Black Forest Trifle

Chocolate cake, blackberry jelly, black cherries and chocolate mousse | A mother's twist on the classic trifle, preserved on Hestia

Our Easter Trifle is layered with chocolate cake and blackberry jelly, black cherries and silky chocolate mousse - finished with clouds of whipped cream and a scattering of crushed mini-eggs. It is a playful twist on the classic trifle bowl centerpiece. Instead of vanilla sponge and raspberry jelly, rich chocolate cake is layered with dark cherries and smooth chocolate mousse. The result is something deeper, richer, and unmistakeably indulgent.

Method

1. Prepare the jelly according to packet instructions and allow it to cool until it begins to thicken slightly, but is not fully set.

2. Pull the chocolate cake apart and, as you do so, add it to the base of the trifle bowl. 

3. Gently pour the semi-cooled jelly over the cake. This will absorb into the cake and make it soggy. Add some cherry syrup if you need more moisture.

4. Refridgerate overnight so the base layer and the jelly fully sets.

5. Once set, scatter a layer of black cherries over the cake.

6. Spoon a thick layer of chocolate mouse over the cherries.

7. Cover and set aside until ready to serve.

8. Prior to serving, spread whipped cream across the top layer. Sprinkle crushed mini eggs over the cream for crunch and colour.

9. Serve immediately.

Ritual of Presence

• The Art of Layering: As you build the bowl, take a slow, intentional moment to notice the play of colours and textures—the deep purple of the jelly, the dark richness of the cake, the shine of the cherries, and the pale clouds of cream. Let the act of layering become a form of creativity, watching how each element settles into the next to create something new.

• Embracing Abundance: Remember that this dessert is not about precision, but about generosity and enoughness. As you spoon the thick chocolate mousse and spread the whipped cream, let go of the need for straight lines; instead, find presence in the messy, wonderful abundance of the bowl.

• The Sensory Finish: As you scatter the crushed mini-chocolate eggs, notice the texture of the crunch and the sudden burst of color against the white cream. Let this final act represent a playful "magic"—a small, bright finish to your dedicated time in the kitchen.

• The Ritual of Sharing: Before serving, pause to acknowledge the communal nature of this dish, which invites people to gather, lean in, and scoop from the same bowl. Let the sight of others discovering the "little surprises" in every spoonful serve as a vital coordinate of connection and domestic rhythm in your home.

Collection Notes

• Trifles are wonderfully imperfect desserts. The layers don't need to be straight, and the measurements don't need to be exact. Each spoonful becomes its own little surprise.

• As you build the bowl, take a moment to notice the colours and textures - the deep purple of the jelly, the dark chocolate cake, the shiney cherries, the pale clouds of cream. Layering food can be an act of creativity.

• This dessert is meant for sharing. A trifle bowl invites people to gather, lean in, and scoop from the same dish. Let it be generous, abundant, and a little messy. The joy is in the layers.