Why Make This Recipe
Making a Black Forest Trifle is a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season. This dessert is not only delicious but also visually stunning, making it perfect for Christmas gatherings. It’s a great way to combine the traditional flavors of chocolate, cherries, and cream into a festive treat that everyone will love. Plus, it can be made ahead of time, which takes the stress out of holiday cooking.
How to Make Black Forest Trifle
Ingredients:
- 1 box of chocolate cake mix (or 1 homemade chocolate cake)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for whipping)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups canned or fresh cherries (pitted, with juice or syrup)
- 1/4 cup cherry juice (from the canned cherries or fresh)
- 2 cups vanilla pudding (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate shavings (or grated chocolate)
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (optional for garnish)
Directions:
Prepare the Cake:
Bake your chocolate cake according to the package or your homemade recipe. Let it cool completely before cutting it into cubes.Whip the Cream:
In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then continue whipping until you have stiff peaks.Prepare the Cherries:
If using canned cherries, drain them, reserving the juice. Use the cherry juice as needed to moisten the cake. If using fresh cherries, just pit and chop them.Assemble the Trifle:
In a large glass bowl or individual cups, start layering: first, a layer of chocolate cake cubes, then a layer of cherries, followed by a layer of vanilla pudding, and then a layer of whipped cream. Repeat these layers until you reach the top.Let it Chill:
Cover the trifle with plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together.
How to Serve Black Forest Trifle
Serve the Black Forest Trifle chilled. You can garnish each serving with extra whipped cream, dark chocolate shavings, or a sprinkle of cocoa powder to make it even more festive. It makes a beautiful centerpiece for your holiday table.
How to Store Black Forest Trifle
Store any leftover trifle in the refrigerator, covered. It is best enjoyed within 2-3 days. The longer it sits, the more the layers blend together, which can affect the texture.
Tips to Make Black Forest Trifle
- Use a high-quality chocolate cake mix or make your cake from scratch for the best flavor.
- Ensure your heavy cream is chilled to achieve better whipping results.
- If you want a more intense cherry flavor, you can add a splash of cherry liqueur to the cherries or pudding.
- For an extra chocolatey touch, increase the amount of dark chocolate shavings between the layers.
Variation
For a twist on the traditional Black Forest Trifle, you can add layers of chocolate mousse or switch the cherries for raspberries or strawberries, creating a Berry Forest Trifle. This adds a fresh fruit flavor while still maintaining a rich, chocolate base.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh or canned?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Just thaw them and drain any excess liquid before using.
2. Can I make this trifle a day ahead?
Absolutely! This trifle can be made a day in advance. In fact, letting it chill overnight allows the flavors to develop beautifully.
3. What if I don’t have vanilla pudding?
If you don’t have vanilla pudding, you can use a simple vanilla custard or even whipped yogurt for a lighter option. Just ensure it’s sweetened to taste.
Black Forest Trifle
- Total Time: 150 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A stunning and delicious dessert that combines layers of chocolate cake, cherries, vanilla pudding, and whipped cream, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 box of chocolate cake mix (or 1 homemade chocolate cake)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for whipping)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups canned or fresh cherries (pitted, with juice or syrup)
- 1/4 cup cherry juice (from the canned cherries or fresh)
- 2 cups vanilla pudding (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate shavings (or grated chocolate)
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Bake your chocolate cake according to the package or your homemade recipe. Let it cool completely before cutting it into cubes.
- In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then continue whipping until you have stiff peaks.
- If using canned cherries, drain them, reserving the juice. Use the cherry juice as needed to moisten the cake. If using fresh cherries, just pit and chop them.
- In a large glass bowl or individual cups, start layering with chocolate cake cubes, followed by cherries, vanilla pudding, and whipped cream. Repeat until you reach the top.
- Cover the trifle with plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge for at least 120 minutes.
- Serve the Black Forest Trifle chilled, garnished with extra whipped cream, dark chocolate shavings, or cocoa powder.
Notes
This trifle can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for holiday celebrations. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, best enjoyed within 2-3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Black Forest, trifle, dessert, holiday, chocolate, cherries