Description
Black Forest Trifle brings chocolate cake, cherries, and whipped cream together in a spectacular layered dessert that’ll make your dinner guests swoon. Your spoon will dive through rich chocolate crumbles, sweet cherry syrup, and creamy peaks for a classic German-inspired treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients:
- 1 chocolate cake (9×13) or brownies, baked and cooled
- 30 oz cherry pie filling
- 2 boxes chocolate pudding
Supporting Ingredients:
- 4 oz kirsch/cherry liqueur
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 2–4 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnish:
- Fresh cherries
- Shaved chocolate
- Chocolate sprinkles
- Cocoa powder
Instructions
- Slice the freshly baked 9×13-inch chocolate cake into precise 1-inch cubes after allowing it to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Drizzle 4 oz of kirsch or cherry juice evenly over the cake cubes, ensuring each piece absorbs the liquid thoroughly.
- Prepare two 90 g boxes of chocolate pudding according to package instructions, then refrigerate until the mixture reaches a cool, spreadable consistency.
- Pour 30 oz of cherry pie filling into a separate bowl, gently stirring to ensure even distribution of cherries.
- In a large mixing bowl, whip 1 ½ cups heavy cream with 2–4 tbsp powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract until stiff peaks form, creating a light and airy whipped cream.
- Select a clear glass trifle dish to showcase the beautiful layers of your dessert.
- Create the first layer by carefully placing cake cubes along the bottom of the dish, covering the entire surface.
- Spread a generous layer of chocolate pudding over the cake, making sure to cover each cube completely.
- Add a hearty layer of cherry pie filling, distributing the fruit evenly across the pudding.
- Top with a thick layer of freshly whipped cream, using a spatula to create smooth, elegant peaks.
- Repeat the layering process at least once, ending with a final layer of whipped cream.
- Refrigerate the trifle for a minimum of 1 hour, though overnight chilling will enhance the flavor melding.
- Before serving, garnish the top with fresh cherries, shaved chocolate, chocolate sprinkles, or a light dusting of cocoa powder.
Notes
- Swap store-bought cake for homemade to control sweetness and texture perfectly.
- Drain cherries well to prevent excess liquid from making the trifle soggy.
- For an alcohol-free version, replace kirsch with cherry juice or syrup from the canned cherries.
- Assemble the trifle in a clear glass dish to showcase beautiful layers and make a stunning presentation.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Trifles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg