Black Forest Trifle Recipe
Introduction
The Black Forest Trifle is a delightful twist on the classic Black Forest cake, layered beautifully with chocolate cake, cherry filling, rich pudding, and fluffy whipped cream. This easy-to-assemble dessert makes an impressive centerpiece for any occasion and can be prepared ahead for convenience.
Ingredients
- One 9×13 chocolate cake or brownie, baked according to package or homemade recipe
- 30 ounces cherry pie filling (approx 2 cups), store-bought or homemade
- 4 ounces kirsch or cherry brandy, cherry liqueur, amaretto, or cherry juice for non-alcoholic version
- 2 boxes chocolate pudding (90 grams each), prepared according to directions or homemade
- 1 ½ cups cold heavy whipping cream or double cream
- 2-4 tablespoons (15-30 grams) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Fresh cherries for garnish
- Shaved chocolate for garnish
- Chocolate sprinkles for garnish
- Icing sugar or cocoa powder for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Bake the chocolate cake according to package instructions or your homemade recipe. Once cooled completely, cut the cake into 1-inch cubes.
- Step 2: Prepare the chocolate pudding as directed on the package or use a homemade recipe. Allow it to cool.
- Step 3: To make the whipped cream, in a large bowl or stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, combine the cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Start mixing on low speed, gradually increasing to medium-high until stiff peaks form.
- Step 4: In a trifle bowl, place half of the cake cubes at the bottom and gently press down. Drizzle half of the kirsch or chosen liquid over the cake.
- Step 5: Layer half of the pudding over the cake, followed by half of the cherry pie filling and then half of the whipped cream.
- Step 6: Repeat the layers with the remaining cake, kirsch, pudding, cherries, and finish with whipped cream on top.
- Step 7: Cover the trifle and chill in the refrigerator for 1 to 4 hours, or overnight for the best flavor and texture.
- Step 8: Just before serving, garnish with fresh cherries, shaved chocolate, chocolate sprinkles, and a dusting of icing sugar or cocoa powder if desired. Serve chilled.
Tips & Variations
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute kirsch or liqueurs with cherry juice or a flavored syrup.
- Use homemade chocolate cake and pudding for a richer, more personalized flavor.
- Try layering in crushed cookies or nuts for added texture.
- Make the trifle a day ahead to allow flavors to meld and the dessert to set perfectly.
Storage
Store the trifle covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled until ready to serve to maintain the whipped cream’s texture. If the whipped cream softens, briefly whisk it again before serving or add a fresh layer on top.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries instead of canned cherry pie filling?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Just thaw and drain any excess juice before layering to avoid a soggy trifle. You might want to sweeten them slightly if they are tart.
Can I prepare this trifle without alcohol?
Absolutely. Simply substitute the kirsch or cherry liqueur with cherry juice, sweetened syrup, or even water to keep it family-friendly and alcohol-free.
Print
Black Forest Trifle Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Black Forest Trifle is a layered dessert featuring rich chocolate cake, cherry pie filling, luscious chocolate pudding, and fluffy whipped cream. Enhanced with cherry liqueur or a non-alcoholic cherry juice alternative, this no-bake assembled trifle is a crowd-pleaser perfect for gatherings or special occasions. Garnished with fresh cherries, shaved chocolate, and sprinkles, it combines classic Black Forest flavors in an easy-to-make, elegant presentation.
Ingredients
Cake
- One 9×13 chocolate cake or brownie, baked according to package or homemade recipe directions
Cherry Filling
- 30 ounces cherry pie filling (approx. 2 cups), store-bought or homemade
Alcohol or Juice
- 4 ounces kirsch or cherry brandy (or any cherry liqueur or amaretto), or cherry juice for non-alcoholic version
Pudding
- 2 boxes chocolate pudding (90 grams each), prepared according to package directions or homemade
Whipped Cream
- 1 ½ cups cold heavy whipping cream or double cream
- 2–4 tablespoons (15–30 grams) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Garnish
- Fresh cherries
- Shaved chocolate
- Chocolate sprinkles
- Icing sugar or cocoa powder, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Bake the Cake: Prepare a 9×13 chocolate cake or brownie according to the package directions or your preferred homemade recipe. Once baked, allow it to cool completely. After cooling, cut the cake into 1-inch cubes for layering.
- Prepare the Pudding: Make the chocolate pudding by following the package instructions or homemade recipe. Allow the pudding to cool fully before assembling the trifle to ensure proper layering.
- Make the Whipped Cream: In a large bowl fitted with a whisk attachment or using a handheld mixer, combine the cold heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Start mixing on low speed until the mixture begins to thicken and soft peaks form. Increase to medium-high speed and whip until stiff peaks develop, making sure not to overbeat.
- Assemble the Trifle: In a large trifle bowl, layer half of the cubed chocolate cake evenly at the bottom, pressing down slightly. Drizzle half of the kirsch or cherry liqueur (or cherry juice for non-alcoholic) evenly over the cake to soak.
- Layer the Filling: Spoon half of the chocolate pudding over the soaked cake layer, spreading gently. Next, add half of the cherry pie filling, followed by half of the whipped cream, spreading it evenly.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process with the remaining cake cubes, drizzle with remaining kirsch/juice, followed by the remaining pudding, cherry pie filling, and whipped cream. Smooth the final layer of whipped cream on top.
- Chill: Cover the trifle with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 to 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and the dessert to set.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, decorate the top with fresh cherries, shaved chocolate, chocolate sprinkles, and optionally dust with icing sugar or cocoa powder. Serve chilled for best taste and texture.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute kirsch or cherry brandy with cherry juice or another cherry-flavored syrup.
- You can use homemade chocolate cake or brownies for a richer flavor, or opt for store-bought cake mixes for convenience.
- Ensure pudding is fully cooled before layering to prevent melting the whipped cream or soaking the cake too much.
- Chilling overnight enhances the melding of flavors and improves texture.
- The whipped cream can be replaced with a whipped topping if preferred.
- Adjust powdered sugar in the whipped cream to taste depending on your sweetness preference.
- To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free chocolate cake or brownie as the base.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes (if baking cake)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: German-inspired
Keywords: Black Forest trifle, chocolate cherry trifle, layered dessert, chocolate pudding dessert, cherry trifle, no bake trifle, holiday dessert
