Red velvet lovers, this one’s for you! Red velvet trifles with a homemade cherry compote are the dessert you didn’t know you needed, and will wonder how you lived without.
These stunning red velvet trifles are layered with moist cake, luscious cream cheese frosting, and a sweet cherry compote, making them perfect for any celebration or just an indulgent treat.
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Whether you’re hosting a party, treating your Valentine, or simply satisfying a dessert craving, this recipe is sure to impress. Plus, they’re served in individual cups, making them easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy.
How to Make Red Velvet Trifles with Cherry Compote
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon red gel food coloring. Use more as desired, but start with a light hand.
- Gold dragee sprinkles, for garnish.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 drops red gel food coloring (optional, for a slight tint)
For the Cherry Compote:
- 2 cups frozen cherries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
Bake the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line an 8-inch square baking dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, and red food coloring.
- In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, and salt with a hand mixer for about 3-4 minutes, until light and fluffy.
- Gradually mix in the buttermilk mixture.
- Sift in the flour, cocoa, and baking soda, and fold until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely for at least 2 hours before assembling.
Prepare the Cherry Compote:
- In a small saucepan, combine the cherries and sugar.
- Simmer on low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries soften and release their juices.
- Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
Make the Frosting:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Add a couple of drops of red food coloring if you want a slight pink hue.
Assemble the Trifles:
1. Crumble the cooled cake into small pieces.
2. Add 2 tablespoons of red velvet crumbs to the bottom of each serving cup or jar.
3. Pipe or spoon a layer of cream cheese frosting over the crumbs.
4. Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of cherry compote on top of the frosting.
5. Repeat the layers until the cups are filled, finishing with a final layer of frosting on top.
6. Garnish with extra cake crumbs, cherries, gold dragees sprinkles, or even a drizzle of chocolate if desired.
Tips for the Best Red Velvet Trifle
- Make Ahead: The components can be prepared a day in advance for easy assembly.
- Serving Suggestion: Use clear cups or jars to show off the gorgeous layers!
- Storage: Keep trifles refrigerated and enjoy within 2-3 days for the best taste.
- Extra Indulgence: Add a splash of vanilla extract to the frosting for an enhanced flavor profile.
- Time-Saving Hack: Use a boxed red velvet cake mix if you’re short on time.
Items for the Perfect Trifle Presentation
- Glass Dessert Cups: Show off those stunning layers in elegant glassware. These are actually drinking glasses, but they work beautifully for a recipe like this.
- Reusable Piping Bags: Make layering the frosting a breeze! Don’t forget a tip to make beautiful patterns.
- Cherry Pitter: We used frozen cherries, but if you wanted to use fresh, this handy tool would speed up your cherry prep.
- Mini Serving Spoons: The perfect way to scoop up every delicious bite.
These red velvet trifles with cherry compote are rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just treating yourself, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Happy baking!