Black Forest Trifle

Why Make This Recipe

The Black Forest Trifle is not just a dessert; it’s a festive celebration in a bowl. With layers of chocolate cake, creamy pudding, and juicy cherries, it’s the perfect treat for Christmas gatherings. This easy-to-make dessert impresses everyone and is sure to be the star of your holiday table. Plus, it’s a fun way to enjoy the classic flavors of Black Forest cake in a lighter format.

How to Make Black Forest Trifle

Ingredients

• 1 box of chocolate cake mix (or 1 homemade chocolate cake)
• 1 cup heavy cream (for whipping)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups canned or fresh cherries (pitted, with juice or syrup)
• 1/4 cup cherry juice (from the canned cherries or fresh)
• 2 cups vanilla pudding (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate shavings (or grated chocolate)
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (optional for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare the Cake:
   If you’re using a box mix, follow the instructions on the package to prepare and bake the chocolate cake. Allow it to cool completely, then cut it into bite-sized pieces.

2. Whip the Cream:
   In a mixing bowl, add the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip until soft peaks form. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Cherries:
   If using fresh cherries, wash, pit, and slice them. If using canned cherries, drain them and save some juice. Combine cherries with the cherry juice in a bowl.

4. Assemble the Trifle:
   In a large trifle dish or individual serving glasses, layer half of the chocolate cake pieces at the bottom. Then, add half of the vanilla pudding, followed by half of the cherry mixture, and half of the whipped cream. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used. Finish with whipped cream on top, and sprinkle dark chocolate shavings and cocoa powder as a garnish.

5. Let it Chill:
   Cover the trifle and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best flavor blending.

How to Serve Black Forest Trifle

Serve the Black Forest Trifle chilled. Use a large spoon to scoop out servings from the trifle dish, or, if you used individual glasses, simply serve them as is. This dessert will wow your guests and create a festive mood!

How to Store Black Forest Trifle

Cover any leftover trifle with plastic wrap or a lid, and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3 to 4 days. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh to maintain the texture of the cake and cream.

Tips to Make Black Forest Trifle

• If you want to save time, use store-bought chocolate cake and vanilla pudding to make preparation faster.
• For a boozy twist, you can soak the chocolate cake pieces in a bit of Kirsch (cherry schnapps) before layering.
• Feel free to use a combination of fresh and canned cherries for added texture and flavor.

Serving Ideas

Pair the Black Forest Trifle with a warm beverage like hot chocolate or coffee. You can also serve it alongside some holiday cookies for a complete festive dessert table.

Final Thoughts

The Black Forest Trifle is a delightful and eye-catching dessert that anyone can make. With its rich flavors and simple preparation steps, it’s a fantastic choice for Christmas and other special occasions. Gather your family and friends to enjoy this sweet treat!

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries for the trifle?
Yes, frozen cherries can be a great option! Just thaw and drain them before using.

Can I make the trifle in advance?
Absolutely! The trifle can be made a day ahead, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Is there a non-dairy option for the whipped cream?
Yes, you can use coconut cream or another non-dairy whipped topping as a substitute for heavy cream.

Black Forest Trifle

A festive dessert featuring layers of chocolate cake, creamy pudding, and juicy cherries, perfect for Christmas gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dessert, Sweet Treat

Cuisine: American, German

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Cake

• 1 box chocolate cake mix (or 1 homemade chocolate cake) Follow package instructions if using a mix.

For the Whipped Cream

• 1 cup heavy cream For whipping.
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cherry Layer

• 2 cups canned or fresh cherries (pitted, with juice or syrup) Use fresh cherries if available.
• 1/4 cup cherry juice From the canned cherries or fresh.

For the Pudding Layer

• 2 cups vanilla pudding Store-bought or homemade.

For the Garnish

• 1/2 cup dark chocolate shavings Or grated chocolate.
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder Optional for garnish.

Method

 

Preparation

1. If you’re using a box mix, follow the instructions on the package to prepare and bake the chocolate cake. Allow it to cool completely, then cut it into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a mixing bowl, add the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip until soft peaks form. Set aside.
3. If using fresh cherries, wash, pit, and slice them. If using canned cherries, drain them and save some juice. Combine cherries with the cherry juice in a bowl.

Assembling

1. In a large trifle dish or individual serving glasses, layer half of the chocolate cake pieces at the bottom.
2. Then, add half of the vanilla pudding, followed by half of the cherry mixture, and half of the whipped cream.
3. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used. Finish with whipped cream on top, and sprinkle dark chocolate shavings and cocoa powder as a garnish.

Chilling

1. Cover the trifle and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best flavor blending.

Notes

Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator; best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture. For a boozy twist, soak chocolate cake pieces in Kirsch before layering.