why make this recipe

The Black Forest Trifle is a delightful dessert that brings festive cheer to any holiday gathering. With layers of chocolate cake, creamy pudding, and sweet cherries, it combines flavors and textures that everyone loves. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for Christmas, offering a beautiful presentation that will impress your guests. It’s a great way to celebrate the season with a treat that everyone can enjoy.

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 package instructions or your favorite homemade recipe. Allow it to cool completely. Once cooled, cut it into small cubes.
Whip the Cream: In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip until soft peaks form.
Prepare the Cherries: If using canned cherries, drain them and reserve the juice. If using fresh cherries, pit and chop them. Mix them with the cherry juice.
Assemble the Trifle: In a large trifle dish or individual cups, start layering. Begin with a layer of chocolate cake cubes, followed by some cherries, a layer of vanilla pudding, and then a layer of whipped cream. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with whipped cream on top.
Let it Chill: Cover the trifle and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to let it set.

how to serve Black Forest Trifle

Serve the Black Forest Trifle chilled. You can use a large serving spoon to scoop it out, allowing everyone to get a bit of everything in each serving. For an extra touch, sprinkle some dark chocolate shavings or cocoa powder on top before serving.

how to store Black Forest Trifle

Store the Black Forest Trifle in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it covered to maintain freshness. It’s best enjoyed within the first couple of days while the cake and cream are still light and fluffy.

tips to make Black Forest Trifle

Use high-quality chocolate cake for a richer flavor.
Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar in the whipped cream based on your sweetness preference.
If you want to make it extra special, consider adding a splash of kirsch (cherry liqueur) to the cherries.

variation

You can customize the Black Forest Trifle by using different fruits, such as raspberries or strawberries, instead of cherries. You may also swap the chocolate cake with a vanilla or red velvet cake for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this trifle ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the trifle a day in advance. Just cover it and store it in the refrigerator.

Q: Can I substitute the whipped cream?
A: Yes, you can use whipped topping instead of homemade whipped cream if you prefer.

Q: Is it necessary to chill the trifle?
A: Chilling the trifle helps the flavors meld together and gives it a better texture. It’s highly recommended!

Black Forest Trifle

Print Recipe

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

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Chilling and Layering
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 package instructions or your favorite homemade recipe. Allow it to cool completely. Once cooled, cut it into small cubes.
In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip until soft peaks form.
If using canned cherries, drain them and reserve the juice. If using fresh cherries, pit and chop them. Mix them with the cherry juice.
In a large trifle dish or individual cups, start layering. Begin with a layer of chocolate cake cubes, followed by some cherries, a layer of vanilla pudding, and then a layer of whipped cream. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with whipped cream on top.
Cover the trifle and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to let it set.

Notes

Store the trifle in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed within the first couple of days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 400
Sugar: 30g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 40mg

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