Black Forest Trifle Recipe
The Black Forest Trifle is a swoon-worthy showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to create at home. Featuring decadent layers of fudgy chocolate cake, luscious cherry pie filling, billowy clouds of vanilla whipped cream, and a dramatic snowfall of dark chocolate shavings, this dessert takes inspiration from the classic German Black Forest cake, but with a playful, no-fuss twist. It’s indulgent enough for holidays and parties, yet simple enough to whip up for a cozy night in. If you love the combination of chocolate, cherries, and cream, you’re about to fall head over heels!
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Chocolate Cake:
- 1 chocolate cake (boxed or homemade), baked and cooled
Cherry Layer:
- 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
Whipped Cream:
- 2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Additional:
- 1 bar (3.5 ounces) dark chocolate, shaved or grated
- Maraschino cherries or fresh cherries for garnish
How to Make Black Forest Trifle
Step 1: Cube the Chocolate Cake
Once your chocolate cake has cooled completely, cut it into small squares or cubes. Bite-sized pieces help the cake absorb all the juicy cherry goodness while still holding their shape in the trifle layers.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
In a chilled mixing bowl, add the cold heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract if you’re feeling adventurous. Whip the mixture on medium-high until it forms soft, billowy peaks—watch carefully, as overwhipping will turn it grainy.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
Start with half of the cake cubes at the bottom of a clear trifle dish or a large glass bowl. Spoon half of the cherry pie filling over the cake, letting a little syrup dribble down the sides. Next, smooth half of the whipped cream on top. Repeat the layers with the remaining cake, cherries, and whipped cream, creating a beautiful, mouthwatering stack.
Step 4: Add Chocolate Shavings and Cherries
Using a vegetable peeler, shave curls or shards from the dark chocolate bar and scatter them generously on top of the final whipped cream layer. Crown the trifle with maraschino or fresh cherries for a playful, festive touch.
Step 5: Chill and Meld the Flavors
Cover the trifle and refrigerate for at least two hours—overnight is even better! This rest gives the cake time to soak up the cherry juices and the flavors to blend beautifully into each irresistible spoonful.
How to Serve Black Forest Trifle
Garnishes
For a picture-perfect Black Forest Trifle, don’t skimp on the finishing touches. Sprinkling extra dark chocolate shavings, a few whole cherries, and even a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving will turn your trifle into the star of any dessert table. Try edible gold leaf or chocolate curls if you’re feeling fancy!
Side Dishes
Since Black Forest Trifle is already such a decadent treat, keep sides simple—think espresso, strong coffee, or even a small glass of Kirsch for adults. If you want a lighter touch, pair it with fresh berries or a citrusy fruit salad for balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Make individual mini Black Forest Trifles in stemless wine glasses or mason jars for a party-friendly version. Alternatively, serve it family-style in a big glass bowl to let everyone dig in, or add a surprise layer of chocolate mousse for extra wow-factor!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with some Black Forest Trifle left (how did that happen?), simply cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. It’ll stay lovely and moist for up to 3 days, though the cake will continue to soak up more cherry flavor over time.
Freezing
While technically you can freeze Black Forest Trifle, the whipped cream and cherries won’t retain their perfect texture after thawing. If needed, freeze just the cake cubes and assemble the rest from fresh ingredients when ready to serve.
Reheating
No reheating required with this dessert! Serve Black Forest Trifle chilled, straight from the fridge, as it’s best enjoyed cold for maximum creaminess and flavor contrast.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought cake or brownies instead of baking from scratch?
Absolutely! Store-bought chocolate cake or brownies make putting Black Forest Trifle together even faster, and the results are just as delicious.
Can I make Black Forest Trifle ahead of time?
Yes, assembling the trifle a day in advance lets the flavors marry beautifully. Just garnish with chocolate and cherries right before serving for the freshest look.
What can I use instead of cherry pie filling?
Swap with homemade cherry compote or even jarred sour cherries in syrup; just make sure to include some juice for that classic trifle soak.
Is there a non-dairy alternative for the whipped cream?
Coconut cream, whipped until fluffy with a touch of powdered sugar, makes a great non-dairy substitute that still delivers luscious texture and taste.
Can I add alcohol to the trifle?
Absolutely! Drizzling the cake layers with Kirsch or cherry liqueur is traditional and elevates the flavors, but skip it if you prefer a family-friendly dessert.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a chocolate-cherry dream with practically no effort, Black Forest Trifle is about to become your new signature dish. Dive in, make it your own, and surprise your friends and family with this easy yet spectacular dessert—you’ll be the hit of every gathering!
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Black Forest Trifle Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent layers of chocolate cake, cherry pie filling, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings in this delightful Black Forest Trifle. A stunning and delicious dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Chocolate Cake:
- 1 chocolate cake (boxed or homemade), baked and cooled
Cherry Layer:
- 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
Whipped Cream:
- 2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Additional:
- 1 bar (3.5 ounces) dark chocolate, shaved or grated
- Maraschino cherries or fresh cherries for garnish
Instructions
- Cut the Cake: Cut the cooled chocolate cake into small cubes.
- Whip Cream: Whip the cold heavy cream with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract until soft peaks form.
- Layer: In a trifle dish, layer cake cubes, cherry pie filling, and whipped cream twice.
- Top and Chill: Top with chocolate shavings, garnish with cherries, and chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- For added richness, drizzle with cherry liqueur or Kirsch.
- You can use store-bought chocolate cake or brownies for convenience.
- Make a day ahead and refrigerate overnight for best results.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Layering (No-Bake)
- Cuisine: German-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
