why make this recipe

The Black Forest Trifle is a delightful dessert that brings a festive touch to your Christmas celebrations. Layered with rich chocolate cake, cherries, creamy pudding, and whipped cream, it is not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious. This dessert can be made in advance, allowing you to enjoy your holiday gatherings without the rush of last-minute preparations.

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 :

Prepare the Cake: Bake the chocolate cake according to the instructions on the box or your homemade recipe. Let it cool completely, then cut it into small cubes.
Whip the Cream: In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Set aside.
Prepare the Cherries: If using canned cherries, drain them and keep some juice. If using fresh cherries, pit them and mix with 1/4 cup of cherry juice.
Assemble the Trifle: In a large trifle bowl or individual cups, layer the ingredients. Start with a layer of chocolate cake cubes, then add a layer of cherries, followed by vanilla pudding and whipped cream. Repeat the layers until you finish with whipped cream on top.
Let it Chill: Cover the trifle and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible, so the flavors can blend together.

how to serve Black Forest Trifle

Serve the Black Forest Trifle chilled. Garnish the top with dark chocolate shavings and a light dusting of cocoa powder for extra flair. Use a large spoon to scoop out servings, making sure everyone gets a bit of all the layers.

how to store Black Forest Trifle

Keep any leftover trifle tightly covered in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days. The cake may become softer as it sits, but the flavor will still be great!

tips to make Black Forest Trifle

For a richer flavor, you can use chocolate pudding instead of vanilla pudding.
If you like more cherries, feel free to add extra layers of cherries in between the other layers.
Drizzle a bit of chocolate syrup over the top for added sweetness and decoration.

variation

You can switch things up by adding layers of nuts or coconut for a different texture. Additionally, using different berries instead of cherries can create a fun twist on this classic dessert.

FAQs

Can I use homemade chocolate cake instead of a box mix?
Absolutely! A homemade cake can add a personal touch and taste better.

How long can I make this trifle in advance?
You can prepare the trifle up to a day ahead of time. Just keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Can I freeze Black Forest Trifle?
It’s not recommended to freeze the trifle as the whipped cream and pudding may not maintain their texture after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh from the fridge.

Black Forest Trifle

Print Recipe

A festive layered dessert with chocolate cake, cherries, pudding, and whipped cream that’s perfect for holiday celebrations.

Author: kaoucheegmail-com
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Chilling
Cuisine: German
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

Bake the chocolate cake according to the instructions on the box or your homemade recipe. Let it cool completely, then cut it into small cubes.
In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Set aside.
If using canned cherries, drain them and keep some juice. If using fresh cherries, pit them and mix with 1/4 cup of cherry juice.
In a large trifle bowl or individual cups, layer the ingredients: start with a layer of chocolate cake cubes, then add a layer of cherries, followed by vanilla pudding and whipped cream. Repeat until finished with whipped cream on top.
Cover the trifle and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible, to allow flavors to blend.

Notes

For a richer flavor, substitute chocolate pudding for vanilla and consider adding extra cherries or drizzling chocolate syrup for decoration.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 35g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: trifle, dessert, chocolate, Christmas, holiday, cherries