This Mediterranean Cherry Chocolate Chip Trifle has a soft texture. We prepare this trifle with creamy Greek yogurt, mascarpone cheese, fresh sweet cherries, dark chocolate chips, honey, orange zest, extra virgin olive oil, roasted pistachios, sliced almonds, and fresh mint. This trifle contains approximately 32 g net carbs and 385 calories. We assemble this trifle in just 30 minutes. This Mediterranean Cherry Chocolate Chip Trifle is perfect for family dinners, holiday celebrations, summer parties, potlucks, birthdays, special occasions, and weekend gatherings. You can serve this trifle with Mixed Berry Salad, Lemon Olive Oil Cake, Greek Coffee, Sparkling Lemon Water, or Honey-Roasted Almonds.
STATS:
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Course: Dessert
- Calories: 385 kcal
- Diet: Mediterranean
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Servings: 10
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Portion Size: 1 cup
- Cooking Mode: No-Bake
- Difficulty Level: Easy
TOOLS:
- Trifle bowl
- Bowls
- Electric hand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Spoon
INGREDIENTS:
CAKE LAYER:
- 4 cups vanilla sponge cake
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
CREAM LAYER:
- 2 cups Greek yogurt
- 8 ounces mascarpone cheese
- ½ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
FRUIT LAYER:
- 3 cups sweet cherries
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
CHOCOLATE LAYER:
- ¾ cup dark chocolate chips
TOPPING:
- ½ cup pistachios
- ¼ cup almonds
- Two tbsp. dark chocolate curls
- Mint leaves
- Cherries
INGREDIENT NOTES AND THEIR SUBSTITUTIONS:
SPONGE CAKE:
- Whole-grain sponge cake provides a soft, fluffy base with a wholesome texture. You can also use angel food cake, whole-wheat pound cake, or vanilla sponge cake.
MASCARPONE CHEESE:
- Mascarpone cheese gives the filling a rich, smooth, and velvety consistency. Instead, use cream cheese mixed with a little Greek yogurt or whipped cream cheese.
HONEY:
- Honey naturally sweetens the dessert while adding a subtle Mediterranean flavor.
FRESH CHERRIES:
- Fresh cherries provide natural sweetness, vibrant color, and juicy texture. Alternatively, use thawed frozen cherries, strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries.
PISTACHIOS:
- Pistachios provide a delicious crunch and authentic Mediterranean flavor. As an alternative, use walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, or almonds.
ORANGE ZEST:
- Orange zest adds a bright citrus aroma that enhances the overall flavor. Lemon zest can be used as an easy substitute.
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Blend the halved cherries with lemon juice and honey.
- Cool this mixture for almost ten minutes.
- Whip the mascarpone in a dish till smooth.
- Include the orange zest, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and honey in a dish.
- Put the cake cubes in a dish and carefully drizzle the olive oil and orange juice.
- Make a 1/3 layer of the cake cubes in the trifle bowl.
- Distribute 1/3 of the cream mixture on the cake.
- Include 1/3 of the cherries and add one-third of the chocolate chips as a garnish.
- Make 2 or more layers and garnish the surface with leftover cream.
- Add the mint leaves, chopped pistachios, fresh cherries, sliced almonds, and chocolate curls as a garnish.
- Wrap and chill for almost two hours for a perfect flavor.
TIPS:
- We utilize sweet and ripe cherries for a perfect flavor.
- Refrigerate the cream mixture and then assemble to get a firmer texture.
- You could toast the nuts for additional flavor and crunch.
- Avoid soaking the cake too much, so the layers will not get soggy.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
FRESH FRUIT SIDES:
- Mixed Berry Salad
- Citrus Fruit Salad
- Honey-Lime Melon Salad
- Fresh Fig Platter
- Orange & Mint Fruit Bowl
MEDITERRANEAN BRUNCH FAVORITES:
- Greek Yogurt Parfaits
- Whole-Grain Honey Muffins
- Almond Biscotti
- Lemon Olive Oil Cake
- Oat & Pistachio Granola
WARM BEVERAGES:
- Greek Coffee
- Espresso
- Cappuccino
- Chamomile Tea
- Lemon Herbal Tea
COLD BEVERAGES:
- Sparkling Lemon Water
- Iced Green Tea
- Fresh Cherry Lemonade
- Pomegranate Spritzer
- Mint-Infused Water
CRUNCHY ACCOMPANIMENTS:
- Honey-Roasted Almonds
- Roasted Pistachios
- Walnut Biscotti
- Sesame Seed Cookies
- Almond Shortbread Cookies
STORAGE INFORMATION:
FRIDGE:
- Put this trifle in a closed box and stock it for longer than 2 to 3 days.
FREEZER:
- We do not suggest storing this trifle because the mascarpone filling and yogurt will separate and the cake will be soggy. Store the portions separately for more than one month.
FAQs:
Can we prepare this trifle earlier?
- Yes, you can make this trifle beforehand, chill it for a night, and then serve.
May we utilize frozen cherries?
- Yes, you can use frozen cherries, defrost them, strain them, and then utilize.
Could we prepare this trifle gluten-free?
- Yes, you can use a non-gluten vanilla cake.
NUTRITIONAL FACTS:
Calories: 385 kcal
Sodium: 115 mg
Total Carbs: 36 g
Net Carbs: 32 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 22 g
Fat: 20 g
Protein: 11 g
Portion Size: 1 cup