Description
This indulgent Black Forest Trifle combines layers of moist chocolate cake, luscious cherry pie filling, smooth chocolate pudding, and fluffy whipped cream. Enhanced with a splash of kirsch or cherry liqueur and garnished with fresh cherries and chocolate shavings, this no-bake assembled dessert captures the classic flavors of the Black Forest cake in a beautifully layered trifle perfect for celebrations or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- One 9×13 chocolate cake or brownie, baked according to package or recipe directions (or use homemade easy chocolate sheet cake)
Cherry Filling
- 30 ounces cherry pie filling (approx. 2 cups), store-bought or homemade
- 4 ounces kirsch or cherry brandy, any cherry liqueur or amaretto (or cherry juice for a non-alcoholic version)
Pudding
- 2 boxes chocolate pudding (90 grams each), prepared according to directions or homemade
Whipped Cream
- 1 ½ cups cold heavy whipping cream or double cream
- 2–4 tablespoons (15–30 grams) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Or substitute with 3 cups whipped topping, defrosted
Garnishing
- Fresh cherries
- Shaved chocolate
- Chocolate sprinkles
- Icing sugar or cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Bake the chocolate cake according to the package directions or your chosen homemade recipe. Allow it to cool completely, then cut the cake into 1-inch cubes to create uniform layers for the trifle.
- Make the Pudding: Prepare the chocolate pudding as directed on the package or utilizing your homemade recipe. After preparation, let the pudding cool to room temperature to ensure it sets properly in the trifle layers.
- Whip the Cream: In a large bowl with a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment or a hand mixer, combine cold heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Begin mixing on low speed, gradually increasing to medium-high as soft peaks form, continuing until stiff peaks develop to achieve a perfect whipped consistency.
- Assemble the Trifle: Place half of the cubed chocolate cake into the bottom of a trifle bowl, pressing down gently. Drizzle half of the kirsch or cherry liqueur over the cake if using. Layer with half of the prepared chocolate pudding, then half of the cherry pie filling. Spread half of the whipped cream on top. Repeat the layering process ending with a final layer of whipped cream, creating a visually appealing dessert.
- Chill: Cover the assembled trifle and refrigerate for 1 to 4 hours to allow flavors to meld and layers to set properly. For best results, chill overnight.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, decorate the top of the trifle with fresh cherries, shaved chocolate, chocolate sprinkles, and dust with icing sugar or cocoa powder. Serve chilled to enjoy the full flavors and textures of this classic Black Forest dessert in trifle form.
Notes
- Use cherry juice instead of kirsch for a non-alcoholic version.
- Homemade chocolate pudding and cherry pie filling elevate the dessert’s freshness.
- Chilling overnight enhances the melding of flavors and makes slicing servings easier.
- Substitute whipped topping for homemade whipped cream for a quicker preparation.
- This trifle can be prepared a day ahead to save time before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes (for baking cake)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: German
Keywords: Black Forest Trifle, Chocolate trifle, Cherry trifle, Layered dessert, No-bake dessert, Holiday dessert
