Introduction

This Black Forest Trifle is a festive and delightful dessert perfect for Christmas gatherings. Layers of rich chocolate cake, creamy vanilla pudding, juicy cherries, and fluffy whipped cream come together to create a stunning and delicious treat.

The image shows three white glass dessert cups filled with layered trifle. Each cup has four layers starting from the bottom with a smooth white cream base, followed by a thick layer of crumbly, light brown chocolate cake, then a shiny deep red berry sauce, and topped with swirls of white whipped cream. On top, there are dark red cherries, glossy blackberries, and dark chocolate shavings scattered. In the background, golden fairy lights add a warm glow. Two silver spoons are placed in the front on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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)

Instructions

Step 1: Bake the chocolate cake according to the instructions on the box or your homemade recipe. Let it cool completely, then cut it into 1-inch cubes.
Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the cherries by draining canned cherries, reserving the juice, or pitting and chopping fresh cherries. Mix the cherries with their juice or syrup and let them marinate.
Step 4: In a large trifle dish or individual glasses, begin with a layer of chocolate cake cubes, pressing gently for an even base.
Step 5: Spread a layer of vanilla pudding over the cake, smoothing it out carefully.
Step 6: Spoon the marinated cherries and some of their juice evenly over the pudding layer.
Step 7: Add a generous layer of whipped cream over the cherries, smoothing it gently.
Step 8: Repeat the layers—cake, pudding, cherries, whipped cream—until the dish is full, finishing with whipped cream on top.
Step 9: Garnish the trifle with dark chocolate shavings and a few extra cherries. Sprinkle with cocoa powder if desired.
Step 10: Refrigerate the trifle for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the layers to set.

Tips & Variations

Use brownies instead of cake for a denser, richer version of the trifle.
For a lighter dessert, substitute some of the heavy cream with mascarpone cheese in the whipped cream layer.
Fresh cherries add a tart contrast, but canned cherries in syrup offer a sweeter, juicier bite—choose based on your preference.
Try adding a splash of cherry liqueur or brandy to the cherry mixture for an adult twist.

Storage

Store the assembled trifle covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors improve with time as the layers meld together. Reheat is not recommended; serve chilled for best texture and flavor.

How to Serve

A clear glass dessert cup filled with multiple layers starting with a dark, moist cake base at the bottom, topped with white creamy layers and speckled with crumbled brown nuts and walnuts. Between the cake and cream, there is a deep red berry sauce adding a glossy texture. The top is decorated with a generous swirl of white whipped cream, dark red edible leaves or fruit slices, shiny red cherries, and walnut pieces. The background is a white marbled texture, with golden holiday ornaments placed nearby. 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, making the trifle a day ahead works perfectly. It allows the flavors to blend and the layers to set, making it even more delicious.

Can I use fresh whipped cream instead of store-bought?

Absolutely. Freshly whipped cream sweetened with powdered sugar and vanilla gives a lighter, fluffier texture that enhances the trifle.

Black Forest Trifle for Christmas Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 76 reviews

Celebrate the holidays with this decadent Black Forest Trifle for Christmas, featuring layers of moist chocolate cake, creamy vanilla pudding, juicy cherries, and fluffy whipped cream, all topped with dark chocolate shavings. This no-bake layering dessert combines classic Black Forest cake elements in a stunning trifle presentation that’s perfect for festive gatherings.

Author: Sophie
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes (if baking cake from scratch)
Total Time: 3 hours 55 minutes (includes chilling time)
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: European

Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Cake Layer

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

Whipped Cream

1 cup heavy cream (for whipping)
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cherries

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

Pudding

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

Prepare the Cake: Bake the chocolate cake according to the box instructions or your homemade recipe, then let it cool completely. Cut the cake into 1-inch cubes to prepare for layering.
Whip the Cream: In a large bowl, beat heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form using a hand or stand mixer. Set aside.
Prepare the Cherries: Drain canned cherries, reserving their juice, or pit and chop fresh cherries. Mix cherries with their juice or syrup in a small bowl and let them marinate.
Assemble the Trifle: In a trifle dish or serving glasses, start with a layer of chocolate cake cubes, pressing lightly for an even base.
Add the Pudding Layer: Spread an even layer of vanilla pudding over the cake cubes.
Add the Cherries: Spoon a layer of marinated cherries and some juice evenly over the pudding.
Layer the Whipped Cream: Generously spread whipped cream over the cherries, smoothing with a spatula.
Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering in the order of cake, pudding, cherries, and whipped cream until the dish is filled, finishing with a whipped cream layer on top.
Garnish: Decorate the trifle top with dark chocolate shavings and a few cherries. Optionally dust with cocoa powder.
Chill the Trifle: Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight to let the flavors meld and the layers set.

Notes

Use brownies instead of cake for a denser texture.
Adjust powdered sugar in whipped cream for preferred sweetness.
Fresh cherries add tartness; canned cherries add sweetness.
Chilling overnight enhances flavor melding.
Use homemade vanilla pudding for fresher taste.
The trifle can be assembled in individual glasses for serving ease.

Keywords: Black Forest Trifle, Christmas dessert, layered trifle, chocolate cake dessert, holiday trifle, whipped cream dessert, cherry pudding trifle