Black Forest Trifle for Christmas

Name: Black Forest Trifle
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
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)

written by :

Eliza Nooman

November 6, 2025

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Why Make This Recipe

Black Forest Trifle is a delightful dessert that brings joy to any Christmas gathering. It combines layers of rich chocolate cake, fluffy whipped cream, sweet cherries, and creamy vanilla pudding. This treat not only tastes amazing but also looks festive and inviting. It’s a perfect way to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth during the holiday season!

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:
Follow the instructions on the chocolate cake mix box or your homemade recipe to bake the cake. Once done, let it cool completely.

Whip the Cream:
In a mixing bowl, pour in the heavy cream. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Use a mixer to whip the cream until it forms soft peaks.

Prepare the Cherries:
If using canned cherries, drain them and keep the juice. If using fresh cherries, wash, pit, and slice them. Mix the cherries with the cherry juice in a bowl.

Assemble the Trifle:
In a large trifle dish or bowl, crumple half of the chocolate cake at the bottom. Layer with half of the cherries, followed by half of the vanilla pudding, and then half of the whipped cream. Repeat these layers with the remaining ingredients. Top with dark chocolate shavings and a sprinkle of cocoa powder if desired.

Let it Chill:
Cover the trifle with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. Let it chill for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.

How to Serve Black Forest Trifle

When ready to serve, scoop portions of the trifle into individual bowls or cups. Make sure to include all the layers for a beautiful presentation. This dessert is great on its own but pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea.

How to Store Black Forest Trifle

Store any leftover trifle in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap. It is best enjoyed within 3 days to keep the layers fresh. Do not freeze as the textures will change.

Tips to Make Black Forest Trifle

Use a good quality chocolate cake for the best flavor.
If you prefer a little more crunch, consider adding crushed chocolate cookies between the layers.
Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar to the whipped cream, depending on your taste.

Variation

You can make a lighter version by using low-fat cake mix and reduced-fat pudding. You can also substitute the cherries with mixed berries for a different flavor combination.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Just thaw and drain them before adding.

Can I make this trifle a day in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a day in advance helps the flavors blend better.

What can I substitute for the chocolate cake?
You can use store-bought brownies or even a sponge cake if you prefer.

Black Forest Trifle

Author: alhaouil
Total Time: 120 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful dessert that combines layers of chocolate cake, whipped cream, cherries, and vanilla pudding, perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

Prepare the Cake: Follow the instructions on the chocolate cake mix box or your homemade recipe to bake the cake. Once done, let it cool completely.
Whip the Cream: In a mixing bowl, pour in the heavy cream. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Use a mixer to whip the cream until it forms soft peaks.
Prepare the Cherries: If using canned cherries, drain them and keep the juice. If using fresh cherries, wash, pit, and slice them. Mix the cherries with the cherry juice in a bowl.
Assemble the Trifle: In a large trifle dish or bowl, crumple half of the chocolate cake at the bottom. Layer with half of the cherries, followed by half of the vanilla pudding, and then half of the whipped cream. Repeat these layers with the remaining ingredients. Top with dark chocolate shavings and a sprinkle of cocoa powder if desired.
Let it Chill: Cover the trifle with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. Let it chill for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.