Black Forest Trifle is a delightful dessert that combines layers of rich chocolate cake, sweet cherries, creamy pudding, and fluffy whipped cream. This dessert is not only a feast for the eyes with its beautiful layers but also a delicious treat for the taste buds. It’s perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or just a sweet ending to any meal.
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Why make this recipe
Making a Black Forest Trifle is a great choice because it’s easy and quick to prepare. You can use a box of cake mix or bake your favorite chocolate cake from scratch. The layers offer a variety of textures and flavors that everyone will love. It’s a crowd-pleaser that caters to both chocolate and fruit lovers, making it a versatile dessert for any occasion.
How to make Black Forest Trifle
Ingredients:
- 1 box of chocolate cake mix (or 1 homemade chocolate cake)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for whipping)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups canned or fresh cherries (pitted, with juice or syrup)
- 1/4 cup cherry juice (from the canned cherries or fresh)
- 2 cups vanilla pudding (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate shavings (or grated chocolate)
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (optional for garnish)
Directions:
- Prepare the Cake: Bake the chocolate cake according to the package instructions or your favorite homemade recipe. Once baked, allow it to cool completely before cutting it into cubes.
- Whip the Cream: In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer to whip the cream until soft peaks form. Set aside.
- Prepare the Cherries: If using fresh cherries, pit and slice them. If using canned cherries, drain excess liquid and keep the juice. Combine the cherries with the cherry juice in a bowl.
- Assemble the Trifle: In a large trifle dish or individual cups, layer the chocolate cake cubes, cherries with juice, vanilla pudding, and whipped cream. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of whipped cream.
- Let it Chill: Cover the trifle with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Serve the Black Forest Trifle chilled. Scoop out the trifle into bowls and garnish with dark chocolate shavings or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an extra touch.
Black Forest Trifle
A delightful dessert with layers of chocolate cake, sweet cherries, creamy pudding, and whipped cream, perfect for gatherings and celebrations.
- Total Time: 150 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 box of chocolate cake mix (or 1 homemade chocolate cake)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for whipping)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups canned or fresh cherries (pitted, with juice or syrup)
- 1/4 cup cherry juice (from canned cherries or fresh)
- 2 cups vanilla pudding (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate shavings (or grated chocolate)
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Bake the chocolate cake according to the package instructions or your favorite homemade recipe. Once baked, allow it to cool completely before cutting it into cubes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer to whip the cream until soft peaks form. Set aside.
- If using fresh cherries, pit and slice them. If using canned cherries, drain excess liquid and keep the juice. Combine the cherries with the cherry juice in a bowl.
- In a large trifle dish or individual cups, layer the chocolate cake cubes, cherries with juice, vanilla pudding, and whipped cream. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of whipped cream.
- Cover the trifle with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 120 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the Black Forest Trifle chilled, garnishing with dark chocolate shavings or a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
Notes
Use fresh, ripe cherries for the best flavor. You can also add a splash of cherry liqueur for extra richness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Cooking/Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
How to serve Black Forest Trifle
Serve Black Forest Trifle in individual cups or a large trifle dish. Use a large spoon or ladle to scoop the layers into bowls. This makes it easier for guests to enjoy their servings. Garnish with a cherry on top for a special touch.
How to store Black Forest Trifle
Store any leftover Black Forest Trifle in the refrigerator. Make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a lid to keep it fresh. It is best eaten within 2-3 days for optimal taste and texture.
Tips to make Black Forest Trifle
- Use fresh, ripe cherries for the best flavor.
- If you prefer, you can add a splash of cherry liqueur to the cherries for extra richness.
- For a lighter version, you may substitute some of the pudding or whipped cream with yogurt.
Variations
You can create variations of the Black Forest Trifle by adding different fruits such as strawberries or raspberries. You can also swap chocolate cake for vanilla or even a sponge cake for a lighter texture.
For similar desserts ideas, try this Chocolate Banana Pudding.
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade pudding for this recipe?
Yes, homemade vanilla pudding works perfectly in this recipe and can add a personal touch!
2. How do I make my whipped cream more stable?
Add a little cornstarch to the heavy cream when whipping it. This will help it hold its shape for longer.
3. What can I do if I don’t have cherries?
You can substitute cherries with any berry or fruit you prefer, such as strawberries, blueberries, or even peach slices.
Conclusion
Black Forest Trifle is a delicious and easy dessert that anyone can make. With its beautiful layers of chocolate, fruit, and cream, it’s sure to impress your family and friends. Follow the simple steps to create this joyful treat, and enjoy every bite!
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