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Last Updated on May 30, 2025 by Tracy
These Cherry Chocolate Trifles are the perfect summer dessert, made with fresh seasonal cherries, easy chocolate mousse, and homemade whipped cream. A delicious way to savor the season! While this post is sponsored by Florida Dairy Farmers, all opinions, my love of easy desserts and the recipe are my own.
It’s summer and one of my favorite things to do when the seasons change is to enjoy fresh, in-season produce. And summer screams CHERRIES. I was born and raised in Michigan and every summer we still head back to Northern Michigan where they celebrate cherries with their very own festival! Not only are cherries delicious, but they are loaded with vitamins!
So, they are perfect to add to chocolate cake, chocolate mousse and homemade whipped cream 😉
There’s something about summertime that calls for a dessert that’s a little indulgent, a little sweet, and a lot of delicious. That’s exactly what these Cherry Chocolate Trifles are. They’re layered seasonal goodness—and they just might become your new favorite summer dessert. I know they are mine!
One of the best things about this recipe? It celebrates in-season produce. Cherries are at their peak during the summer months, making them the perfect star ingredient in this simple yet elegant treat. When you use fruit that’s in season, you’re not only getting the best flavor and nutrition, but you’re also supporting our local farmers and food systems. And you all know I love supporting our farmers!
Why In-Season Produce Matters
Buying in-season fruits and vegetables means they’re fresher, more flavorful, and often more affordable. Most importantly, you are supporting a farming. Remember, without farmers, we wouldn’t have food! Or wine….Or clothes!
Supporting Farmers
When we choose fresh, local ingredients, we’re supporting the farmers who work hard to grow the food we love. Farmers are at the heart of our communities, and buying their seasonal produce helps them thrive while also reducing our carbon footprint. It’s a win-win—for us, for them, and for the environment. Learn more about where milk comes from.
A Trifle That’s Perfect for Summer
These Cherry Chocolate Trifles are cool, creamy, and full of vibrant summer flavor. They’re great for entertaining, easy to prep ahead of time, and absolutely gorgeous layered in individual glasses. Plus, they pair beautifully with a cold glass of Florida Milk—another local ingredient!
This dessert is rich without being too heavy, and it’s a celebration of summer’s best flavors. Whether you’re making it for a backyard barbecue, a dinner party, or just a fun family night in (like I did!), it’s sure to impress. My husband walked downstairs and said “Wow, okay, those look incredible!” I always love it when I get that reaction!
So, head to your local market or farm stand, grab those in-season cherries, and treat your family to something sweet! Ready to make my Cherry Chocolate Trifles? Let’s do it!
Oh wait, before we get to baking, let’s chat wine pairings…..Of course, a cold glass of Florida Milk is the perfect pairing, but if you are looking for a wine pairing for these Cherry Chocolate Trifles, I got you!
Wine Pairing Suggestion
- Port: A classic dessert wine with rich berry flavors and a velvety finish. The sweetness and depth of a Ruby Port pair beautifully with both the chocolate mousse and the cherries.
- Sparkling Rose: If you prefer something bubbly, go with a dry or semi-sweet sparkling rosé. It cuts through the richness of the mousse and adds a refreshing brightness.
Ok, now let’s make those chocolate cherry trifles! Watch me make them on Instagram.
Cherry Chocolate Trifles
Ingredients
Cake
- 13.25 ounces chocolate cake baked according to package or recipe directions 1 box – bake on a rimmed cookie sheet so that that cake is thinner
Chocolate Mouse
- 2 boxes 1.4 oz sugar free instant chocolate pudding mix – you don't have to use sugar free
- 8 oz container of whipped topping
- 1 1/2 cups whole Florida Milk
Cherries
- 3 Tbs grand marnier you can also use cointreau, kirsch, or chambord
- 2 1/2 cups pitted cherries halved
Homemade Whipped Cream
- 1 pint heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbs confectioners sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For garnish if desired
- Fresh mint leaves
- Chocolate shavings
- Fresh cherries
Instructions
- Put the prepared cherries in a bowl, add the grand marnier, cover and put in the fridge. *You can do this the day before if desired!
- Once the cake is cooled, cut it into 1 inch squares *You can make the cake the day before if desired
- Prepare the chocolate mouse by mixing the pudding mix and milk. Stir well, add in the whipped topping. Mix well and put in fridge until ready to use. *You can make this the day before if desired
- Prepare the homemade whipped cream in a stand mixer by adding the heavy whipping cream to bowl, mix on medium speed, add in sugar and vanilla. Once peaks start to form, stop.
Now it’s time to layer your trifle bowls!
- Place several cubes of chocolate cake on the bottom.
- Top with chocolate mouse.
- Scoop on cherries – don’t forget that grand marnier!
- Top with the whipping cream.
- Sprinkle with chocolate shavings, fresh mint and a cherry if desired.
- Serve with a cold glass of Florida Milk.
- Enjoy!
What is one of your favorite summer desserts?
Be sure to check out Florida Milk for more dairy-licious recipes and follow on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.
And while you are at it, check out all the recipes on Food Wine Sunshine and follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for more FOOD WINE AND SUNSHINE.
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