Name: Black Forest Trifle for a Festive Christmas Dessert Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box chocolate cake mix; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups cherries, pitted (canned or fresh); 1/2 cup cherry juice; 1 package vanilla pudding (store-bought or homemade); 1/2 cup dark chocolate shavings; Cocoa powder (optional, for dusting)

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Introduction

This Black Forest Trifle is a festive dessert that beautifully layers chocolate cake, cherries, and creamy whipped topping. It’s an irresistible treat perfect for Christmas gatherings, combining classic flavors in an elegant presentation.

A clear glass dessert cup holds five layers starting with a dark, crumbly chocolate cake base, topped by a thick, glossy, deep red berry sauce. Above this is a smooth white cream layer, followed by whole blackberries and chunks of crumbly light brown cookie pieces. The top layer has dollops of white whipped cream decorated with more cookie crumbs and a drizzle of dark chocolate sauce, crowned by bright red raspberries. The glass sits on a surface with white marbled texture and warm yellow lights are blurred softly in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 box chocolate cake mix
2 cups heavy cream

1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups cherries, pitted (canned or fresh)
1/2 cup cherry juice

1 package vanilla pudding
1/2 cup dark chocolate shavings
cocoa powder (optional, for dusting)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the chocolate cake according to the package instructions. Allow it to cool completely to maintain a firm texture for layering.
Step 2: Cut the cooled chocolate cake into 1-inch bite-sized cubes.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form, creating whipped cream.

Step 4: If using canned cherries, drain them and reserve the juice. If using fresh cherries, pit and chop them. Combine with some cherry juice to marinate slightly.
Step 5: In a trifle dish or individual glasses, start layering by placing a layer of chocolate cake cubes at the bottom.
Step 6: Spread a layer of vanilla pudding over the cake cubes evenly.

Step 7: Add a layer of marinated cherries along with some cherry juice to enhance the flavor and moisture.
Step 8: Spoon a layer of whipped cream over the cherries and smooth it with a spatula.
Step 9: Repeat the layering process — cake, pudding, cherries, whipped cream — until the dish is filled to your liking.

Step 10: Finish by garnishing the top with dark chocolate shavings and, if desired, a light dusting of cocoa powder.
Step 11: Refrigerate the trifle for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld beautifully before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh cherries when in season for the best flavor, or opt for good-quality canned cherries when fresh are unavailable.

For a boozy twist, soak the cake cubes in a splash of cherry liqueur or rum before layering.
Stabilize whipped cream by adding a teaspoon of cornstarch or gelatin for longer-lasting peaks if preparing well ahead.
Try layering with chocolate pudding instead of vanilla for a richer chocolate experience.

Storage

Store the trifle covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled until ready to serve. When reheating, this dessert is best enjoyed cold, but if needed, allow it to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly before serving.

How to Serve

A clear glass dessert cup filled with five layers: at the bottom, a dark chocolate cake layer with a moist texture; above it, a thick deep red berry sauce; followed by a smooth white cream layer; then a layer of chunky crushed cookies mixed with whole blackberries; and on top, two dollops of swirled white whipped cream, drizzled with dark chocolate sauce and crowned with two bright red raspberries. The dessert is set against a soft focus background with warm round lights, placed on a table with a white marbled texture, surrounded by red and gold holiday ornaments. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this trifle ahead of time?

Yes, this trifle actually benefits from sitting overnight in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld and the cake to absorb the cherry juice and pudding.

What if I don’t have a trifle dish?

You can assemble the dessert in large glass bowls or layer individual portions in glasses or jars for a lovely presentation and easy serving.