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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Prepare chocolate pudding according to package directions, letting it cool to room temperature for smooth consistency.
- 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.
- Select a clear glass trifle dish for visual appeal. Create first layer by gently pressing cake cubes into bottom of container, ensuring even coverage.
- Sprinkle kirsch or cherry juice over cake cubes, allowing liquid to penetrate and enhance flavor profile.
- Carefully spread half the chocolate pudding across cake layer, creating an even, smooth surface.
- Distribute cherry pie filling generously, ensuring fruit is evenly scattered for consistent taste in each serving.
- Add a luxurious layer of freshly whipped cream, spreading delicately to cover previous ingredients completely.
- Repeat layering process: cake cubes, kirsch, pudding, cherries, and whipped cream, finishing with an elegant cream topping.
- Refrigerate trifle for minimum 1 hour, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and texture to set.
- 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