Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Black Forest Cake is a beloved classic, and this no-bake version makes it even more accessible and fun to serve. The mini dessert cups are a great way to enjoy all the rich flavors of the traditional cake without the hassle of baking and frosting a full-sized cake. The combination of chocolate cake crumbles, airy whipped cream, and juicy cherry pie filling in each mini cup offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Plus, the presentation is perfect for any festive occasion, making these cups both visually appealing and delicious!
Ingredients
- 1 lb chocolate cake (crumbled)
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream (cold)
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
- ¼ cup semisweet chocolate shavings
- 1 cup cherries with stems (for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Cake Crumbs: Crumble the chocolate cake into small pieces and set aside.
- Whip the Cream: In a bowl, whip the cold heavy cream and powdered sugar together until stiff peaks form. Keep the whipped cream cold to maintain the best consistency.
- Assemble the Dessert Cups: In mini dessert cups, layer the crumbled chocolate cake, whipped cream, and cherry pie filling. Repeat the layers until the cups are full, finishing with a swirl of whipped cream on top.
- Garnish: Sprinkle semisweet chocolate shavings over the top and place a cherry with a stem on each dessert for a decorative and tasty finish.
- Chill: Chill the assembled mini dessert cups in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to firm up.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields 6-8 mini dessert cups.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Variations
- Cake Substitutes: You can use store-bought chocolate cake or leftover cake scraps for a quicker version.
- Add a Twist of Liqueur: For an adult twist, brush the cake crumbs with a little kirsch (cherry liqueur) or another favorite liqueur.
- Fruit Variations: If you prefer a different fruit, swap the cherry pie filling with blueberry, raspberry, or strawberry pie filling for a different take on the dessert.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover mini dessert cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: These mini dessert cups are best served chilled and don’t need reheating.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought whipped cream?
Yes, you can use store-bought whipped cream as a substitute for homemade whipped cream if you’re short on time.
Can I make the cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake or crumble the cake in advance. Store the crumbled cake in an airtight container until you’re ready to assemble the dessert cups.
Can I use frozen cherries for garnish?
Yes, frozen cherries can be used as a garnish if fresh cherries are not available. Just make sure to thaw them slightly before using.
How do I keep the whipped cream from deflating?
To keep the whipped cream from deflating, ensure that the cream is very cold when whipping and that you whip it to stiff peaks. It also helps to avoid over-mixing.
Can I make this dessert a day ahead of time?
Yes, these mini dessert cups can be made a day ahead of time and stored in the fridge. The flavors will only get better after sitting for a few hours.
Can I use whipped topping instead of whipped cream?
Yes, whipped topping can be used in place of whipped cream, but for the best flavor and texture, homemade whipped cream is recommended.
How can I make the chocolate shavings?
Use a vegetable peeler to shave off thin curls of semisweet chocolate from a chocolate bar. Alternatively, you can finely chop the chocolate if you prefer smaller pieces.
Can I freeze the mini dessert cups?
While these dessert cups are best served chilled, you can freeze them for up to a week. Thaw in the refrigerator for several hours before serving.
How can I make the layers more stable?
To ensure the layers stay firm, make sure the whipped cream is whipped to stiff peaks and that the cherry pie filling is not too runny.
Can I add more layers to the dessert cups?
Feel free to add more layers of cake, cream, or cherry filling depending on your preference and the size of your dessert cups.
Conclusion
DLux Mini Dessert Cups – Black Forest Cake is a delightful and elegant dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich chocolate cake, fluffy whipped cream, and sweet cherry topping, it’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday, party, or special event, these no-bake mini desserts will impress with their taste and beautiful presentation. Quick, easy, and utterly delicious!
DLux Mini Dessert Cups – Black Forest Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 mini dessert cups
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
DLux Mini Dessert Cups – Black Forest Cake are a no-bake treat with layers of crumbled chocolate cake, whipped cream, and sweet cherry pie filling. These mini desserts are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
1 lb chocolate cake (crumbled)
¾ cup powdered sugar
1 cup heavy cream (cold)
1 cup cherry pie filling
¼ cup semisweet chocolate shavings
1 cup cherries with stems (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Crumbs: Crumble the chocolate cake into small pieces and set aside.
- Whip the Cream: In a bowl, whip the cold heavy cream and powdered sugar together until stiff peaks form. Keep the whipped cream cold to maintain the best consistency.
- Assemble the Dessert Cups: In mini dessert cups, layer the crumbled chocolate cake, whipped cream, and cherry pie filling. Repeat the layers until the cups are full, finishing with a swirl of whipped cream on top.
- Garnish: Sprinkle semisweet chocolate shavings over the top and place a cherry with a stem on each dessert for a decorative and tasty finish.
- Chill: Chill the assembled mini dessert cups in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to firm up.
Notes
Store-bought whipped cream can be used if you’re short on time.
Feel free to add a twist of cherry liqueur to the cake crumbs for an adult version.
Frozen cherries can be used as a garnish if fresh cherries are not available.
You can make the dessert cups a day ahead for better flavor.
Homemade whipped cream is recommended for the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini dessert cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
