introduction
This Black Forest Trifle is a rich layered dessert with chocolate cake, cherry filling, pudding, and whipped cream. It is easy to make and looks pretty in a clear trifle bowl. For another simple fruit dessert idea, try this easy black raspberry pie.
why make this recipe
Make this recipe when you want a showy dessert that feeds a crowd. It mixes familiar flavors—chocolate and cherries—into a make-ahead dish. You can prepare it ahead and keep it chilled until serving.
how to make Black Forest Trifle
Follow three main steps: bake or use a prepared chocolate cake, make pudding, and whip the cream. Layer the cake, kirsch (or juice), pudding, cherries, and whipped cream in a trifle bowl. Chill so the layers set and the flavors blend.
Ingredients :
One 9×13 chocolate cake or brownie baked according to package or recipe directions, 30 ounces cherry pie filling (approx 2 cups), store bought or homemade, 4 ounces kirsch or cherry brandy, any cherry liqueur or ameretto, cherry juice for non alcoholic version, 2 boxes chocolate pudding (90 grams each), prepared according to directions or homemade version., For the Whipped Cream (or substitute with 3 cups whipped topping defrosted):, 1 ½ cups cold heavy whipping cream or double cream, 2-4 tablespoons (15-30 grams) powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, For Garnishing:, Fresh cherries, Shaved chocolate, Chocolate sprinkles, Icing sugar or cocoa powder for dusting
Directions :
For the Cake:, Bake chocolate cake according to package directions or homemade recipe. Cool completely. Cut cake into 1” cubes., For the Pudding:, Prepare pudding as directed or using homemade recipe and allow to cool., For the Whipped Cream:, In a large bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment or in a large mixing bowl using a handheld mixer, add the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Start mixing on low speed. Once the mixture starts to increase in volume, or soft peaks increase the speed to medium-high until stiff peaks form., Assemble:, Place ½ of the cake in the bottom of a trifle bowl. Pressing down a little. Drizzle with ½ the kirsch if using. Top with half of the pudding, then half of the cherries and half of the whipped cream. Repeat layers ending with whipping cream. Cover and chill in the fridge for 1-4 hours or overnight for best results. Before serving garnish with fresh cherries, chocolate sprinkles or shaved chocolate if desired. Serve chilled.
how to serve Black Forest Trifle
Serve chilled in the trifle bowl or spoon into individual glasses. Use a large spoon to keep the layers intact. Garnish each serving with a fresh cherry and a little shaved chocolate.
how to store Black Forest Trifle
Cover the trifle tightly with plastic wrap. Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. After 3 days the cake will soften more and the texture will change.
tips to make Black Forest Trifle
- Chill the pudding before layering to avoid melting the whipped cream.
- Use kirsch or cherry liqueur for real flavor; use cherry juice for a non‑alcohol version.
- Press the cake cubes gently into the bowl so the layers stay neat.
- Make it the day before for best flavor melding.
variation (if any)
- Use brownies instead of cake for a denser texture.
- Swap chocolate pudding for chocolate mousse for a lighter texture.
- Add a layer of crushed cookies or toasted nuts for crunch.
FAQs
Q: Can I use store-bought cake?
A: Yes. A boxed or bakery chocolate cake works fine and saves time.
Q: Can I make this without alcohol?
A: Yes. Replace kirsch with cherry juice or extra cherry filling for a non‑alcohol version.
Q: How long should I chill the trifle before serving?
A: Chill at least 1–4 hours. Overnight gives the best flavor and texture.
Q: Can I freeze the trifle?
A: Freezing is not recommended. The whipped cream and pudding change texture when frozen and thawed.
Q: Can I assemble in individual cups?
A: Yes. Use small glasses or jars and layer the same way for single servings.
Black Forest Trifle
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Layering
- Cuisine: German
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich layered dessert with chocolate cake, cherry filling, pudding, and whipped cream, perfect for a crowd and ideal for make-ahead.
Ingredients
- One 9×13 chocolate cake or brownie baked according to package or recipe directions
- 30 ounces cherry pie filling
- 4 ounces kirsch or cherry brandy, or cherry juice for non-alcoholic version
- 2 boxes chocolate pudding (90 grams each)
- 1 ½ cups cold heavy whipping cream
- 2–4 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Fresh cherries for garnishing
- Shaved chocolate for garnishing
- Chocolate sprinkles for garnishing
- Icing sugar or cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
- Bake chocolate cake according to package directions or homemade recipe. Cool completely and cut into 1” cubes.
- Prepare pudding as directed and allow to cool.
- In a mixing bowl, add heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip until stiff peaks form.
- In a trifle bowl, place ½ of the cake cubes. Drizzle with ½ the kirsch if using. Layer with half of the pudding, cherries, and whipped cream. Repeat layers ending with whipped cream.
- Cover and chill in the fridge for 1-4 hours or overnight for best results.
- Garnish with fresh cherries and chocolate before serving and serve chilled.
Notes
Chill the pudding before layering to avoid melting the whipped cream. For best results, make it the day before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
