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.

Black Forest Trifle | Easy & Decadent Holiday Dessert

Name: Black Forest Trifle | Easy & Decadent Holiday Dessert
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 55 min
Cuisine: American
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; 1½ cups cold heavy cream; 2–4 tbsp powdered sugar; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; OR 3 cups whipped topping, thawed; Fresh cherries; Shaved chocolate; Chocolate sprinkles; Cocoa powder or icing sugar for dusting

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

Scale

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

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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