Introduction

Celebrate the holidays with this indulgent Black Forest Trifle, a layered dessert combining rich chocolate cake, creamy vanilla pudding, juicy cherries, and fluffy whipped cream. It’s an impressive yet easy-to-make treat perfect for Christmas gatherings.

A clear glass bowl holds a layered dessert with five visible layers: the bottom and third layers are thick chocolate pudding with a smooth texture, the second and fourth layers are white whipped cream, and the middle layer shows dark chocolate cake pieces with inserted whole dark red cherries, some with stems, creating a dotted effect. The bowl is topped with a thick, fluffy whipped cream layer decorated with whole dark red cherries with stems and a sprinkle of fine dark chocolate shavings. The bowl sits on a white lace doily on a white marbled surface, with a long silver spoon lying beside it. 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. Let it 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: If using canned cherries, drain and reserve the juice. If fresh, pit and chop cherries. Combine cherries with their juice in a bowl and let marinate.
Step 4: In a large trifle dish or individual glasses, start with a layer of chocolate cake cubes, pressing gently to form a base.
Step 5: Spread a layer of vanilla pudding over the cake, smoothing it evenly.
Step 6: Spoon marinated cherries and some of the juice over the pudding layer, distributing evenly.
Step 7: Add a generous layer of whipped cream on top, smoothing with a spatula.
Step 8: Repeat the layers—cake, pudding, cherries, and whipped cream—until the dish is filled, ending with whipped cream on top.
Step 9: Garnish the trifle with dark chocolate shavings and a few cherries. Optionally, dust with cocoa powder for a festive touch.
Step 10: Refrigerate the trifle for at least 3 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and layers to set before serving.

Tips & Variations

You can substitute the chocolate cake with brownies or sponge cake for different texture and flavor.
Use fresh cherries in season for the best flavor, or add a splash of cherry liqueur for an adult twist.
Whip the cream gently to avoid overbeating; stiff peaks give the best structure for layering.
For a lighter dessert, try using low-fat pudding or whipped coconut cream as alternatives.

Storage

Store the Black Forest Trifle covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen with time, but the cake may become softer. Serve chilled and if needed, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for best texture.

How to Serve

The image shows a clear glass filled with a layered dessert, starting at the bottom with dark red cherries, followed by a creamy white layer mixed with brown chocolate shavings and small nut pieces, then another layer of cherries, and creamy white on the top with more chocolate shavings and chopped nuts scattered throughout. The dessert is topped with three dark, glossy cherries with green stems. In the background, two similar glasses with the same dessert are slightly blurred. The dessert sits on a dark surface with some scattered nut pieces and a colorful ornamental heart shape below the glass, all set on a 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 the trifle ahead of time?

Yes, this trifle is perfect for making a day ahead. Refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the pudding to set nicely.

What can I use instead of canned cherries?

Fresh pitted cherries are a great substitute when in season. Alternatively, you can use frozen cherries that have been thawed and drained.