Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Black Forest Trifle for Christmas Recipe

★★★★★ 4.5 from 76 reviews
  • Author: Isabella
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes (for homemade cake) or 0 minutes if using boxed cake
  • Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes (including chilling time)
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Celebrate the holidays with a luscious Black Forest Trifle, layering moist chocolate cake, whipped cream, cherries with their syrup, and creamy vanilla pudding. This festive dessert combines rich chocolate, sweet cherries, and smooth pudding for a stunning and indulgent treat perfect for Christmas gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Cake

  • 1 box of chocolate cake mix (or 1 homemade chocolate cake)

Whipped Cream

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Fruit Layer

  • 2 cups canned or fresh cherries, pitted (with juice or syrup)
  • 1/4 cup cherry juice (from the canned cherries or fresh)

Pudding Layer

  • 2 cups vanilla pudding (store-bought or homemade)

Garnish

  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate shavings (or grated chocolate)
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (optional for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chocolate Cake: Bake the chocolate cake according to package instructions or your homemade recipe. Allow it to cool completely, then cut into cubes suitable for layering.
  2. Make the Whipped Cream: In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until soft peaks form. Set aside.
  3. Layer the Trifle: In a large trifle bowl or individual serving glasses, start with a layer of chocolate cake cubes. Spoon some cherries with their juice over the cake, then drizzle with cherry juice to soak slightly.
  4. Add Pudding Layer: Spread a generous layer of vanilla pudding over the cherries. Follow this with a layer of whipped cream.
  5. Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process (cake, cherries, cherry juice, pudding, whipped cream) until all ingredients are used, finishing with a whipped cream layer on top.
  6. Garnish: Sprinkle the top with dark chocolate shavings and, if desired, dust with cocoa powder for an extra chocolatey touch.
  7. Chill: Refrigerate the assembled trifle for at least 4 hours or overnight to let the flavors meld and the cake soften with the juices.
  8. Serve: Scoop or spoon portions into bowls or glasses and enjoy a festive, rich dessert perfect for Christmas celebrations.

Notes

  • You can substitute homemade chocolate cake with any moist chocolate cake of your preference.
  • Use fresh cherries if in season for a more natural sweetness; otherwise, canned cherries with syrup work perfectly.
  • The cherry juice helps to moisten the cake layers, enhancing flavor and texture.
  • For a quicker version, use instant vanilla pudding mix prepared according to the package.
  • This trifle is best served chilled and can be prepared a day in advance.
  • Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of powdered sugar in the whipped cream.

Keywords: Black Forest Trifle, Christmas dessert, chocolate cake trifle, cherry trifle, holiday dessert

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://isabellakitchen.com/black-forest-trifle-for-christmas-recipe/