There’s something magical about spooning into a chilled trifle bowl at Christmas. The mix of chocolate, cherries, and cream feels like the holiday season in one bite. This Black Forest Trifle takes the classic Black Forest cake and turns it into a simple, dreamy dessert that’s perfect for sharing. It’s rich, quick to prepare, and looks stunning on any festive table.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Black Forest Trifle
This dessert feels indulgent yet easy to make. You can use store-bought cake and pudding if time is short, or bake from scratch for a personal touch. The layers of chocolate, cherries, and whipped cream always draw compliments. Also, it’s a great make-ahead treat that chills beautifully before serving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Components
- 1 (9×13) chocolate cake or brownies, cut into cubes
- 30 oz cherry pie filling
- 4 oz cherry liqueur or cherry juice
- 2 boxes chocolate pudding (prepared and cooled)
- Whipped cream (homemade or store-bought)
Garnishes
- Fresh cherries
- Shaved chocolate
- Chocolate sprinkles or cocoa powder
Tip: Measure by weight (grams or ounces) for accuracy, especially when baking the cake or making whipped cream.
How to Make Black Forest Trifle
Step 1 – Prepare the Cake
Bake your favorite chocolate cake or use brownies. Let it cool completely. Then cut into one-inch cubes. This helps the layers stay distinct instead of turning soggy.
Step 2 – Make the Chocolate Pudding
Prepare the pudding according to package directions. Let it chill until fully set. Homemade pudding adds a deeper flavor, but instant mix works great too.
Step 3 – Whip the Cream
In a cold bowl, beat heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Or, if you’re in a hurry, use whipped topping. It’s still creamy and sweet.
Step 4 – Assemble the Trifle
In a medium trifle bowl, start with cake cubes. Drizzle with cherry liqueur or juice. Next, spread a layer of chocolate pudding, followed by cherry pie filling and whipped cream. Then repeat the layers until the bowl is filled.
Try making your own fresh cherry pie filling from scratch for extra flavor.
Step 5 – Chill and Garnish
Cover the trifle and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight. When ready to serve, top with fresh cherries, shaved chocolate, and a light dusting of cocoa or powdered sugar.
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
You can prepare each component 1–2 days before serving. Keep them in airtight containers in the fridge. Assemble a few hours before your event so the layers set nicely. Leftovers keep for up to 3 days refrigerated. Avoid freezing, as cream and fruit lose texture once thawed.
Recipe Card — Black Forest Trifle
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Black Forest Trifle | Easy & Decadent Holiday Dessert
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Black Forest Trifle layers chocolate cake, juicy cherries, silky pudding, and soft whipped cream. It feels festive, looks gorgeous, and tastes like a holiday hug. Quick prep, simple steps, and perfect for sharing at Christmas.
Ingredients
1 (9×13) chocolate cake or brownies, cooled and cut into 1-inch cubes
30 oz cherry pie filling (about 2 cups)
4 oz cherry liqueur (Kirsch, cherry brandy, or Amaretto) or 4 oz cherry juice
2 boxes (90 g each) chocolate pudding, prepared and chilled
Whipped Cream:
1½ cups cold heavy cream
2–4 tbsp powdered sugar
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
OR 3 cups whipped topping, thawed
Garnishes:
Fresh cherries
Shaved chocolate
Chocolate sprinkles
Cocoa powder or icing sugar for dusting
Instructions
1. Bake or buy a 9×13 chocolate cake or use brownies. Cool fully, then cube into 1-inch pieces.
2. Prepare chocolate pudding according to the package or your recipe. Chill until set and cold.
3. Whip the cold cream with powdered sugar and vanilla to stiff peaks. Or use whipped topping.
4. In a 9-inch medium trifle bowl, add a layer of cake. Drizzle with half of the liqueur or juice.
5. Spread on half of the chocolate pudding. Then spoon on half of the cherry pie filling.
6. Top with half of the whipped cream. Repeat the layers to fill the bowl.
7. Cover, then chill 1–4 hours or overnight so the flavors mingle and the layers set.
8. Before serving, add fresh cherries, shaved chocolate, and a light dusting of cocoa or sugar.
Notes
Servings: 8 in a 9-inch medium trifle bowl.
Time Guide: Prep 20 minutes. If baking cake, add 30–40 minutes. Chill 1–4 hours.
Make Ahead: Keep cake, pudding, and cream separate up to 1–2 days. Assemble a few hours before serving.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days.
Alcohol Options: Adjust the liqueur to taste or replace with cherry juice or pomegranate juice.
Texture Tips: Do not over-soak the cake. It should be moist, not soggy.
Accuracy: Measure by weight for baking steps when possible (grams and ounces both work).
Bowl Choice: Use a clear trifle bowl for clean, pretty layers.
Base Swaps: Try brownies or chocolate sponge for a richer base.
Garnish Timing: Add decorations right before serving for the freshest look.
Keyword Tip: Black Forest Trifle is perfect for Christmas dessert tables and cozy gatherings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Easy & Decadent Christmas Desserts
- Method: Chilled layered dessert
- Cuisine: American, German-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 45 g
- Sodium: 330 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Variations and Substitutions
- For a non-alcoholic option, replace cherry liqueur with cherry juice or pomegranate juice.
- Swap pudding with chocolate mousse for a fluffier texture.
- Use brownies as the base for a richer dessert.
- Add crushed cookies or chocolate curls between layers for crunch.
You can also pair it with fresh cherry sorbet for a light fruity finish.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Trifle
- Chill each layer before assembly for clean edges.
- Use a clear glass bowl so the chocolate and cherry layers shine through.
- Don’t over-soak the cake with liqueur or juice—it should be moist, not soggy.
- Always garnish right before serving for the freshest look and taste.
FAQ
Can I make this trifle a day in advance?
Yes. You can assemble it up to 24 hours ahead and keep it refrigerated until serving.
What can I use instead of cherry liqueur?
Try cherry juice, pomegranate juice, or a non-alcoholic cherry syrup. They bring the same sweet-tart balance.
Can I freeze Black Forest Trifle?
Freezing is not recommended, as the cream and fruit lose texture once thawed.
More Such Recipes
If you love cherry and chocolate desserts, you’ll enjoy these too:
- Sweet soft cherry bread with cherry almond glaze
- The best cherry pie recipe for summer desserts
- Easy chocolate pudding cake with gooey fudge layer
- Luscious lemon lime cherry pistachio cheesecake
Follow along for more easy, comforting desserts on Pinterest or Facebook.
Final Thoughts
This Black Forest Trifle blends ease with indulgence. Each spoonful brings a mix of rich chocolate, tart cherries, and soft cream that feels like celebration in every bite. It’s the perfect no-fuss showstopper for the holidays or any cozy night in.
If you make it, leave a rating or tag me online—I’d love to see your beautiful trifle bowl shining on the table.