Description
This indulgent Black Forest Trifle layers moist chocolate cake, luscious cherry pie filling, rich chocolate pudding, and fluffy homemade whipped cream, garnished with fresh cherries and shaved chocolate. Perfectly chilled, this elegant dessert brings the classic flavors of Black Forest cake into a stunning and easy-to-assemble trifle.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Cake
- One 9×13 chocolate cake or brownie, baked according to package or recipe directions (or use homemade easy chocolate sheet cake recipe)
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 non-alcoholic version)
Chocolate Pudding
- 2 boxes chocolate pudding (90 grams each), prepared according to directions or homemade version
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
Garnishing
- Fresh cherries
- Shaved chocolate
- Chocolate sprinkles
- Icing sugar or cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Bake the chocolate cake according to package or homemade recipe directions until done, about 30-40 minutes. Allow to cool completely then cut into 1” cubes.
- Make the Pudding: Prepare the chocolate pudding as directed on the package or using your homemade recipe. Let it cool completely before assembling.
- Whip the Cream: In a large bowl or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, combine heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Begin mixing on low speed, then increase to medium-high once soft peaks form, whipping until stiff peaks develop.
- Assemble the Trifle: In a 9-inch medium trifle bowl, layer half the chocolate cake cubes evenly on the bottom. Drizzle with half the kirsch or cherry liqueur if using. Spread half the chocolate pudding over the cake, then top with half the cherry pie filling. Add half the whipped cream, smoothing it out gently. Repeat layers ending with whipped cream on top.
- Chill: Cover the trifle bowl and refrigerate for at least 1-4 hours, preferably overnight to allow flavors to meld and the dessert to set.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish the trifle with fresh cherries, shaved chocolate, chocolate sprinkles, and a light dusting of icing sugar or cocoa powder. Serve chilled for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute kirsch or cherry brandy with cherry juice or additional cherry pie filling juice.
- If using store-bought cherry pie filling, drain excess syrup to avoid soggy cake layers.
- Homemade chocolate pudding can be substituted for instant pudding for fresher taste.
- Whipped topping can be used instead of homemade whipped cream for convenience.
- Chilling overnight enhances flavor and texture, making the trifle more cohesive.
- Use quality dark chocolate for shaving to garnish for the best taste and appearance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 35 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
