why make this recipe

This Black Forest Trifle is not only beautiful to look at, but it also combines delicious flavors that everyone loves. It brings together rich chocolate cake, sweet cherries, and creamy layers of pudding and whipped cream. Plus, it’s a great dessert for celebrations or cozy family gatherings. Making this trifle is an easy way to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

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: If using a box mix, follow the package instructions to bake the chocolate cake. Cool it completely before cutting it into cubes. If you’ve opted for a homemade cake, let it cool, then slice it up.
Whip the Cream: In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. This whipped cream is the magic layer!
Prepare the Cherries: If using canned cherries, drain them but keep that delicious juice! Mix the cherry juice with the cherries to bring out the flavor.
Assemble the Trifle: In a large trifle bowl (or individual cups for a fun touch), start layering: Begin with a layer of chocolate cake, followed by a layer of cherries, then a layer of vanilla pudding, and a generous dollop of whipped cream. Repeat the layers until you reach the top, finishing off with whipped cream and a sprinkle of dark chocolate shavings.
Let it Chill: Cover your trifle with plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This allows all those heavenly flavors to meld together. Dig in and enjoy your stunning Christmas dessert that’s as delightful to eat as it is to look at!

how to serve Black Forest Trifle

Serve the Black Forest Trifle in individual cups for a fun twist, or use a large trifle bowl to showcase the beautiful layers. Garnish with extra chocolate shavings and a few cherries on top for an extra touch.

how to store Black Forest Trifle

Store any leftovers in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap or a lid. It’s best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days, as the cake can become mushy over time.

tips to make Black Forest Trifle

Use high-quality chocolate cake for the best flavor.
Make sure to whip the cream until it’s just right—soft peaks are perfect for this dessert.
For an adult version, you can add a splash of cherry liqueur to the cherry layer.

variation

You can use other types of fruit, like raspberries or strawberries, instead of cherries for a different flavor. You can also swap chocolate cake with vanilla cake for a lighter version.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make this trifle ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the layers a day in advance, but it’s best to assemble the trifle the day you plan to serve it to keep the cake from getting too soggy.

Q2: Is it possible to use frozen cherries?
Absolutely! Just thaw and drain them before mixing with cherry juice.

Q3: Can I leave out the pudding?
You can, but the pudding adds a creamy texture that is a key part of this dessert. Consider using whipped cream alone if you want to skip it.

Black Forest Trifle

Author: kaoucheegmail-com
Total Time: 150
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A stunning dessert combining rich chocolate cake, sweet cherries, creamy pudding, and whipped cream, perfect for celebrations.

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

Prepare the Cake: If using a box mix, follow the package instructions to bake the chocolate cake. Cool it completely before cutting it into cubes. If you’ve opted for a homemade cake, let it cool, then slice it up.
Whip the Cream: In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
Prepare the Cherries: If using canned cherries, drain them but keep that delicious juice! Mix the cherry juice with the cherries.
Assemble the Trifle: In a large trifle bowl (or individual cups), start layering: Begin with a layer of chocolate cake, followed by a layer of cherries, then a layer of vanilla pudding, and a generous dollop of whipped cream. Repeat the layers until you reach the top, finishing off with whipped cream and dark chocolate shavings.
Let it Chill: Cover your trifle with plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge for at least 120 minutes.

Notes

Store leftovers in the fridge, best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days. For an adult twist, add cherry liqueur to the cherry layer.

Prep Time: 30
Cook Time: 30
Category: Dessert
Method: No Cook
Cuisine: German

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 400
Sugar: 30g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: trifle, dessert, chocolate, cherries, celebration, layered dessert