chocolate, juicy cherries soaked in kirsch, fluffy cream, and pieces of chocolate sponge, all coming together in perfect harmony. I absolutely love how this turns out because each spoonful feels indulgent and fresh, and the kirsch gives it a beautiful, authentic cherry kick. Trust me, once you try it, this will become your go-to dessert for entertaining or special family dinners.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Complex layers of flavor: The combination of rich chocolate and tart cherries soaked in kirsch creates a decadent taste experience.
Simple to assemble: Using ready-made custard and sponge keeps things easy, so you can spend more time enjoying and less time fussing.
Great for gatherings: This trifle seriously impresses guests and is perfect for feeding a crowd.
Customizable to your liking: Feel free to swap ingredients or adjust the kirsch amount to suit your taste and dietary needs.

A clear glass bowl holds a layered dessert with three visible layers: the bottom layer is dark brown and creamy chocolate pudding, the middle layer is light whipped cream with a soft texture, and the top layer is a thick layer of white whipped cream with a slightly bumpy surface. Bright red cherries with green stems are placed evenly on top, and fine brown chocolate shavings are scattered across the whipped cream. A gold spoon scoops a mix of chocolate and cream from the side. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with a smaller white bowl nearby containing a similar chocolate and cream mixture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Chocolate Cherry Trifle with Kirsch, chocolate cherry dessert, cherry trifle recipe, boozy cherry dessert, layered chocolate cherry treat

Ingredients You’ll Need

One thing I’ve learned is that using quality ingredients really elevates this trifle. The balance between dark chocolate, fresh cherries, and kirsch is what makes this recipe shine. Plus, having a few ready-made staples on hand makes it much less intimidating than you might think.

Flat lay of chopped dark chocolate chunks, a small white bowl of ready-made custard, a small white bowl of double cream, a small white bowl with icing sugar powder, slices of chocolate swiss roll, a small white bowl of clear kirsch, fresh whole cherries, a small white bowl of rich cherry jam, bite-sized brownie pieces, and a small pile of grated dark chocolate, all arranged with perfect symmetry on simple white ceramic dishes and bowls, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Chocolate Cherry Trifle with Kirsch, chocolate cherry dessert, cherry trifle recipe, boozy cherry dessert, layered chocolate cherry treat

Dark chocolate (chopped): Choose a good-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for that rich, deep flavor.
Ready made custard: I like to use a thick, creamy custard to add warmth and softness without extra hassle.
Double cream: Whipped with icing sugar to create a fluffy, luscious layer that lightens the trifle.
Icing sugar: Sweetens the cream just enough without overpowering the other flavors.
Chocolate swiss roll or chocolate sponge: Acts as the cake base, soaking up kirsch and adding texture.
Kirsch: This cherry brandy adds boozy warmth and enhances the cherry flavor; you’ll want about 200 ml for soaking.
Fresh cherries (soaked in kirsch): These swirl through the layers and keep the dessert fresh and fruity.
Fresh cherries (additional): For a juicy pop and pretty garnish.
Cherry jam/conserve: Adds sweetness and sticky texture that blends beautifully with the fresh cherries.
Brownie bites: Optional but delicious for extra fudgy bites and a bit of chewiness.
Grated chocolate: For that finishing touch — adds a bit of sparkle and enhances the chocolate flavor.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

While I love the classic combo here, I also enjoy mixing things up depending on the season or what I have on hand. Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own—it’s flexible and forgiving.

Make it dairy-free: I’ve swapped the double cream for whipped coconut cream and used dairy-free custard with great results.
Fruit swaps: Sometimes I replace fresh cherries with raspberries or strawberries for a different berry twist that still pairs beautifully.
Less boozy version: If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, sparkling cherry juice works wonders instead of kirsch.
Extra chocolate: My family goes crazy when I add brownie bites as an extra layer of chocolatey goodness—you could even use chunks of your favorite chocolate cake.

How to Make Chocolate Cherry Trifle with Kirsch Recipe

Step 1: Soak the cherries and prepare your base layers

The first thing I do is soak about 400 g of fresh cherries in 200 ml of kirsch. This infuses them with flavor while softening them just enough—best to do this a few hours ahead or even overnight if you can. Meanwhile, chop your dark chocolate finely and slice your chocolate swiss roll or sponge into manageable pieces. The kirsch-soaked cherries will really elevate the whole dessert and set the tone for that wonderful boozy cherry flavor.

Step 2: Whip the cream and mix custard

Whip your double cream with 2 tablespoons of icing sugar until you get soft peaks—that lovely fluffiness adds lightness and sweetness. If your ready-made custard is cold, give it a quick whisk so it’s smooth and silky, ready to layer. The contrast between the creamy custard and the fluffy whipped cream is something I look forward to every time.

Step 3: Assemble the layers

Grab a large trifle bowl or individual glasses if you want to get fancy. Start by drizzling some kirsch over a layer of your chocolate sponge or swiss roll to soak it slightly—this is key for softening and infusing flavor. Next, spoon over a layer of custard, then scatter some soaked cherries, a few brownie bites, and a dollop of cherry jam. Add a layer of whipped cream, then sprinkle grated dark chocolate for that extra chocolate punch. Repeat until you run out of ingredients, finishing with whipped cream and grated chocolate on top. I’ve found that layering carefully and evenly helps with presentation and ensures every bite is perfectly balanced.

Step 4: Chill and let the flavors meld

This is the hardest part—you’ve got to let the trifle rest in the fridge for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight. This waiting time allows the kirsch to soak into the sponge, the flavors to mingle, and the whole dessert to come together beautifully. I used to rush this step, but I learned the magic really happens when you give it patience.

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Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Cherry Trifle with Kirsch Recipe

Soak cherries early: Starting the cherry soak ahead lets those flavors really develop instead of tasting raw.
Balance kirsch carefully: I’ve learned too much kirsch can overpower, so measure carefully to keep the cherry flavor front and center without being boozy.
Use chilled ingredients: Cold custard and cream whip better and keep layers firm for beautiful presentation.
Avoid soggy sponge: Don’t drench the cake layers; just a light soak keeps it soft but still structured.

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Trifle with Kirsch Recipe

The dessert is shown in a clear glass bowl with a tall stem, placed on a white marbled surface. At the bottom, there is a thick layer of round chocolate rolls, dark brown and soft-looking. Above that, there is a smooth light brown chocolate layer. The middle layer is white and creamy, topped by a dark red cherry jam layer with visible cherry pieces. A thick, dark chocolate layer sits above the jam, and the top layer is a generous amount of white whipped cream decorated with whole bright red cherries and lightly sprinkled with chocolate shavings. The background is soft and out of focus with a hint of green foliage. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Chocolate Cherry Trifle with Kirsch, chocolate cherry dessert, cherry trifle recipe, boozy cherry dessert, layered chocolate cherry treat

Garnishes

I love topping this trifle with a few fresh cherries and an extra sprinkle of grated dark chocolate right before serving—it adds freshness and a bit of texture. Sometimes I add a sprig of mint for color and a light herbal aroma that balances the richness.

Side Dishes

This dessert is rich enough to stand on its own, but if you want, pairing it with a crisp coffee or a light sparkling wine makes for a dreamy combination. It also works beautifully alongside simple vanilla ice cream if you want to amp up the creaminess.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this trifle in tall, clear glasses layered individually—everyone gets their own pretty portion, and it looks stunning on the table. You could also add edible gold leaf or chocolate curls for an extra touch of glam when impressing guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers keep well covered in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so if you can resist, leftovers can taste even better the next day.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze this trifle because the texture suffers—cream and soaked sponge can become watery when thawed. I recommend enjoying it fresh or within a couple of days refrigerated instead.

Reheating

Since it’s a cold dessert, reheating isn’t required or recommended. Just serve straight from the fridge for the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I make Chocolate Cherry Trifle with Kirsch Recipe without alcohol?

Absolutely! You can substitute kirsch with cherry juice or sparkling water for a non-alcoholic version. The flavor won’t be quite as deep, but it will still be delicious and fruity.
How far ahead can I make this trifle?

This trifle is best made a few hours ahead, ideally overnight, so the kirsch soaks into the cake and flavors meld beautifully. It can then be stored refrigerated for up to 2 days.
Can I use frozen cherries for this recipe?

While fresh cherries are preferable for texture and flavor, you can use frozen cherries if fresh aren’t available. Just thaw and drain them well before soaking in kirsch to avoid excess liquid in your trifle.
What’s the best chocolate to use?

I recommend dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content for a rich, slightly bitter contrast that complements the sweetness and tartness of the cherries beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Cherry Trifle with Kirsch Recipe holds a special place in my heart as a dessert that feels both luxurious and comforting. It’s a recipe I turn to whenever I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. I hope you’ll give it a try and discover how the layers of chocolate, cherries, and kirsch come together so magically. It’s one of those desserts that makes everyone ask for seconds, and once you nail the layering and soaking, you’ll love making it as much as eating it!