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    Home » Dessert Recipes » Brownie and Bar Recipes

    Black Forest Brownie Mini Trifles

    Published: Jul 23, 2012 · Modified: Jan 24, 2022 by Kim Beaulieu · This post may contain affiliate links

    3.6K shares
    • 5
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    Trifle

    I made these tasty trifles last week. They are so amazing I can barely contain my excitement in describing them. But first let me tell you about one of the ingredients in this dish. It's a brownie a friend named Skye pointed out to me about a year ago. I was sceptical about them and basically tried them to prove her wrong. That's a huge claim to name them the way the author did. Then I tried them and it all made perfect sense. So for this trifle recipe you get the pleasure of using the recipe for the brownies if you like. I jumped at the chance to make some. In fact, I made a couple of batches of The Best Brownies In The World. One to use for this, and not going to lie, one to just munch on for no good reason. If you have not tried the recipe for The Best Brownies In The World you need to try them stat! Kid you not folks, they really are the only brownies I ever want to make since finding the recipe.

    So for this scrumptious Black Forest Brownie Mini Trifles recipe you need to layer your yummy ingredients. The brownie layer goes in first. Then I whipped up an incredibly delish cherry concoction to pour over top of the brownies. It's a simple recipe and takes just a few minutes to make but you would think it took all day. It tastes that yummy! Then I whipped up some chocolate mousse using chocolate milk instead of regular milk. I find doing things like that, just a small thing, makes a huge difference. It becomes Super Chocolate Mousse instead of plain old chocolate mousse. I added some more brownies on top of that. Then I topped it with whipped cream. And last I added a fresh cherry from the market right on top. It's dishes like this that make my job a joy every day. I get to make delicious food and sample it while photographing it. I tell you taking those shots where the food is half eaten is a perk of the job folks.

    Trifle

    I have a tendency to get carried away with these types of photos. I could wax on about how it's for artistic reasons, it gives the best shot and all that jazz but let's just be honest here, it is just too hard to resist plucking off that first cherry while it's still cold and biting into it. It's like a taste explosion every time. The first cherry is always the best one. To me there is no fruit that compares to them. They are my all time fave which is why you see them fairly often on the blog. When they are in season I just cannot get enough of them. I eat them to the point of tummy aches. But how can your resist. It's like trying to resist digging your spoon through layers of whipped cream and chocolate mousse.

    Trifle

    Each time the family walks by I pretend to be working hard.  You'll hear me carry on with things like "oh hubs, this job is so difficult. I'm struggling to get the best angle and make sure you can see all the way to the bottom of the bowl. It's such a huge sacrifice to have to eat it all. But I will suffer for my art." I stare at him waiting for him to console me about how hard my job is while he stares back at me blankly and points to the side of my face. What's a little whipped cream all over your face when you're amongst family right. Geez, seriously hubs, have some compassion.

    Trifle

    I tell you I really suffer for my job. Look at that empty bowl. I mean I even had to go put on my stretchy pants for this one. Now that's sacrifice people. That's going all the way for your art!

    This was originally made for a pal of mine named Sofie who blogged at The German Foodie. She has since stopped blogging so I'm not updating this post with the recipe. It took me some time to track down the file, but alas I stumbled on it amongst some old documents. Days like today you just have to love technology.

    Trifle

    This was originally made for a pal of mine named Sofie who blogged at The German Foodie. She has since stopped blogging so I'm updating this post with the recipe. It took me some time to track down the file, but alas I stumbled on it amongst some old documents. Days like today you just have to love technology.

    Print Pin
    5 from 1 vote

    Black Forest Brownie Mini Trifle

    Great recipe for a simple black forest trifle using brownies instead of lady fingers or sponge cake. Super yummy!
    Prep Time 15 minutes
    Cook Time 45 minutes
    Total Time 1 hour
    Servings 4 Mini Trifles

    Ingredients

    • 1 pan 8 x 8 of brownies, you can make your own or use store-bought brownies
    • 2 cups fresh cherries pitted
    • 2 satsuma or regular oranges for juicing
    • ½ cup sugar
    • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
    • 1 cup prepared chocolate mousse pudding can be substituted
    • 1 cup whipping cream
    • 1 small piece of good quality chocolate for shaving as a garnish
    • 4 whole cherries for garnish

    Instructions

    • I would suggest making the cherry mixture first.
    • In a medium saucepan combine the cherries and sugar. Cut your oranges in half and squeeze them over the cherries. Cook over medium low heat for about 6 or so minutes. You want the cherries to soften a little bit. Now add your cornstarch and mix well. Let it cook for about 3 or so minutes until it thickens. Remove from heat and set aside. It will continue to thicken a bit more after it’s off the heat. Once its thick, pop it in the fridge to cool it down. You want it cool or even cold for the trifles.
    • Once your cherries are ready, take your brownies and cut them into strips. Place about half of them on the bottoms of the trifle bowls. You can give them a press down to make sure they are in there properly.
    • Now pour the cherries and juice over top of the brownies. Trust me the juice will make the brownies amazing. Don’t hesitate, just pour your little heart out. Evenly in each bowl though.
    • Now add a layer of chocolate mousse over top of the cherries. Smooth it out with a spoon.
    • Then add another layer of brownie over top of the mousse.
    • Now add a layer of whipped cream over top of the brownies. Smooth it out with a spoon.
    • Now take some chocolate of your choice and grate it over top of the whipped cream.
    • Add a cherry to the top of each trifle.
    • Stick them in the fridge for an hour or so.
    • Serve with a big old black forest smile!

    Notes

    I've included making the brownies in the cook time. If you use pre-packaged brownies it will lower your time a bit.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1g

    Trifle

    We made it back late last night from our one day trip to Techmunch Toronto. I took B-Dude on this trip so he could go visit some friends before he moves off to Calgary next month.  It was nice to take a road trip, just the two of us. He's a horrible navigator though. He likes you to think he knows where he's going by constantly saying "I think it's just right up there" when in fact he has no idea where where "it" is. Yet he kept us on course and fairly on time. He also kept me from losing my mind in some really bad weather and driving conditions on the way home. So bad navigator but good mom calmer-downer person. We had an absolute blast yesterday. I shall fill you in more on that trip and confernce later this week. I did not take photos during the conference though. I tend to go into student mode at them and am more focused on taking notes than taking photos. So I will only have photos of the aftermath at Eaton's and Whole Foods. What? Tell me you wouldn't hit the mall and Whole Foods if you lived in boonieland and made a trip to the city. Pfft!

    Toodles and smoochies! xx

    ps. I do have some photos of the concert we attended. You will love them. Cannot wait to share them with you!

    « sPiCy NuTs
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ramona

      July 23, 2012 at 1:38 pm

      I have a trifle very similar to this on my blog today. 🙂 My son wanted it as a bday cake..... I love your single servings because it's much easier to serve like that. Next time I'm going to do that. 🙂 I love the glasses you used to serve them in too... they are perfect!! It's a perfect guest post... now off to check the German Foodie. 🙂

      Reply
      • Kim Bee

        July 26, 2012 at 12:22 am

        I have to check this out asap. I love trifle. I am so in love with your son for asking for trifle. That's fab. Mini-me bought me those dishes at Meijer's. Thanks for visiting. xx

        Reply
    2. The Mom Chef ~ Taking on Magazines One Recipe at a Time

      July 23, 2012 at 2:00 pm

      The whipped cream on your face made me giggle. That's the kind of thing I'd do. Ok, I might have already done it because empathy is flowing all over. I already told someone else today that I love trifles so I'll just repeat myself; cake, pudding stuff, fruit. YUM!

      Reply
      • Kim Bee

        July 26, 2012 at 12:42 am

        I swear I spend way too much time with food on my face. Lol, I went and saw Ramona's too. It looks wicked good. Love trifle.

        Reply
    3. Kayle (The Cooking Actress)

      July 23, 2012 at 3:18 pm

      I always have food on my face (usually my face, sometimes other places such as my hair)--Michael teases me endlessly about it

      Reply
      • Kim Bee

        July 26, 2012 at 12:44 am

        I can't seem to help myself. Dress me up, can't take me any where.

        Reply
    4. Choc Chip Uru

      July 23, 2012 at 4:21 pm

      Food in face is a given my friend, no stress 😉
      This looks absolutely incredible, I would not wait for a spoon 😉

      Cheers
      Choc Chip Uru

      Reply
      • Kim Bee

        July 26, 2012 at 12:45 am

        It's how I roll. Thanks for coming by.

        Reply
    5. Cucina49

      July 23, 2012 at 6:51 pm

      Wow, these look amazing! I love trifle and don't make it often enough.

      Reply
      • Kim Bee

        July 26, 2012 at 12:48 am

        Thanks. It is so good. I love them and parfaits. So easy and yet so tasty.

        Reply
    6. Suzanne Perazzini

      July 23, 2012 at 7:27 pm

      I need to put on my stretchy pants just looking at these photos. Tough job alright! If you need an assistant...?

      Reply
      • Kim Bee

        July 26, 2012 at 12:49 am

        Bring those stretchy pants and we'll work something out. You don't mind getting paid in ice cream, do you?

        Reply
    7. Kankana

      July 23, 2012 at 7:53 pm

      I love black forest cake and when you say brownie it's like double yum!

      Reply
      • Kim Bee

        July 26, 2012 at 12:49 am

        Thanks. I love anything black forest so am always trying to find ways to work it into our meal plan. Lol!

        Reply
    8. Maureen @ Orgasmic Chef

      July 23, 2012 at 9:39 pm

      I love trifle and I love black forest cake so this would e a real win for me! Looks great.

      Reply
      • Kim Bee

        July 26, 2012 at 12:58 am

        I feel the same way. Nothing like black forest to make me happy.

        Reply
    9. Anna @ hiddenponies

      July 23, 2012 at 10:43 pm

      These. sound. amazing. I love when I need stretchy pants after photographing a recipe, then I know it was a really great one 🙂 Although my kids wandering by do their fair share of "helping" with the styling too by inserting fingers where they shouldn't to get a bite ;P

      Reply
      • Kim Bee

        July 26, 2012 at 1:03 am

        I live in stretchy pants. It's a must for all lunatics. Mini-me gets mad cuz I love pics of her having dishes melt all over her hands.

        Reply
    10. Lori Lynn

      July 24, 2012 at 12:58 pm

      Mini trifles are adorable. Love those little glasses, great size for desserts.
      Love the shot with the missing cherry.
      LL

      Reply
      • Kim Bee

        July 26, 2012 at 1:06 am

        Thanks so much Lori Lynn. I had so much fun with this. Mini-me picked up those dishes in the states for me. They are so adorable. That's my fave shot too.

        Reply
    11. Nami | Just One Cookbook

      July 24, 2012 at 2:07 pm

      Ohhh how delicious! I'm going to check it out now!

      Reply
      • Kim Bee

        July 26, 2012 at 1:08 am

        Thanks so much Nami.

        Reply
    12. Kristen

      July 24, 2012 at 6:18 pm

      Ha! I have found myself eating as I photograph, too. What's a little whipped cream among friends?!

      Those trifles are beautiful. I love black forest anything.

      Reply
      • Kim Bee

        July 26, 2012 at 1:11 am

        I think we deserve it with how hard we work. Right!

        Thanks. I totally agree.

        Reply
    13. RavieNomNoms

      July 25, 2012 at 1:55 pm

      What a great idea to make them mini!

      Reply
      • Kim Bee

        July 26, 2012 at 1:11 am

        Thanks so much.

        Reply
    14. kitchenriffs

      July 25, 2012 at 2:14 pm

      The German Foodie is a wonderful blog! I'll be sure to check out your post there. Really enjoyable read over here - I liked your description of all the hard "work" you do photographing! I don't often do the empty-the-dish series of photos, but I always enjoy yours. And some of my photo sessions stretch over an hour, sometimes two hours (if I have a particularly difficult subject, or can't get the lighting right). But work? Naw! Thanks for a fun read.

      Reply
      • Kim Bee

        July 26, 2012 at 1:15 am

        Thanks so much. I swear it's just all a scam so I can eat while I work. It's also cuz I want the pick of the dishes. I am a picky eater so this way I get first choice. Lol. I love taking pics, I need to set aside more time to play with the new camera.

        Reply
    15. Emily @ Life on Food

      July 25, 2012 at 7:24 pm

      The photo with the already empty container says it all.

      Reply
      • Kim Bee

        July 26, 2012 at 1:16 am

        Lol, it says this is why Lunie has a fat butt. But it's all good. I like sampling my food.

        Reply
    16. Joanna @ Chic & Gorgeous Treats

      July 26, 2012 at 5:27 am

      This is AMAZING and ultra sinful. I love cherries and I agree the first one usually tastes the best.. and I love how they pop with the first bite. I am bookmarking this too.. I have so many great recipes that I bookmarked, and waiting for the right occasion to make them.. This I can't wait, am going to keep some cherries away from my family to make this black forest trifle. My mind's blown away at the moment ;).. xoxo

      Reply
    17. Anita at Hungry Couple

      July 26, 2012 at 3:19 pm

      On behalf of all your readers I'd like to thank you for your incredible sacrifices in the name of art! Thank goodness for you. Now I'm going to head over to Sofie's to get the recipe because I may actually have to make this and that scares the hell out of me. I'm also going to have to find these mini trifle bowls because I love the look of them. So now you've cost me money both in the form of buying these bowls and in the form of buying larger pants. Hmm...did I thank you already?

      Reply
      • Kim Bee

        July 26, 2012 at 3:41 pm

        Lol Anita. I aim to please. And fatten. And empty wallets. My job here is done.

        Mini-me got me those bowls at a store in Michigan called Meijers. Do you have those? If not I know they had them at Target as well. It sounds cooler if you pronounce it "tar-jay". Then it's hip.

        Reply
    18. Carolyn

      July 27, 2012 at 8:38 am

      Oh my...mini or not, those look decadent!

      Reply
    19. Terra

      August 02, 2012 at 10:12 pm

      It is a hard job being a food blogger for sure, LOL! I think you still have a lot of bowls full there, sooooo I am pretty impressed, you do have some good strength. I think my sweet hubby would have snuck a few extra bites, LOL! They look fantastic:-) Hugs, Terra

      Reply
    20. Ani

      June 25, 2013 at 2:35 pm

      Hi. THe German Foodie site is down. Can you please post the recipe? Thank you.

      Reply
      • Kim Beaulieu

        June 25, 2013 at 4:43 pm

        Hi Ani. I'm in the middle of a work thing right now but I'll see if I can dig it up tonight. I'm sure it's saved in my word files. I'll give you a quick email when I get it on the site. Thanks for noticing the other site is gone.

        Reply
      • Kim Beaulieu

        July 02, 2013 at 1:02 am

        Hi Ani! I finally found the recipe amongst some old files. Thanks for prompting me to look for it. I hope you enjoy this. I have a weakness for trifles and parfaits, and an even bigger weakness for cherries. Let me know how it turns out. Kim xx

        Reply

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