Name: Black Forest Trifle for Christmas Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Cuisine: Christmas
Ingredients: 1 box of chocolate cake mix (or 1 homemade chocolate cake); 1 cup heavy cream; 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)

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Introduction

Black Forest Trifle is a festive twist on the classic dessert, perfect for Christmas gatherings. Layers of rich chocolate cake, creamy pudding, juicy cherries, and whipped cream combine to create a show-stopping treat that’s easy to assemble and sure to impress.

A clear glass dessert bowl sitting on a white marbled surface is filled with several layers of dessert. The bottom layer is dark chocolate pudding with a smooth texture, topped by a thick layer of whipped cream which is white and fluffy. Above this is a layer of crushed cookies, light brown and crumbly, sprinkled unevenly. The next layer consists of bright red cherries with a shiny, juicy look. At the top, a swirl of whipped cream rises in a peak, decorated with a few whole cherries. The overall look is rich and inviting, with a clear contrast between dark, white, and red layers. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Bake the chocolate cake according to the package instructions or your homemade recipe; let it cool completely. Then cut it into 1-inch cubes.
Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form; set aside.
Step 3: Prepare cherries by draining canned cherries and reserving the juice, or pit and chop fresh cherries. Mix cherries with their juice or syrup and let marinate.
Step 4: In a trifle dish or individual glasses, layer the dessert starting with a layer of chocolate cake cubes, pressing gently to even out the base.
Step 5: Spread a layer of vanilla pudding over the cake, then add a layer of marinated cherries with some juice.
Step 6: Add a generous layer of whipped cream over the cherries, smoothing it carefully.
Step 7: Repeat the layers of cake, pudding, cherries, and whipped cream until the dish is full, finishing with whipped cream on top.
Step 8: Garnish with dark chocolate shavings and a few cherries for decoration.
Step 9: Refrigerate the trifle for at least 3 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and layers to set.

Tips & Variations

For a quicker version, use store-bought brownies or sponge cake instead of baking a cake from scratch.
Swap vanilla pudding for chocolate or black cherry pudding to enhance flavors.
Add a splash of cherry liqueur to the cherry mixture for an adult twist.
Use fresh cherries when in season for the best texture and flavor.

Storage

Store the trifle covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making it even better the next day. Reheat is not recommended; serve chilled for the best experience.

How to Serve

Three glass dessert cups hold a layered treat, each glass showing a clear view of the layers inside. At the bottom is a smooth, white creamy layer, topped by a crumbly brown layer that looks like crushed cookies or nuts. Above this is a thick, deep red berry sauce with whole dark berries mixed in, followed by a generous swirl of white whipped cream. More berries and dark chocolate shavings are sprinkled on top, with a single red cherry perched at the peak of the center glass. The glasses sit on a white marbled surface with two shiny silver spoons placed in front, and soft golden lights glow softly in the blurred background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the trifle in individual servings?

Yes, using individual glasses or small jars works perfectly and makes for elegant presentation and easy serving.

What if I don’t have cherry juice?

You can substitute cherry juice with a bit of cherry syrup from canned cherries or a splash of water mixed with a little sugar for sweetness.