The Most Heavenly Black Forest Trifle Recipe Ever Created

Decadent layers of chocolate cake and cherries make this black forest trifle a dessert dream come true.

Rich chocolate sponge soaks up kirsch-infused syrup, creating intense flavor profiles.

Luscious whipped cream adds silky smoothness between each delectable layer.

German baking traditions inspire this modern twist on a classic treat.

Delicate chocolate shavings sprinkled across creamy surfaces promise pure indulgence.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction with this stunning dessert.

Dive in and experience a symphony of textures that will delight your taste buds.

Why Black Forest Trifle Is The Dessert Of Dreams

• Craft a Showstopping Dessert: Create an impressive Black Forest Trifle that looks like it came from a professional bakery with minimal effort and maximum wow factor.
• Layer with Delicious Variety: Enjoy multiple textures and flavors in every single bite, combining rich chocolate cake, creamy pudding, sweet cherries, and fluffy whipped cream for a truly indulgent experience.
• Perfect for Crowd-Pleasing Moments: Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, and special celebrations where you want to serve a dessert that looks complicated but is surprisingly simple to prepare.
• Customize Your Decadence: Easily adapt the recipe by switching kirsch with cherry juice, using homemade or boxed cake mix, and adding optional garnishes like chocolate shavings or fresh cherries to suit your taste preferences.

What Goes Inside Black Forest Trifle Bliss

• Chocolate Cake or Brownie: A rich, chocolatey foundation that provides structure and deep flavor to the trifle.

• Chocolate Pudding: A smooth, creamy element that adds decadent chocolate intensity to the dessert.

• Heavy Whipping Cream: A light and fluffy component that brings richness and airy texture to the trifle.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps stabilize the whipped cream.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, aromatic notes.
• Cherry Pie Filling: Provides a sweet and tangy fruit element that complements the chocolate.
• Kirsch or Cherry Juice: Adds moisture and a subtle alcoholic or fruity depth to the cake layers.

• Fresh Cherries, Shaved Chocolate, Chocolate Sprinkles: Decorative toppings that add visual appeal and extra texture.
• Cocoa Powder or Icing Sugar: A final dusting that adds a sophisticated finishing touch.

How To Layer A Showstopper Black Forest Trifle

Step 1: Bake Chocolate Cake

Whip up a delectable chocolate cake or brownie following your favorite boxed mix or homemade recipe. Once baked, let the cake cool completely.

Slice the cake into charming one-inch cubes that will create delightful layers in your trifle.

Step 2: Craft Silky Chocolate Pudding

Prepare a luscious chocolate pudding using either a convenient boxed mix or a treasured homemade recipe.

Allow the pudding to cool and set, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture for your trifle.

Step 3: Whip Up Fluffy Cream

• Cold heavy whipping cream
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Use a handheld mixer or stand mixer with a whisk attachment.

Start beating on low speed to increase volume, then ramp up to medium-high. Continue whipping until gorgeous stiff peaks form that stand tall and proud.

Step 4: Layer Decadent Trifle

In a beautiful trifle bowl, begin creating magical layers. Start with half of the cake cubes, pressing down gently.

Drizzle generously with kirsch or cherry juice. Add a luxurious layer of chocolate pudding, followed by cherry pie filling, and crown with a cloud of whipped cream.

Repeat these layers, finishing with a dramatic whipped cream topping.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Cover your trifle and let it rest in the refrigerator.

Allow it to chill for at least one hour, or ideally overnight, so flavors can mingle and merge into pure deliciousness.

Step 6: Decorate and Serve

Before serving, add beautiful finishing touches.

Scatter fresh cherries, sprinkle shaved chocolate, dust with chocolate sprinkles, and dust with cocoa powder or powdered sugar for a stunning presentation.

Top Tips For Next-Level Black Forest Trifle

• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother cake and pudding textures, ensuring better mixing and blending.
• Select ripe, sweet cherries when using fresh ones to enhance the natural fruity flavor of the trifle.
• Chill mixing bowls and whisks before whipping cream to help achieve faster, more stable peaks with better volume.
• Adjust kirsch quantity based on personal preference or substitute with cherry juice for a non-alcoholic version.
• Layer ingredients gently to maintain distinct layers and prevent overmixing, which can make the dessert look less visually appealing.

Sweet Twists On Classic Black Forest Trifle

• Forest Berry Fusion: Replace cherry pie filling with mixed forest berries like raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries for a tangy, colorful variation.
• German Chocolate Crunch: Add chopped toasted almonds and chocolate-covered graham crackers between layers for extra texture and nutty flavor.
• Kirsch-Free Classic: Substitute kirsch with orange juice or cherry syrup for a non-alcoholic version that maintains the traditional Black Forest profile.
• Mocha Chocolate Infusion: Incorporate strong brewed coffee or espresso into the pudding layer to create a rich, deeper chocolate experience with subtle coffee undertones.

Tasty Pairings For Black Forest Trifle Layers

• Sip Schwarzwälder Kirschwasser: Pair the Black Forest Trifle with an authentic German cherry brandy that echoes the dessert's deep cherry and chocolate notes, creating a harmonious flavor experience.
• Blend Bold Red Wine: Choose a rich, fruity red wine like Pinot Noir or Zinfandel that complements the dessert's chocolate and cherry complexity, enhancing the overall taste profile.
• Match Espresso Martini: Craft a smooth espresso martini that brings out the chocolate's intensity while providing a sophisticated coffee undertone that balances the trifle's sweetness.
• Serve Kirsch Hot Chocolate: Create a warm kirsch-infused hot chocolate that mirrors the dessert's ingredients, offering a comforting and indulgent beverage pairing that warms the palate.

How To Chill And Store Black Forest Trifle

• Refrigerate: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Freeze: Place individual portions in freezer-safe containers, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheat Gently: Avoid microwaving, as it can make the whipped cream and cake soggy. Let the trifle sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance flavors.
• Best Consumed Fresh: Enjoy within 2 days for optimal texture and taste. The whipped cream and cake may lose their original consistency if stored too long.

Trifle FAQs To Keep You On Track

• What are the key ingredients in Black Forest Trifle?

The key ingredients include chocolate cake or brownie, chocolate pudding, whipped cream, cherry pie filling, kirsch (or cherry juice), and optional garnishes like fresh cherries and chocolate shavings.

• Is kirsch necessary for the recipe?

No, kirsch is optional. You can substitute it with cherry juice or simply skip it if you prefer a non-alcoholic version of the trifle.

• Can I make this trifle ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the Black Forest Trifle a day in advance. In fact, chilling it for several hours or overnight allows the flavors to meld together and improves the overall taste and texture.

• What type of bowl should I use for assembling the trifle?

A clear glass trifle bowl or a large glass serving dish works best.

Black Forest Trifle Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Rich layers of Black Forest Trifle promise a delightful German dessert experience that melds chocolate, cherries, and creamy goodness. Chocolate cake crumbles, kirsch-soaked cherries, and silky whipped cream create an irresistible dessert you’ll savor to the last spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake and Cake Base:

• 1 9×13 inch chocolate cake or brownie

Fruit and Liqueur:

• 30 ounces (850 grams) cherry pie filling
• 4 ounces (120 milliliters) kirsch, cherry brandy, or cherry juice

Pudding and Cream:

• 2 boxes chocolate pudding (90 grams each)
• 1.5 cups (360 milliliters) cold heavy whipping cream
• 2–4 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Garnishes:

• Fresh cherries
• Shaved chocolate
• Chocolate sprinkles
• Icing sugar or cocoa powder (for dusting)

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Instructions

1. Craft a chocolate cake or brownie following package instructions, ensuring a rich, moist texture. Allow to cool completely, then slice into precise 1-inch cubes.
2. Prepare chocolate pudding according to package directions, letting it cool to room temperature for smooth consistency.
3. Whip cream in a chilled mixing bowl, combining heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla. Beat on low speed, gradually increasing to medium-high until stiff, glossy peaks form.
4. Select a clear glass trifle dish for visual appeal. Create first layer by gently pressing cake cubes into bottom of container, ensuring even coverage.
5. Sprinkle kirsch or cherry juice over cake cubes, allowing liquid to penetrate and enhance flavor profile.
6. Carefully spread half the chocolate pudding across cake layer, creating an even, smooth surface.
7. Distribute cherry pie filling generously, ensuring fruit is evenly scattered for consistent taste in each serving.
8. Add a luxurious layer of freshly whipped cream, spreading delicately to cover previous ingredients completely.
9. Repeat layering process: cake cubes, kirsch, pudding, cherries, and whipped cream, finishing with an elegant cream topping.
10. Refrigerate trifle for minimum 1 hour, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and texture to set.
11. Before serving, garnish with fresh cherries, delicate chocolate shavings, sprinkles, and a light dusting of cocoa powder or powdered sugar.

Notes

• Cake Selection: Use a rich, moist chocolate cake or brownie to ensure the base provides maximum flavor and texture for the trifle.
• Pudding Consistency: Prepare chocolate pudding slightly thicker than usual so it holds its shape when layered and doesn’t become too runny.
• Whipped Cream Technique: Chill the mixing bowl and whisk beforehand to help the cream whip faster and create more stable peaks for a luxurious texture.
• Kirsch Alternatives: Replace kirsch with cherry juice or syrup for a non-alcoholic version, or use amaretto for a different flavor profile if desired.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the trifle a day in advance to allow flavors to meld and develop a more complex taste experience.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg