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Black Forest Trifle for Christmas Recipe

Black Forest Trifle for Christmas Recipe

5.2 from 26 reviews

This Black Forest Trifle is a festive and decadent layered dessert perfect for Christmas celebrations. Featuring moist chocolate cake, creamy vanilla pudding, juicy cherries, and fluffy whipped cream, all topped with rich dark chocolate shavings, this trifle combines all the classic flavors of a Black Forest cake in a simple, easy-to-assemble dish that can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for a stunning holiday treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Layer

  • 1 box of chocolate cake mix (or 1 homemade chocolate cake)

Whipped Cream

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Fruit Layer

  • 2 cups canned or fresh cherries (pitted, with juice or syrup)
  • 1/4 cup cherry juice (from the canned cherries or fresh)

Pudding Layer

  • 2 cups vanilla pudding (store-bought or homemade)

Topping

  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate shavings (or grated chocolate)
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (optional for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cake: Bake the chocolate cake following the instructions on the box or your homemade recipe. Allow it to cool completely, then cut into 1-inch cubes for layering.
  2. Whip the Cream: In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract using a hand or stand mixer until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
  3. Prepare the Cherries: Drain canned cherries, reserving the juice, or pit and chop fresh cherries. Combine cherries with the juice or syrup and let them marinate in a small bowl.
  4. Assemble the Trifle: In a trifle dish or individual glasses, layer the chocolate cake cubes evenly at the bottom. Spread a layer of vanilla pudding over the cake, then spoon marinated cherries with some juice on top. Add a generous layer of whipped cream and smooth it with a spatula. Repeat layers until the dish is full, finishing with a whipped cream layer.
  5. Top with Chocolate and Cherries: Garnish the trifle with dark chocolate shavings and a few cherries for decoration. Optionally, dust cocoa powder on top.
  6. Let it Chill: Refrigerate the assembled trifle for at least 3 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and layers to set.

Notes

  • For a quicker option, use store-bought brownies or sponge cake instead of baking a chocolate cake.
  • Chilling the trifle overnight improves flavor and texture.
  • Use fresh cherries in season for best flavor, or good-quality canned cherries if fresh are not available.
  • Ensure the cake is completely cooled before assembling to prevent sogginess.
  • The cocoa powder topping is optional but adds an extra chocolatey touch.
  • For a richer whipped cream, chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping.

Nutrition

Keywords: Black Forest Trifle, Christmas dessert, layered dessert, chocolate cake trifle, cherry trifle, holiday dessert