Cheater's Chocolate Cherry Trifles – Dessert

Step 1: Prepare the Cherries

Remove the stems and pits from the fresh cherries, then slice them in half.

Step 2: Macerate the Cherries

In a bowl, combine the halved cherries with the granulated sugar and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Toss gently to coat. Allow the mixture to steep for about 30 minutes, stirring every few minutes, to draw out the cherry juices.

Step 3: Prepare the Cake

Cut the plain, un-iced, unfrosted store-bought chocolate cake into small, bite-sized pieces.

Step 4: Assemble the Trifles - First Layer

In individual serving glasses, place a layer of the chocolate cake pieces at the bottom.

Step 5: Add Cherry Juice and Cherries

Drizzle some of the macerated cherry juices over the cake layer, then add a layer of the macerated cherries.

Step 6: Add Chocolate Custard

Spoon a generous layer of the store-bought chocolate custard over the cherries.

Step 7: Repeat Layers

Repeat the layering process: add more chocolate cake, drizzle with cherry juice, add more cherries, and top with another layer of chocolate custard. Continue until the glass is full, ensuring the top layer is custard.

Step 8: Chill the Trifles

Once all trifles are assembled, cover them and place them in the refrigerator for at least a couple of hours. This allows them to chill thoroughly and for the cherry flavors to infuse into the cake.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, top each trifle with a dollop of whipped cream, sprinkle with flaked chocolate, and garnish with a fresh cherry.

• Use a skewer to carefully loosen and remove the pits from the cherries.

• If fresh cherries are not available, use cherries from a jar or can.

• Replace the lemon juice with Brandy, Cherry Liqueur or Cointreau for an adult dessert.