Introduction

Black Forest Trifle is a festive and delightful dessert, perfect for Christmas celebrations. This layered treat combines rich chocolate cake, tangy cherries, creamy pudding, and fluffy whipped cream for a show-stopping finale your guests will love.

The dessert is served in a clear glass goblet with a wide bowl and short stem, placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a deep red berry compote with a thick texture, topped with a thick layer of creamy white whipped cream with soft peaks. Above this, a layer of crumbly brown nuts and chocolate bits adds texture, scattered unevenly. Another layer of cream is spooned on top, drizzled with red berry sauce. The dessert is decorated with whole walnuts and shiny red berries, and crowned with a swirl of whipped cream topped with a dark red, leaf-shaped edible garnish dusted with powdered sugar. In the background, there are similar desserts and small gold festive decorations. 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 instructions on the box or your homemade recipe. Allow it to cool completely. Once cooled, cut the cake 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 your cherries by draining canned cherries and reserving the juice, or pit and chop fresh cherries. Mix them with the cherry juice and let them marinate.
Step 4: Begin assembling the trifle by placing a layer of chocolate cake cubes at the bottom of a large trifle dish or individual glasses.
Step 5: Spread a layer of vanilla pudding over the cake cubes, smoothing with a spoon.
Step 6: Spoon a layer of marinated cherries (with juice) over the pudding, spreading evenly.
Step 7: Add a generous layer of whipped cream over the cherries, smoothing gently with a spatula.
Step 8: Repeat the layers—cake, pudding, cherries, and whipped cream—until the trifle dish is filled, finishing with a whipped cream layer on top.
Step 9: Garnish the top with dark chocolate shavings and a few cherries. Optionally, dust with cocoa powder.
Step 10: Refrigerate the assembled trifle for at least 3 hours or overnight to let the flavors meld and the layers set.

Tips & Variations

For a quicker version, use store-bought brownies or sponge cake instead of baking from scratch.
Fresh cherries add the best flavor, but canned cherries with syrup work well if fresh aren’t available.
To add a boozy touch, drizzle a little cherry liqueur or brandy over the cake layers before adding pudding.
Try using chocolate pudding instead of vanilla for a richer chocolate flavor.

Storage

Store the trifle covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even better the next day. When ready to serve, give it a gentle stir to combine the layers if desired. No reheating is needed—serve chilled.

How to Serve

A clear glass dessert cup holds a layered dessert with a dark red fruit base at the bottom, topped by chunks of white cream and crumbly brown nuts mixed with dark brown chocolate pieces, layered unevenly. Above this is a swirl of light cream, crowned by shiny red cherries and red edible leaves. The glass cup stands on a white marbled surface, with two similar dessert cups blurred in the background and small festive gold decorations around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the trifle in advance?

Yes, it’s best to prepare the trifle at least 3 hours ahead, or ideally overnight, so the layers have time to soak and meld their flavors.

Can I use homemade pudding instead of store-bought?

Absolutely. Homemade pudding works wonderfully and allows you to control sweetness and texture, making your trifle even more special.