Introduction

This Black Forest Trifle is a delightful twist on the classic dessert, perfect for Christmas celebrations. Layers of rich chocolate cake, creamy vanilla pudding, luscious cherries, and fluffy whipped cream come together in a beautiful, easy-to-make treat that will impress your guests.

The dessert is served in a clear glass footed bowl, showing multiple layers from bottom to top. The bottom layer is a dark chocolate cake or crumb base, rich and crumbly in texture. Above this is a layer of creamy white cheesecake or mousse with a smooth texture, broken into chunks. Scattered around are pieces of nuts and watermelon-shaped red jelly pieces. There is also a drizzle of deep red berry sauce running over the cream and cake layers. The dessert is finished with a swirl of white whipped cream on top, decorated with more red jelly pieces resembling leaves. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with soft lighting. 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 the package instructions or your homemade recipe. Allow it to cool completely, then cut into 1-inch cubes.
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 (reserve juice) or pitting and chopping fresh cherries. Mix the cherries with their juice or syrup and let marinate.
Step 4: Begin assembling the trifle by layering chocolate cake cubes at the bottom of a large trifle dish or individual glasses. Press gently to form an even base.
Step 5: Spread a layer of vanilla pudding over the cake cubes, smoothing with a spoon.
Step 6: Spoon a layer of marinated cherries along with some juice evenly over the pudding.
Step 7: Add a generous layer of whipped cream over the cherries, smoothing gently with a spatula.
Step 8: Repeat the layers of cake, pudding, cherries, and whipped cream until the dish is filled, finishing with a layer of whipped cream on top.
Step 9: Garnish the top with dark chocolate shavings and a few cherries. Optionally, dust with cocoa powder for extra decoration.
Step 10: Refrigerate the trifle for at least 3 hours or overnight to let flavors meld and layers set before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a boozy twist, add a splash of cherry liqueur or brandy to the cherry juice before marinating.
Use brownies or sponge cake instead of chocolate cake for quicker assembly.
Homemade vanilla pudding enhances flavor but store-bought is a convenient alternative.
Top with toasted almonds or crushed cookies for extra texture.

Storage

Store the Black Forest Trifle covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It is best enjoyed chilled and fresh, but the flavors deepen overnight. When ready to serve, gently stir the top layer of whipped cream if it has settled. Avoid freezing, as the texture can be compromised.

How to Serve

A clear glass dessert cup filled with three layers: the bottom layer is rich, dark chocolate mousse, smooth and glossy; the middle layer is light, creamy whipped cream with a fluffy texture; the top layer has broken pieces of crunchy chocolate and bright red cherries scattered on the cream, with a few small dollops of whipped cream peeking through, all standing on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries in this recipe?

Yes, frozen cherries work well. Thaw and drain them before marinating to avoid excess liquid in the trifle.

How early can I assemble the trifle before serving?

You can assemble the trifle up to a day in advance and refrigerate it. This allows the flavors to blend nicely and makes preparation easier on the day of serving.

Black Forest Trifle for Christmas Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 114 reviews

Celebrate Christmas with this decadent Black Forest Trifle, featuring layers of rich chocolate cake, creamy vanilla pudding, juicy cherries, and fluffy whipped cream, topped with dark chocolate shavings for an irresistible holiday dessert.

Author: Cleo
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 60 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: Western

Ingredients

Scale

Cake

1 box of chocolate cake mix (or 1 homemade chocolate cake)

Whipped Cream

1 cup heavy cream (for whipping)
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Fruit and Syrup

2 cups canned or fresh cherries (pitted, with juice or syrup)
1/4 cup cherry juice (from the canned cherries or fresh)

Pudding and Garnish

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: Prepare the chocolate cake by following the instructions on the box or your homemade recipe. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely before proceeding. For a quicker option, you can use store-bought brownies or sponge cake.
Cut the Cake into Cubes: After the cake has cooled, cut it into 1-inch bite-sized cubes to make layering in the trifle dish easier and neater.
Whip the Cream: In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream together with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This can be achieved using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Set the whipped cream aside for assembly.
Prepare the Cherries: If using canned cherries, drain them and reserve the juice. For fresh cherries, pit and chop them. Mix the cherries with their juice or syrup in a bowl and let them marinate briefly to enhance the flavor.
Assemble the Trifle: In a large trifle dish or individual glasses, start by layering the chocolate cake cubes evenly at the bottom. Next, spread a smooth layer of vanilla pudding over the cake. Spoon a generous layer of the marinated cherries and some juice on top of the pudding. Add a thick layer of whipped cream, smoothing it gently with a spatula.
Repeat Layers: Continue layering by repeating the cake cubes, pudding, cherries, and whipped cream until the trifle dish is filled, finishing with a layer of whipped cream on top.
Garnish: Decorate the top of the trifle with dark chocolate shavings and a few cherries for an attractive festive appearance. Optionally, dust cocoa powder over the top for extra chocolate flavor.
Chill the Trifle: Refrigerate the assembled trifle for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the layers to set properly before serving.

Notes

Use store-bought brownies or sponge cake for a quicker assembly.
Ensure the cake is completely cooled to prevent melting the whipped cream layers.
Marinating cherries in their juice amplifies their flavor and moistens the cake layers.
For homemade vanilla pudding, use your favorite recipe or instant pudding mix as preferred.
Optional cocoa powder garnish adds a subtle chocolate touch and visual appeal.
Chilling overnight improves the texture and melds flavors beautifully.

Keywords: Black Forest Trifle, Christmas dessert, layered trifle, chocolate cake dessert, holiday dessert, cherry trifle