Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your chocolate cake using your favorite recipe or package instructions. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

In a large mixing bowl, whip 2 cups of heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form, about 3-5 minutes. Add a tablespoon of powdered sugar to sweeten, then continue whipping until fluffy.

Prepare your cherries by rinsing them and removing the pits. Cut them into halves or quarters for easy layering.

Once cooled, cut the chocolate cake into bite-sized pieces for layering in the trifle.

In a trifle dish, layer chocolate cake pieces, whipped cream, and cherries. Repeat until layers are complete, finishing with whipped cream.

Garnish with chocolate shavings. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.