Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Black Forest Trifle is a perfect combination of indulgent chocolate cake, tangy cherries, and smooth whipped cream. The layers of moist cake, sweet cherries, and rich cream create a delightful contrast in every bite. It’s a dessert that’s not only easy to make but also makes a show-stopping presentation for any gathering. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a party, or just want something to satisfy your chocolate cravings, this trifle is sure to impress.

Ingredients

1 chocolate cake, baked and cut into cubes (store-bought or homemade)
2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups canned or fresh cherries, pitted and halved (reserve some for garnish)
1/2 cup cherry juice or cherry liqueur (optional for added flavor)
1/4 cup chocolate shavings or grated chocolate for garnish
Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the cake: If using a store-bought cake, cut it into cubes. If you’re making your own, bake and cool the cake before cutting it into small cubes.
Whip the cream: In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
Assemble the trifle: In a large trifle dish or individual glass bowls, begin layering the trifle:
- Start with a layer of chocolate cake cubes at the bottom.
- Drizzle a little cherry juice or cherry liqueur over the cake cubes (optional).
- Add a layer of whipped cream over the cake.
- Add a layer of cherries, spreading them evenly.
- Repeat the layers (cake, whipped cream, cherries) until the dish is filled, finishing with a layer of whipped cream on top.
Garnish the trifle: Top with chocolate shavings or grated chocolate, a few fresh cherries, and mint leaves for a decorative touch.
Chill the trifle: Cover and refrigerate the trifle for at least 2-3 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve: Serve chilled and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8
Prep time: 20 minutes
Chill time: 2-3 hours
Total time: 2 hours 20 minutes – 3 hours 20 minutes

Variations

Add a twist with liqueur: If you want to add an adult twist, use cherry brandy or Kirsch (a traditional cherry liqueur) to soak the cake layers.
Use a different cake: Instead of chocolate cake, you could use a sponge cake or even a pound cake for a different texture.
Berry variations: If cherries are out of season, you can substitute with other berries like raspberries or strawberries.
Dairy-free version: Use coconut whipped cream and dairy-free chocolate cake for a dairy-free variation.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the leftover trifle in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or a lid. It will keep for 2-3 days, but the cake may soften more the longer it sits.
Reheating: This dessert is best served chilled, so no reheating is needed.

FAQs

1. Can I make Black Forest Trifle ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the trifle a day ahead of time. In fact, allowing it to sit in the fridge for a few hours or overnight will help the flavors meld together beautifully.

2. Can I use store-bought cake?

Yes, you can use store-bought chocolate cake to save time. Just cut it into cubes before assembling the trifle.

3. Can I make a smaller version of this trifle?

Absolutely! You can make individual-sized trifles by layering the ingredients in small glass jars or bowls.

4. Can I add alcohol to this trifle?

Yes, you can add a bit of cherry liqueur, Kirsch, or your favorite liquor to soak the cake and enhance the flavor.

5. Can I use frozen cherries?

Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before using to avoid excess moisture in the trifle.

6. Can I make this trifle without whipped cream?

You can substitute whipped cream with a light cream cheese mixture or a non-dairy alternative like whipped coconut cream if you prefer.

7. Is this trifle gluten-free?

If you need a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free chocolate cake and be sure the whipped cream does not contain any gluten-based additives.

8. Can I add nuts to this trifle?

Yes, you can sprinkle chopped nuts, like almonds or hazelnuts, between the layers or as a garnish for added crunch.

9. Can I use a different type of cake?

Yes, you can use sponge cake, angel food cake, or pound cake as an alternative to chocolate cake for a different flavor and texture.

10. How do I make the cake layers not too soggy?

To prevent the cake from becoming too soggy, drizzle the cake layers lightly with cherry juice or liqueur rather than soaking them completely.

Conclusion

Black Forest Trifle is a rich, indulgent, and visually stunning dessert that combines layers of chocolate cake, sweet cherries, and whipped cream. It’s the perfect treat for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a holiday, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. Easy to make, customizable, and incredibly delicious, this trifle is sure to be a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Black Forest Trifle

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Author: Ava
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes – 3 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 6-8 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Black Forest Trifle is a decadent and visually stunning dessert that brings together the rich flavors of chocolate, cherries, and creamy layers. This layered treat is inspired by the classic Black Forest cake, but with a twist in the form of a trifle, making it easier to serve and even more indulgent.

Ingredients

1 chocolate cake, baked and cut into cubes (store-bought or homemade)

2 cups heavy cream

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups canned or fresh cherries, pitted and halved (reserve some for garnish)

1/2 cup cherry juice or cherry liqueur (optional for added flavor)

1/4 cup chocolate shavings or grated chocolate for garnish

Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the cake: If using a store-bought cake, cut it into cubes. If you’re making your own, bake and cool the cake before cutting it into small cubes.
Whip the cream: In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
Assemble the trifle: In a large trifle dish or individual glass bowls, begin layering the trifle:
Start with a layer of chocolate cake cubes at the bottom.
Drizzle a little cherry juice or cherry liqueur over the cake cubes (optional).
Add a layer of whipped cream over the cake.
Add a layer of cherries, spreading them evenly.
Repeat the layers (cake, whipped cream, cherries) until the dish is filled, finishing with a layer of whipped cream on top.
Garnish the trifle: Top with chocolate shavings or grated chocolate, a few fresh cherries, and mint leaves for a decorative touch.
Chill the trifle: Cover and refrigerate the trifle for at least 2-3 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve: Serve chilled and enjoy!

Notes

For an adult twist, add a splash of cherry brandy or Kirsch to soak the cake layers.
If you prefer a different texture, swap the chocolate cake with sponge cake, pound cake, or ladyfingers.
To make this trifle gluten-free, use gluten-free chocolate cake and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Add a layer of nuts, like almonds or hazelnuts, between layers or on top for extra crunch.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: undefined
Category: Dessert
Method: Layering
Cuisine: German

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 30g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 60mg

Black Forest Trifle

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

Servings and Timing

Variations

Storage/Reheating

FAQs