Serves: 8

Prep: 45 min 

Chill: 2–4 hours 

A layered trifle inspired by the classic Black Forest cake — chocolate, whipped cream, cherries, and a touch of cherry liqueur (optional). 

Ingredients

Cherry Layer 
•    3 cups fresh cherries, pitted 
•    ½ cup sugar 
•    2 tbsp lemon juice 
•    1 tbsp cornstarch (Maizena) 
•    3 tbsp water 
•    Optional: 2–3 tbsp Kirsch, cherry liqueur, or even Amarula (SA twist) 

Chocolate Layer 
•    3 cups thick chocolate custard (Woolies or homemade) 
•    2 cups chocolate mousse (makes it richer) 

Cake Layer 
•    1 Red Velvet Swiss roll, chocolate loaf cake, or chocolate sponge 
•    Whipped Cream Layer 
•    2 cups fresh cream 
•    2 tbsp icing sugar 
•    1 tsp vanilla essence or vanilla paste 

Toppings 
•    Fresh whole cherries 
•    Dark chocolate shavings Cocoa powder (optional)  

METHOD 
STEP 1: 
Make the Fresh Cherry Filling 
Add cherries, sugar, and lemon juice to a saucepan. Heat on medium for 4–5 minutes until cherries release juice. Mix cornstarch + water separately until smooth. Stir into the warm cherries , it will thicken almost immediately. Simmer 1–2 minutes until glossy. Remove from heat. Stir in Kirsch/liqueur. Let it cool completely. You now have a fresh cherry compote. 

STEP 2: 
Prepare the Chocolate Layer 
Use thick chocolate custard. (If using boxed custard powder + cocoa, cook it until thick.) Use a homemade or store-bought chocolate mousse. 

STEP 3:
Whip the Cream 
Beat cream, icing sugar, and vanilla until medium-stiff peaks. Chill until needed. 

STEP 4: 
Assemble the Trifle 
Use a large glass trifle bowl or deep glass dish. 
Layering order: 
•    Red Velvet Swiss roll (first layer) Optional: sprinkle lightly with 1–2 tbsp of cherry syrup or liqueur. 
•    Fresh cherry compote 
•    Chocolate custard/mousse 
•    Whipped cream 
Repeat the layers until the bowl is full. 

STEP 5
Finish with Toppings Top with: Swirls of whipped cream Fresh whole cherries Shaved dark chocolate A dusting of cocoa (optional) 

Chill at least 2 hours (overnight is best). While you are chilling... Also make sure you have a bottle of Leopard's Leap Cabernet Sauvignon lightly chilled before serving! Enjoy!