Mini Chocolate Berry Trifles Recipe

Mini Chocolate Berry Trifles Recipe
Ingredients:

For the Chocolate Cake:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 large egg
½ cup buttermilk
½ cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup hot water
For the Chocolate Pudding:

1 package (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
2 cups cold milk
For the Whipped Cream:

1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Berry Layer:

2 cups mixed fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries)
For Garnish:

Shaved chocolate or chocolate curls
Fresh mint leaves (optional)
Instructions:

Prepare the Chocolate Cake:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add the egg, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until smooth.
Stir in the hot water until the batter is well combined (the batter will be thin).
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool completely, then cut it into small cubes.
Prepare the Chocolate Pudding:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes. Let it set in the refrigerator for at least 5 minutes.
Prepare the Whipped Cream:

In a chilled medium bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
Assemble the Trifles:

In mini trifle glasses or clear dessert cups, layer the ingredients starting with a layer of chocolate cake cubes.
Add a layer of chocolate pudding, followed by a layer of fresh berries.
Add a layer of whipped cream.
Repeat the layers if your glasses are tall enough, ending with a layer of whipped cream on top.
Garnish:

Sprinkle the top with shaved chocolate or chocolate curls.
Add a few fresh berries and a mint leaf for garnish, if desired.
Serve:

Chill the mini trifles in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.