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
Scale
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
