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Black Forest Trifle for Christmas Recipe

4.8 from 302 reviews

A festive Black Forest Trifle perfect for Christmas, featuring layers of moist chocolate cake, creamy vanilla pudding, juicy cherries, and fluffy whipped cream, all topped with rich chocolate shavings. This no-bake layered dessert is easy to assemble and ideal for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake

  • 1 box of chocolate cake mix (or 1 homemade chocolate cake)

Whipped Cream

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cherries

  • 2 cups canned or fresh cherries, pitted (with juice or syrup)
  • 1/4 cup cherry juice (from the canned cherries or fresh)

Pudding and Garnish

  • 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

  1. Prepare the Cake: Bake the chocolate cake according to the package instructions or your homemade recipe. Let it cool completely, then cut into 1-inch cubes to use as the base layer for the trifle.
  2. Whip the Cream: In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract using a mixer until stiff peaks form. Set aside for layering.
  3. Prepare the Cherries: Drain canned cherries, reserving the juice. If using fresh cherries, pit and chop them. Combine cherries with their juice or syrup in a small bowl and allow to marinate.
  4. Assemble the Trifle: In a large trifle dish or individual glasses, layer the chocolate cake cubes evenly on the bottom. Spread a layer of vanilla pudding over the cake, followed by a spoonful of marinated cherries with some juice. Add a generous layer of whipped cream on top. Repeat these layers until the dish is filled, finishing with whipped cream.
  5. Garnish: Sprinkle dark chocolate shavings over the top layer of whipped cream, add a few cherries for decoration, and optionally dust with cocoa powder.
  6. Chill the Trifle: Refrigerate the assembled trifle for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight, to let the flavors meld and the layers set for the best texture and taste.

Notes

  • You can substitute homemade chocolate cake or store-bought brownies for the chocolate cake cubes.
  • The dessert can be prepared a day ahead, making it convenient for holiday entertaining.
  • For a lighter version, use low-fat pudding and whip cream substitutes.
  • Ensure the cake is completely cooled before cutting and layering to prevent sogginess.
  • Use fresh cherries in season for the best flavor, or high-quality canned cherries as an alternative.

Keywords: Black Forest Trifle, Christmas dessert, layered trifle, chocolate cake, vanilla pudding, whipped cream, cherry dessert