Description
Black Forest Trifle layers soft chocolate cake, silky pudding, tart cherries, and fluffy whipped cream. It looks stunning, tastes festive, and sets up in the fridge for a stress free holiday dessert.
Ingredients
One 9×13 chocolate cake or brownie, baked and cooled (homemade or store bought)
30 oz cherry pie filling (about 2 cups), homemade or store bought
4 oz cherry liqueur, cherry brandy, amaretto, or cherry juice for a non alcoholic version
2 boxes (90 g each) chocolate pudding, prepared as directed or homemade
1½ cups cold heavy whipping cream (double cream works too)
2–4 tbsp powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional garnish: fresh cherries, shaved chocolate, chocolate sprinkles, icing sugar, or cocoa powder
Instructions
1. Cut cooled chocolate cake into 1 inch cubes.
2. Make chocolate pudding according to package or recipe and let it cool completely.
3. Whip cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form, or use thawed whipped topping.
4. In a trifle dish, layer half the cake cubes and lightly press down. Drizzle with half the cherry liqueur or cherry juice.
5. Add half the chocolate pudding, then half the cherry pie filling, followed by half the whipped cream.
6. Repeat the layers, ending with whipped cream on top.
7. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
8. Garnish just before serving with fresh cherries, chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or a dusting of sugar or cocoa. Serve cold.
Notes
Make components in advance: bake cake and make pudding 1–2 days ahead, store covered and chilled.
Assemble only a few hours before serving to keep the best texture.
Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container and enjoy within 2–3 days due to the cherry filling.
Servings: 8. Trifle size: one medium 9 inch bowl.
Flavor profile: rich, creamy, fruity with deep chocolate and cherry notes.
Texture: soft cake, smooth pudding, juicy cherries, fluffy whipped cream.
Substitutions: use store bought or homemade components; swap cherry juice for an alcohol free version; amaretto adds a nutty twist; brownies create extra fudgy layers.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–40 minutes (if baking cake)
- Category: Christmas Dessert Recipes
- Method: No bake layering
- Cuisine: German inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of trifle