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Black Forest Dessert Jars

Layers of moist chocolate cake, sweet cherry filling, chocolate pudding, and fluffy whipped cream come together in these easy Black Forest Dessert Jars. They’re rich, creamy, and perfect for make-ahead desserts, parties, or simple sweet cravings at home.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 dessert jars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: German-inspired
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chocolate Layer:
  • 1 moist chocolate cake store-bought or homemade
  • 2 –3 tablespoons cherry juice or cherry liqueur optional
For the Cherry Layer:
  • 1 can cherry pie filling or 2 cups pitted cherries, if making fresh
  • 3 tablespoons sugar only if using fresh cherries
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Creamy Layer:
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream chilled
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chocolate pudding or chocolate custard
For Garnish:
  • Dark chocolate shavings
  • Fresh cherries

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Base
  1. If baking from scratch, make a rich, moist chocolate cake and let it cool completely. Crumble it gently into chunks. You can also use leftover cake or brownies.
Step 2: Make the Cherry Layer
  1. If using canned cherry pie filling, set it aside.
  2. For homemade cherry compote: Add cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch to a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until thick and glossy. Cool before layering.
Step 3: Whip the Cream
  1. Beat chilled heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Keep it cold until needed.
Step 4: Layer the Dessert
  1. In clear glass jars:
  2. Add a layer of crumbled chocolate cake.
  3. Spoon in a layer of cherry filling.
  4. Add a spoonful of chocolate pudding.
  5. Top with whipped cream.
  6. Repeat layers if your jars are tall.
  7. Step 5: Add the Final Touch
  8. Finish with chocolate shavings and a fresh cherry on top.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
  1. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This lets the flavors blend and the cake soak up the cherry syrup.

Notes

  • You can use any chocolate base: cake, brownies, or even chocolate loaf.
  • Chill the jars before serving for the best flavor and texture.
  • Add a drizzle of cherry liqueur for a boozy version.
  • These jars store well in the fridge for up to 3 days.