A deconstructed nod to the German dessert Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte , these Black Forest Parfaits combine layers of silky dark chocolate mousse , sweet-tart cherry compote , and whipped cream , topped with shaved chocolate and kirsch-soaked cherries (optional). It’s indulgent, elegant, and easily prepped ahead.
Yields 6 Servings Servings Quarter (1.5 Serving) Half (3 Servings) Default (6 Servings) Double (12 Servings) Triple (18 Servings) Prep Time 35 minsCook Time 15 minsTotal Time 50 minsFor the Chocolate Mousse
6 oz dark chocolate (60–70%), finely chopped
3 tbsp unsalted butter
3 large egg yolks
3 large egg whites
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ cup heavy cream
½ tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
For the Cherry Compote
2 cups pitted cherries (fresh or frozen)
2 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
1 tbsp lemon juice
Optional: 1 tbsp Kirsch (cherry brandy) or dark rum
For the Whipped Cream
¾ cup heavy cream
1 tbsp powdered sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
Toppings
Dark chocolate curls or shavings
Optional: Extra cherries for garnish (fresh or Kirsch-soaked)
Make the Cherry Compote
1
In a saucepan, combine cherries , sugar , and lemon juice .
Simmer over medium heat for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cherries break down slightly and juices thicken.
Optional: Stir in Kirsch at the end.
Let cool completely, then chill.
Prepare the Chocolate Mousse
2
In a heatproof bowl over a pot of gently simmering water (double boiler), melt the chocolate and butter together. Stir until smooth. Remove from heat.
Whisk in the egg yolks one at a time, followed by vanilla and salt . Set aside to cool slightly.
In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites to soft peaks. Gradually add sugar and beat to glossy stiff peaks.
In another bowl, whip the cream until it holds soft peaks.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled chocolate mixture.
Fold in the egg whites in two additions, being careful not to deflate the mousse.
Chill for 1 hour to set slightly.
Whip the Cream
3
Just before assembling, whip ¾ cup cream with powdered sugar and vanilla to soft peaks.
Chill until ready to use.
Assemble the Parfaits
4
In each glass, layer:
Top with extra cream, chocolate curls , and a cherry if desired.
Variations & Tips
5
Substitute the mousse with chocolate pudding for a quicker version.
Add crumbled chocolate cake or brownie for a more traditional feel.
Use jarred sour cherries (Griottines or Amarena) for a gourmet twist.
Ingredients For the Chocolate Mousse
6 oz dark chocolate (60–70%), finely chopped
3 tbsp unsalted butter
3 large egg yolks
3 large egg whites
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ cup heavy cream
½ tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
For the Cherry Compote
2 cups pitted cherries (fresh or frozen)
2 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
1 tbsp lemon juice
Optional: 1 tbsp Kirsch (cherry brandy) or dark rum
For the Whipped Cream
¾ cup heavy cream
1 tbsp powdered sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
Toppings
Dark chocolate curls or shavings
Optional: Extra cherries for garnish (fresh or Kirsch-soaked)
Directions Make the Cherry Compote
1
In a saucepan, combine cherries , sugar , and lemon juice .
Simmer over medium heat for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cherries break down slightly and juices thicken.
Optional: Stir in Kirsch at the end.
Let cool completely, then chill.
Prepare the Chocolate Mousse
2
In a heatproof bowl over a pot of gently simmering water (double boiler), melt the chocolate and butter together. Stir until smooth. Remove from heat.
Whisk in the egg yolks one at a time, followed by vanilla and salt . Set aside to cool slightly.
In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites to soft peaks. Gradually add sugar and beat to glossy stiff peaks.
In another bowl, whip the cream until it holds soft peaks.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled chocolate mixture.
Fold in the egg whites in two additions, being careful not to deflate the mousse.
Chill for 1 hour to set slightly.
Whip the Cream
3
Just before assembling, whip ¾ cup cream with powdered sugar and vanilla to soft peaks.
Chill until ready to use.
Assemble the Parfaits
4
In each glass, layer:
Top with extra cream, chocolate curls , and a cherry if desired.
Variations & Tips
5
Substitute the mousse with chocolate pudding for a quicker version.
Add crumbled chocolate cake or brownie for a more traditional feel.
Use jarred sour cherries (Griottines or Amarena) for a gourmet twist.
Black Forest Parfaits with Cherry Compote & Chocolate Mousse
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