Black Forest Trifle is a delightful dessert that combines layers of rich chocolate cake, creamy whipped cream, and sweet cherries. It’s a favorite for festive occasions, especially during Christmas celebrations. The trifle is not only visually appealing but also offers a delicious blend of flavors and textures.
Table of Contents
Why make this recipe
Making a Black Forest Trifle brings a touch of elegance to your holiday table. It’s simple to prepare and can be made ahead of time, which frees you up to enjoy the festivities. The combination of chocolate, cherries, and cream creates a crowd-pleasing dessert that everyone will love. Plus, it’s a great way to use seasonal fruits, making it perfect for Christmas.
How to make Black Forest Trifle
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)
Directions
- Prepare the Cake: Bake the chocolate cake according to the package instructions or your favorite homemade recipe. Once baked, allow it to cool completely before cutting it into cubes.
- Whip the Cream: In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer to whip the cream until soft peaks form. Set aside.
- Prepare the Cherries: If using fresh cherries, pit and slice them. If using canned cherries, drain excess liquid and keep the juice. Combine the cherries with the cherry juice in a bowl.
- Assemble the Trifle: In a large trifle dish or individual cups, layer the chocolate cake cubes, cherries with juice, vanilla pudding, and whipped cream. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of whipped cream.
- Let it Chill: Cover the trifle with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Black Forest Trifle
A delightful dessert that combines layers of rich chocolate cake, creamy whipped cream, and sweet cherries, perfect for festive occasions.
- Total Time: 150 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
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
- Bake the chocolate cake according to the package instructions or your favorite homemade recipe. Allow it to cool completely before cutting it into cubes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip the cream until soft peaks form. Set aside.
- If using fresh cherries, pit and slice them. If using canned cherries, drain excess liquid and keep the juice. Combine the cherries with the cherry juice in a bowl.
- Layer the chocolate cake cubes, cherries with juice, vanilla pudding, and whipped cream in a large trifle dish or individual cups. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with whipped cream.
- Cover the trifle with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
Use high-quality chocolate cake for a richer flavor. Adjust the sweetness of the whipped cream by varying the powdered sugar. Experiment with different types of cherries for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: German
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
How to serve Black Forest Trifle
Serve the Black Forest Trifle chilled. Scoop out the trifle into bowls and garnish with dark chocolate shavings or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an extra touch. It’s a perfect dessert for holiday gatherings or special occasions.
How to store Black Forest Trifle
Keep any leftover trifle in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for up to 3 days. The layers may soften, but it will still be delicious.
Tips to make Black Forest Trifle
- Use high-quality chocolate cake for a richer flavor.
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the whipped cream by varying the amount of powdered sugar.
- Experiment with different types of cherries, such as sour cherries, for added tartness.
Variations
You can add layers of different flavors like almond or coconut pudding for a unique twist. Adding a splash of cherry liqueur to the cherry layer can also enhance the flavor.
Looking for other Christmas baking ideas? Check out this Gingerbread Cake.
FAQs
Q: Can I use store-bought cake for this recipe?
A: Yes, using a store-bought chocolate cake can save time and will work well for this trifle.
Q: How long can I make the trifle in advance?
A: You can prepare the trifle a day in advance, allowing it to chill overnight in the fridge.
Q: Can I freeze Black Forest Trifle?
A: It is not recommended to freeze trifle as the texture of the whipped cream and cake may change once thawed.
Conclusion
The Black Forest Trifle is a stunning and tasty dessert that’s perfect for Christmas gatherings. With its rich flavors and beautiful presentation, it is sure to impress family and friends. Easy to prepare and make ahead, this trifle will become a favorite festive treat in your holiday traditions. Enjoy every layer of this delicious dessert!
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