Introduction

Black Forest Trifle is a delightful twist on the classic Black Forest cake, perfect for Christmas gatherings. Combining layers of rich chocolate cake, creamy vanilla pudding, juicy cherries, and whipped cream, this dessert is both impressive and easy to assemble.

The image shows a tall, clear glass trifle bowl filled with multiple layers of dessert. Starting from the bottom, there is a dark chocolate cake layer, followed by a thick layer of chocolate pudding. Above the pudding is a layer of bright red cherries, then a thick spread of white whipped cream, another layer of dark chocolate cake, and a second layer of chocolate pudding covers the cake evenly. More cherries fill the next layer, topped with a large, fluffy layer of white whipped cream decorated with small dark chocolate shavings. On top of the whipped cream, a cluster of fresh red cherries with stems is placed as a garnish. The dessert is set against a white marbled surface, with scattered fresh cherries and a white bowl of cherries to the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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)

Instructions

Step 1: Bake the chocolate cake according to package instructions or your homemade recipe. Allow it to cool completely. Then cut the cake into 1-inch cubes for easy layering.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the cherries by draining canned cherries (reserving the juice) or pitting and chopping fresh cherries. Toss the cherries with their juice or syrup and let them marinate in a small bowl.
Step 4: In a trifle dish or individual glasses, layer a bottom layer of chocolate cake cubes, pressing gently to even them out.
Step 5: Spread a layer of vanilla pudding over the cake, smoothing with a spoon.
Step 6: Add a layer of marinated cherries along with some juice, distributing evenly.
Step 7: Top the cherries with a generous layer of whipped cream, smoothing gently.
Step 8: Repeat the layers—cake cubes, pudding, cherries, and whipped cream—until the dish is filled, finishing with whipped cream on top.
Step 9: Garnish the trifle with dark chocolate shavings and a few cherries for decoration. Optionally dust with cocoa powder.
Step 10: Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and the layers to set.

Tips & Variations

For quicker assembly, use store-bought brownies or sponge cake instead of baking chocolate cake.
Use fresh sour cherries in season for a brighter flavor, or substitute with frozen cherries if fresh are unavailable.
Add a splash of cherry liqueur or Kirsch to the cherry layer for an adult twist.
Make your own vanilla pudding to avoid preservatives and customize sweetness.
To prevent the whipped cream from weeping, stabilize it with a small amount of cream cheese or gelatin if desired.

Storage

Store the trifle covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will develop even more with time. When ready to serve, you can enjoy it chilled directly from the fridge—no reheating needed. For best texture, consume within the first day or two as the cake may soften over time.

How to Serve

This dessert is a tall layered trifle served in a clear glass bowl showing all layers. At the bottom is a white creamy layer with a smooth texture. Above it is a rich, dark brown chocolate cake layer with a soft crumbly texture, partially covered by a glossy chocolate pudding layer. On top of this is a thick layer of shiny red cherry jelly with whole cherries inside, some cherries resting on the white whipped cream layer above it. The whipped cream is fluffy and white with soft peaks, sprinkled lightly with thin chocolate shavings. A woman's hand holds a spoon lifting a bite showing all layers clearly – white cream, red cherry jelly, chocolate pudding, and dark chocolate cake. The background has a clean white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this trifle ahead of time?

Yes, this trifle is perfect for making ahead. Refrigerate it for several hours or overnight to let the flavors meld and the layers firm up.

What if I don’t have cherries on hand?

If you don’t have cherries, you can substitute with other red fruits like raspberries or strawberries. Just be sure to adjust the syrup or juice layers accordingly.