There’s something truly magical about layered desserts, and this Black Forest Cherry Trifle Recipe hits all the right notes. Rich chocolate cake, luscious cherries, creamy pudding, and fluffy whipped cream come together in one stunning, easy-to-make dessert that's perfect for any occasion.

This dessert is shown in a tall clear glass bowl on a glass stand, placed on a white marbled surface. It has six visible layers: starting from the bottom, there is a dark brown crumbly cake layer, then a smooth medium brown chocolate layer, followed by a thin dark red cherry sauce layer, a thick white cream layer, another dark brown crumbly cake layer, and a final medium brown chocolate layer. On top, there is a thick white cream layer spotted with dark brown chocolate shavings, and fresh bright red cherries with green stems sit on the very top. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Black Forest Cherry Trifle Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Black Forest Cherry Trifle Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Black Forest Cherry Trifle Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember making this Black Forest Cherry Trifle Recipe for a family gathering and watching everyone’s eyes light up with every bite. It’s such a crowd-pleaser and beautifully impressive without being complicated—total win, right?

Simply sophisticated: Layers come together effortlessly, creating an elegant dessert with minimal fuss.
Flexible ingredients: You can easily swap kirsch for cherry juice or use store-bought pudding to save time.
Make-ahead friendly: It tastes even better after chilling overnight, perfect for planning ahead.
Eye-catching presentation: The layers are visually stunning—almost too pretty to eat, but I promise you’ll want to!

The image shows a tall glass trifle dish filled with six visible layers. At the bottom, there is a dark chocolate crumb layer with a crumbly texture. Above that, a smooth, light brown chocolate pudding layer sits evenly. Next is a glossy deep red cherry sauce layer with whole cherries visible inside. Above this sits a thick, white creamy layer, topped by another crumbly dark chocolate layer. Above that, there is another chocolate pudding layer, followed by a white whipped cream layer with a soft, fluffy texture on top. The whipped cream is sprinkled lightly with dark chocolate shavings and garnished with a pile of shiny, fresh red cherries with green stems on top. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with some cherries scattered around and a glass of dark red juice in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in the Black Forest Cherry Trifle Recipe plays its part perfectly. From the moist chocolate cake that forms the base to the rich pudding and tangy cherries, it balances sweet, tart, and creamy elements beautifully. Here’s why I choose each:

Flat lay of a glossy chocolate sheet cake cut into neat cubes, a small white bowl of bright red fresh cherries with stems, a small white bowl filled with glossy cherry pie filling, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of smooth chocolate pudding, a small white bowl of thick cold heavy cream, a small white bowl of fine powdered sugar, a small white bowl of clear cherry liqueur, scattered dark chocolate shavings, and delicate chocolate sprinkles, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chocolate Cake: The dense, fudgy texture holds up well against the juicy cherries and creamy pudding. You can bake it from scratch or save time with a boxed mix.
Cherry Pie Filling: Provides that classic Black Forest flavor with its sweet-tart cherries and syrupy goodness. Homemade or store-bought both work well.
Kirsch or Cherry Brandy: Adds a lovely depth of cherry flavor with a slight boozy kick but feel free to use cherry juice for a kid-friendly version.
Chocolate Pudding: Creamy and smooth, it contrasts the textures perfectly and enhances the chocolate-cherry combo.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Fresh whipped cream adds lightness and fluffy texture, making the trifle feel like a dream to eat.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla elevates the whipped cream with subtle warmth and sweetness.
Garnishes (Fresh Cherries, Shaved Chocolate, Sprinkles): These finish the trifle with a pop of color and extra decadence that really make your dessert shine.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love making this Black Forest Cherry Trifle Recipe just as is, but I’ve found it’s super forgiving if you want to play around. Sometimes I swap out chocolate cake for brownies when I'm in a hurry, or add a layer of crushed cookies for extra crunch.

Variation: Once, I made this with almond extract instead of vanilla in the whipped cream and it gave a lovely nutty twist — a fun surprise for guests!
Dairy-free: Use coconut whipped topping instead of cream for a lush, dairy-free version that’s still divine.
Seasonal twist: Switch cherries for fresh berries during summer for a seasonal spin everyone will enjoy.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Black Forest Cherry Trifle Recipe

Step 1: Bake and Cube the Cake

Start by baking your chocolate cake according to your recipe or package instructions—cool completely before cutting into 1-inch cubes. This is key so the cake doesn't crumble when layering. I like to use a serrated knife and gently press down to get neat cubes.

Step 2: Prepare the Pudding

Make the chocolate pudding as directed or use a homemade pudding I adore for a richer taste. Let it cool fully—warm pudding will soak into the cake too much and make the trifle soggy, so patience here pays off.

Step 3: Whip the Cream to Perfection

Whip your heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. I always start slow on my mixer to prevent splatter and then increase speed—watch carefully so it doesn’t turn buttery. Fresh whipped cream makes all the difference.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

In a pretty trifle bowl, layer half your cake cubes, pressing slightly to even the layer, then drizzle half the kirsch over it. Next, spoon on half the pudding, then half the cherry pie filling, and half the whipped cream. Repeat the layers and finish with whipped cream on top.

Step 5: Chill and Garnish

Cover your trifle and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but ideally overnight. This chilling is gold—it lets flavors meld, and pudding sets just right. Right before serving, top with fresh cherries, shaved chocolate, sprinkles, or a dusting of cocoa powder for that classic Black Forest look.

Top Tip

Having made the Black Forest Cherry Trifle Recipe several times, I’ve learned a few tricks that make a big difference—these can help anyone nail the perfect texture and flavor harmony.

Chill time matters: Trust me, skipping the chill leads to runny pudding and blended layers—not what you want. At least a few hours in the fridge is essential.
Use fresh cherries for garnish: They brighten up the trifle visually and add a fresh bite to contrast the sweet layers.
Don’t over-soak the cake: Drizzle the kirsch gradually—too much can make the cake mushy. I go light; you can always add a splash more if needed.
Whip cream just right: Stiff peaks ensure the whipped cream stays fluffy and supports the layers instead of melting away too fast.

How to Serve Black Forest Cherry Trifle Recipe

Black Forest Cherry Trifle - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always top mine with fresh cherries and a generous sprinkle of shaved dark chocolate—it adds a beautiful texture contrast and richness. Sometimes a light dusting of cocoa powder or a few chocolate sprinkles make it look extra festive without any hassle.

Side Dishes

This trifle stands beautifully on its own, but I’ve served it alongside a simple coffee or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat. A light, fresh fruit salad can also balance the richness without competing.

Creative Ways to Present

Once for a party, I served this Black Forest Cherry Trifle Recipe in individual clear glasses, layering each carefully. It was a hit and made cleanup easy! For holiday dinners, I often decorate the top with edible flowers or a drizzle of melted chocolate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your trifle covered tightly in the fridge—plastic wrap works great—to prevent it from absorbing fridge odors. Leftovers last beautifully for 2-3 days, though it rarely lasts that long in my house!

Freezing

Freezing isn’t my go-to for this trifle because whipped cream and pudding don’t freeze well and can separate. If you must freeze, try freezing layers separately, but fresh is best.

Reheating

This dessert is best enjoyed cold, so reheating isn’t recommended. If you want it less chilled, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to soften up the pudding layers slightly.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this trifle without alcohol?

Absolutely! Instead of kirsch or cherry brandy, use cherry juice or even plain water with a splash of vanilla extract for flavor. The trifle will still be delicious and kid-friendly.

Can I use brownies instead of chocolate cake?

Yes! Brownies add a fudgier texture and a rich chocolate flavor that works wonderfully. Just cut them into cubes like you would the cake and proceed with layering.

How far ahead can I assemble the trifle?

You can assemble the trifle up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Chilling allows the flavors to meld perfectly. Just add fresh garnishes right before serving for the best look.

Can I substitute store-bought pudding with homemade?

Definitely! Homemade pudding gives the trifle a richer texture and fresher taste. If you have the time, I highly recommend making your own—it’s surprisingly easy and worth the extra few minutes.

Final Thoughts

This Black Forest Cherry Trifle Recipe is one of those desserts that makes me feel like I've really wowed the crowd without breaking a sweat. It’s layered with love, packed with flavor, and perfect for sharing. I’m excited for you to try it—it might just become your go-to showstopper dessert, too!