If you love the rich, indulgent flavors of chocolate and cherries combined in a luscious layered dessert, then this Black Forest Trifle Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine moist chocolate cake cubes soaked lightly with cherry liqueur if you like, layered lovingly with sweet cherry pie filling and dollops of fresh whipped cream, all topped with shimmering chocolate shavings. It’s a stunning, easy-to-make showstopper that brings the classic German-American Black Forest cake to life in a refreshingly simple trifle form. Whether you’re treating friends or family, this dessert offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors that anyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Black Forest Trifle Recipe lies in the simplicity and deliciousness of its ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating the layers of texture and flavor—from the tender chocolate cake to the tangy cherry filling and the fluffy cream topping. Here’s everything you’ll need to make magic happen.
- Chocolate cake mix (1 box, 18.25 oz): Provides a moist, rich chocolate base, easy to prepare from a mix.
- Cherry pie filling (1 can, 21 oz): Adds that sweet, fruity burst with a beautiful ruby-red color.
- Heavy cream (2 cups, cold): Whipped to stiff peaks, it offers lightness and creamy texture.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the whipped cream perfectly without a grainy feel.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the cream’s flavor with warmth and depth.
- Dark chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips (1/2 cup): Gives a delightful chocolate crunch and elegant finish.
- Kirsch or cherry liqueur (1 tablespoon, optional): A splash elevates the cake cubes with authentic cherry flavor.
- Fresh cherries and extra chocolate (optional for garnish): Adds freshness and visual appeal.
How to Make Black Forest Trifle Recipe
Step 1: Bake and Prepare the Cake
Start by baking the chocolate cake according to the package directions and allow it to cool completely. Cooling is crucial here because warm cake will cause the whipped cream to deflate and the layers to become messy. Once cooled, cut the cake into uniform 1-inch cubes to make layering easier and more visually appealing.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
Next, pour the cold heavy cream into a large bowl and add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the cream until stiff peaks form. This means the cream should hold its shape firmly when you lift the beaters. The gently sweetened cream is going to bring a light, fluffy contrast to the dense cake and juicy cherries.
Step 3: Flavor the Cake Cubes (Optional)
If you’re a fan of that classic Black Forest cherry kick, drizzle the cake cubes lightly with kirsch or cherry liqueur. This step adds an authentic depth and a hint of boozy warmth, but you can easily omit it if you prefer a non-alcoholic dessert.
Step 4: Layer Your Trifle
Now the fun begins. In a large trifle dish or individual serving glasses, start by placing half of the chocolate cake cubes evenly at the bottom. Next, spoon over half the cherry pie filling, letting some juices soak slightly into the cake. Then, dollop a generous layer of the whipped cream on top. Repeat these layers—cake, cherries, cream—until you finish with a top layer of whipped cream that will be your canvas for decorating.
Step 5: Add Chocolate and Chill
Sprinkle dark chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips over the top layer of whipped cream to add texture and an irresistible chocolate bite. Pop the trifle into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to let all the layers meld together beautifully. This chilling step makes the dessert taste even better and ensures it slices neatly.
How to Serve Black Forest Trifle Recipe
Garnishes
When it’s time to serve, make your Black Forest Trifle Recipe even more mouthwatering with a few fresh cherries on top and extra dark chocolate shavings. The vibrant red cherries contrast beautifully with the white whipped cream and dark chocolate, creating a dessert that’s as stunning as it is delicious. If you want to get fancy, a sprig of fresh mint can add a lovely bright note and visual freshness.
Side Dishes
This trifle is decadent enough to stand proudly on its own, but if you want to complete your dessert spread, serve it alongside a simple cup of hot coffee or a glass of dessert wine. Light biscotti or almond cookies make a crunchy companion that won’t overwhelm your palate. The richness of the trifle pairs perfectly with these crisp textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive occasion, create individual trifles in pretty stemmed glasses or mason jars, allowing guests to enjoy their personal portions with visible layers. You can also prepare a layered dessert platter by spooning the trifle into clear glass bowls layered with different textures and decorations. Using colorful or patterned dishes adds an extra wow factor, making your Black Forest Trifle Recipe unforgettable for any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, cover the trifle tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors actually deepen after a day or two, though texture is best within 2-3 days to keep the whipped cream fresh and the cake moist without getting soggy.
Freezing
Generally, freezing this Black Forest Trifle Recipe is not recommended because the whipped cream and cherry filling can separate when thawed, and the cake may become mushy. If you must freeze, try freezing individual cake cubes before assembling the trifle and use fresh whipped cream and cherry filling when ready to serve.
Reheating
Since this is a cold dessert, reheating is not necessary or advised. Simply allow refrigerated leftovers to come to a cool room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to enjoy their full flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use homemade chocolate cake instead of a mix?
Absolutely! A homemade chocolate cake adds a personal touch and can elevate the dessert even more. Just ensure it’s completely cooled before cubing and layering in the trifle.
What if I don’t have kirsch or cherry liqueur?
No worries! The kirsch is optional and you can skip it or substitute it with a little cherry juice or almond extract to keep the cherry vibe going.
Can I make this dessert vegan or dairy-free?
To make a vegan or dairy-free version, use a dairy-free cake recipe or mix, coconut whipped cream, and ensure your chocolate and cherry pie filling are egg and dairy-free. It’s a bit of an experiment but definitely doable!
How far in advance can I make the Black Forest Trifle Recipe?
You can assemble it up to a day ahead and store it in the fridge, which actually helps the flavors develop beautifully. Just be sure it’s covered well to keep it fresh.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?
Fresh cherries are delicious but may not have the syrupy consistency that pie filling offers. You can cook fresh cherries with a little sugar to make a quick compote if you prefer a fresher, less sweet filling.
Final Thoughts
This Black Forest Trifle Recipe is one of those desserts that feels like a special hug in every spoonful—decadently chocolatey, sweetly fruity, and with the lightest whipped cream bringing it all together. It’s so straightforward to make yet impressive enough for gatherings big and small. Trust me, once you try this treat, it will quickly become your trusted go-to for celebrations or any time you want to spoil yourself and your loved ones. So grab those ingredients and start layering up some happiness today!
Print
Black Forest Trifle Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes plus at least 2 hours chilling
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: German-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Black Forest Trifle is a delightful layered dessert combining rich chocolate cake, sweet cherry pie filling, and fluffy whipped cream. Inspired by the classic Black Forest cake, this easy-to-assemble trifle offers a perfect balance of chocolate and cherry flavors with a creamy texture. It requires baking the chocolate cake, followed by simple layering and chilling to meld the flavors, making it an impressive yet effortless treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Chocolate Cake
- 1 box (18.25 oz) chocolate cake mix, prepared and cooled
Cherry Layer
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
Whipped Cream
- 2 cups cold heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon kirsch or cherry liqueur (optional)
- Fresh cherries for garnish (optional)
- Extra chocolate for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bake the Cake: Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely to room temperature before proceeding.
- Cube the Cake: Cut the cooled chocolate cake into approximately 1-inch cubes to facilitate even layering in the trifle dish.
- Whip the Cream: In a large mixing bowl, whip the cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract using a mixer until stiff peaks form, ensuring a smooth and fluffy texture for layering.
- Add Kirsch to the Cake (Optional): Lightly drizzle the kirsch or cherry liqueur over the cake cubes to infuse extra cherry flavor, enhancing the traditional Black Forest taste.
- Layer the Trifle: In a trifle dish or individual serving glasses, begin by layering half of the chocolate cake cubes evenly at the bottom. Spoon half of the cherry pie filling over the cake, followed by a generous layer of whipped cream.
- Repeat Layers: Add the remaining chocolate cake cubes on top of the whipped cream, then layer the rest of the cherry pie filling, and finish with the remaining whipped cream to create appealing, distinct layers.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the top layer of whipped cream with dark chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips for texture and flavor. Optionally, garnish with fresh cherries and extra chocolate pieces for added visual appeal and taste.
- Chill: Refrigerate the trifle for at least 2 hours before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the dessert to set properly.
Notes
- You can substitute store-bought chocolate pound cake or brownies for the chocolate cake layer if preferred.
- For a quicker option, use store-bought whipped topping in place of fresh whipped cream.
- This dessert can be prepared a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator to enhance flavor melding.
