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
Scale
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.
