Sweetheart's Chocolate Trifle

Indulge in a truly remarkable dessert experience with our exquisite Chocolate Trifle for Two. This perfectly portioned treat features layers of decadent chocolate cake, lovingly drizzled with a hint of rum, generously topped with a velvety smooth chocolate mousse, and crowned with a cloud of light, airy whipped cream. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a symphony of textures and flavors designed for sharing a special moment.

Are you ready to elevate your dessert game to an entirely new level of deliciousness? We’re taking beloved classics and transforming them into an unforgettable experience. This recipe builds upon the foundation of our popular chocolate mousse and our delightful chocolate cupcakes for two, bringing them together in a harmonious, layered trifle that’s nothing short of extraordinary. Imagine tender chocolate cake, baked in small ramekins, crumbled into rich, moist pieces, and then infused with a subtle yet distinct warmth of rum. Next, a luxurious chocolate mousse adds an irresistible creaminess, all crowned by a generous swirl of fresh whipped cream. This is truly a dessert that speaks volumes without uttering a single word.

Contents

The Charm of Desserts for Two: Perfect Portions, Zero Waste

This Chocolate Trifle for Two recipe is an absolute triumph, meticulously crafted to yield precisely two servings. No more overwhelming batches, no more tempting leftovers lingering in the fridge! Whether you’re baking the miniature chocolate cakes in a standard cupcake pan or opting for elegant ramekins, this recipe ensures perfect portion control with maximum decadence. It’s an ideal choice for a romantic evening, a special anniversary celebration, a memorable Valentine’s Day treat, or simply a delightful date night indulgence. The thoughtful scaling of this recipe means you get to enjoy a truly gourmet dessert without the fuss or waste often associated with larger recipes.

One of the many advantages of this dessert is its flexibility: the individual components, and even the assembled trifles, can be prepared up to two days in advance. This makes it a fantastic option for entertaining or for busy individuals who appreciate the convenience of advance preparation. Simply assemble or pull from the fridge when you’re ready to serve, and enjoy a perfectly chilled, divinely rich dessert that tastes as though it was just made.

If you’re looking to impress your special someone, this dessert is sure to do the trick. The rich flavors, the careful presentation, and the thoughtful “for two” sizing all contribute to an experience that is both luxurious and intimate. Prepare for extra smiles, sweet gestures, and perhaps even some appreciative kisses when you present this stunning Chocolate Trifle. It’s a dessert designed to create lasting memories.

Chocolate Mousse trifle in a serving glass, garnished with chocolate shavings.

Chocolate Trifle For Two Recipe

Author: Anna

Chocolate Trifle For Two – a breathtaking dessert featuring moist chocolate cake drizzled with rum, layered with a rich chocolate mousse, and topped with billowy whipped cream and chocolate shavings. An irresistible treat for special moments.

Prep Time: 40 mins

Cook Time: 20 mins

Total Time: 1 hr

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings: 2 servings

Calories: 1122 kcal

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:

5 tablespoon all-purpose flour
3 tablespoon granulated sugar
3 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
⅛ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon baking powder
1/16 teaspoon salt (a dash)
3 tablespoon cold water
2 tablespoon canola oil
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon white vinegar

For the Chocolate Mousse:

1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder (Hershey’s recommended)
2.5 tablespoon hot water
3.5 oz semi-sweet chocolate (Hershey’s Special Dark recommended)
¾ cup cold heavy whipping cream
2.5 teaspoon granulated sugar
A dash of salt

For the Whipped Cream Topping:

½ cup cold heavy whipping cream
2 teaspoon granulated sugar
A dash of salt

For Assembly and Garnish:

2 teaspoon rum (optional, or more to taste)
Chocolate shavings (for garnish)

Instructions

Part 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake for Two

Line two cavities of a cupcake pan with paper liners, or grease two 4oz. ramekins. Set them aside.
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (160 degrees C).
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together all the dry ingredients for the cake: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Ensure they are well combined to avoid lumps. Set this mixture aside.
In a small measuring cup, combine the wet ingredients: cold water, canola oil, vanilla extract, and white vinegar. Stir gently until fully incorporated.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir just until the batter is smooth and no dry streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix.
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared liners or ramekins.
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cupcake comes out clean. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the cakes to cool completely on a wire rack. Cooling is crucial before crumbling.

Part 2: Craft the Velvety Chocolate Mousse

In a small heatproof bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder and 2.5 tablespoons of hot water until a smooth paste forms. Set this aside to cool slightly to room temperature.
Melt the semi-sweet chocolate using a double boiler method (placing a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, ensuring the bowl does not touch the water). Stir occasionally until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted. Remove from heat and let it cool for 3 to 5 minutes. It should still be liquid but not too hot.
In a large mixing bowl (preferably of a stand mixer with a whisk attachment), pour ¾ cup of cold heavy whipping cream. Add 2.5 teaspoons of granulated sugar and a dash of salt. Whip at medium speed for about 30 seconds until the cream starts to slightly thicken.
Increase the mixer speed to high and continue whipping until soft peaks form. This usually happens quite quickly (around 20 to 30 seconds), so stay vigilant to avoid over-whipping. Once soft peaks are achieved, set the whipped cream aside.
Return to your slightly cooled melted chocolate. Whisk the cooled cocoa powder mixture into the melted chocolate. At first, it might appear as if the chocolate is seizing or becoming lumpy, but continue whisking vigorously. It will eventually come together and become a smooth, glossy chocolate mixture.
Gently fold about one-third of the prepared whipped cream into the chocolate mixture using a whisk. This step helps to lighten the chocolate mixture and make it easier to incorporate the rest of the cream without deflating it.
Switch to a rubber spatula and carefully fold in the remaining whipped cream. Continue folding until no streaks of white cream are visible and the mousse is uniformly combined and airy. It is essential not to overmix, but also to ensure no streaks remain for the mousse to set correctly.

Part 3: Prepare the Whipped Cream Topping

In a clean medium mixing bowl, combine ½ cup of cold heavy whipping cream, 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar, and a dash of salt. Whip at medium speed for about 30 seconds until it slightly thickens.
Increase the speed to high and continue whipping until stiff peaks form, which should take approximately 3 to 4 minutes. Be careful not to over-whip, as it can turn grainy. Set aside.

Part 4: Assemble Your Chocolate Trifles

Once the chocolate cupcakes are completely cool, crumble them into small, bite-sized pieces.
Spoon the crumbled cake pieces evenly into the bottom of your two chosen serving glasses or ramekins, forming the first layer.
If using, drizzle 1 teaspoon of rum over the cake crumbs in each glass. Adjust the amount of rum to your preference, or omit for an alcohol-free version.
Carefully spoon the prepared chocolate mousse over the rum-drizzled cake crumbs, dividing it equally between the two glasses. Gently smooth the top of the mousse layer.
Finally, top each trifle with a generous dollop or swirl of the stiff-peak whipped cream. You can use the back of a spoon to create a pleasing dome or swirl effect.
Clean any smudges or drips from the outside of your serving glasses for a professional presentation.
Garnish each trifle with a sprinkle of chocolate shavings or curls for an elegant finish.
Chill the assembled trifles in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the mousse to set properly. This dessert can be chilled and enjoyed for up to 2 days.

Notes

This recipe ingeniously combines elements from our popular
Chocolate Cupcakes for Two recipe and
Chocolate Mousse for Two recipe, adapted to create a harmonious trifle experience.

For an alcohol-free version, simply omit the rum drizzle. You can substitute it with a splash of coffee, orange juice, or even a non-alcoholic rum extract for flavor.

Ensure all dairy products (heavy whipping cream) are very cold for best whipping results. A chilled bowl and whisk attachment can also help.

Nutrition

Variations and Customization for Your Perfect Trifle

While this Chocolate Trifle for Two is exquisite as is, it’s also wonderfully adaptable to your preferences. If you’re looking for an alcohol-free dessert, simply omit the rum drizzle. You could replace it with a teaspoon of strong brewed coffee or espresso for an added depth of chocolate flavor, or a touch of orange juice for a brighter note. For those who enjoy a fruity twist, consider adding a thin layer of fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries between the cake and mousse layers. The tartness of berries beautifully complements the richness of the chocolate. You could also experiment with different types of chocolate for the mousse – perhaps a darker chocolate for a more intense flavor, or even a milk chocolate for a sweeter profile.

Another delightful variation involves the cake base. While our simple chocolate cupcakes are perfect, you could use store-bought chocolate pound cake, brownies, or even chocolate cookies for a quicker assembly. Just ensure whatever you choose is crumbly enough to absorb the liquid drizzle and create that classic trifle texture. The beauty of a trifle lies in its versatility, allowing you to tailor it to any craving or dietary need while maintaining its elegant appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

This Chocolate Trifle for Two is an excellent make-ahead dessert, which makes it perfect for dinner parties or simply enjoying a stress-free evening. You can prepare the chocolate cake components up to two days in advance, storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. The chocolate mousse can also be made a day ahead and kept refrigerated in a sealed container. For the best texture, we recommend whipping the final topping of heavy cream just before assembly or a few hours before serving.

Once assembled, the trifles can be stored in the refrigerator, loosely covered, for up to two days. The flavors will meld beautifully, and the cake will become even moister. However, the whipped cream topping might lose a little of its stiffness over time. If you prefer a pristine topping, assemble the trifles, omitting the final whipped cream, and add it right before serving. This flexibility ensures your dessert is always fresh, delicious, and ready when you are.

The Quintessential Romantic Dessert for Any Occasion

Beyond Valentine’s Day, the Chocolate Trifle for Two serves as the perfect sweet ending to any romantic dinner or intimate celebration. Imagine celebrating an anniversary, a promotion, or simply the joy of togetherness with this exquisite dessert. Its individual portions signify a thoughtful gesture, making each person feel specially indulged. The layered presentation in elegant glasses adds a touch of sophistication that elevates any dining experience.

This isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience waiting to be shared. The rich chocolate, the subtle rum, and the creamy textures combine to create a truly memorable moment. So, the next time you’re planning a special evening, consider this Chocolate Trifle for Two. It’s guaranteed to be a highlight and leave a lasting sweet impression on your loved one.

Embrace the Decadence

We hope you enjoy crafting and savoring every luscious spoonful of this Chocolate Trifle for Two. It’s a recipe born from a desire to create something truly special, perfectly scaled for intimate enjoyment, and packed with irresistible flavors. Don’t hesitate to personalize it with your favorite garnishes or small tweaks. Share your culinary creations with us, and most importantly, enjoy the sweet moments with your special someone!

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leave a comment with a rating below!