If you’ve ever dreamed of a dessert that combines the indulgent richness of chocolate cake, the bright burst of cherries, and the creamy comfort of pudding and whipped cream, then you’re going to adore this Black Forest Trifle with Cherries and Chocolate Recipe. It’s the kind of dessert that feels fancy but is honestly so easy to pull together, especially if you prep ahead. When I first tried layering this trifle, I knew it was going to become a regular for family gatherings — everyone always asks for seconds, and I never hear a single complaint!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Impressive yet Easy: It looks stunning on the table but is actually a breeze to assemble.
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The tart cherries and rich chocolate hit all the right notes.
- Great Make-Ahead Dessert: Chill it overnight and it only tastes better the next day.
- Flexible for Everyone: You can easily skip the alcohol or switch it up with cherry juice for kids or non-drinkers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This trifle is all about simple, classic ingredients that bring out the best in each other. When shopping, I like to pick a dense chocolate cake or brownie — it holds up well when layered. Fresh cherries for garnish make it feel extra special too.
- Chocolate Cake or Brownie: Use your favorite from scratch recipe or a good-quality store-bought one for convenience.
- Cherry Pie Filling: Pick a tart cherry filling for balance, or make your own if you have time.
- Kirsch or Cherry Brandy: Adds a lovely boozy cherry kick, but you can replace with cherry juice if you prefer.
- Chocolate Pudding: I usually buy the boxed kind for ease, but homemade pudding is fantastic if you want to get fancy.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: This whips up into the perfect airy topping—use cold cream for the best results.
- Powdered Sugar: Balances the cream’s flavor without graininess.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a splash to enhance the whipped cream’s flavor.
- Fresh Cherries: For decorating the top, adding a fresh burst of flavor and color.
- Shaved Chocolate & Chocolate Sprinkles: Because more chocolate is always a good idea!
- Icing Sugar or Cocoa Powder: Optional dusting for that beautiful finishing touch.
Variations
I love making this trifle just as is, but sometimes I like to switch things up depending on the season or who’s coming over. Don’t be shy about making it your own — it’s pretty forgiving and always delicious!
- Non-Alcoholic Version: I swap kirsch for cherry juice when serving kids or non-drinkers, and it’s just as tasty.
- Different Cake Base: Tried it with brownies instead of cake — denser, fudgier, and honestly, a chocolate lover’s dream.
- Mixed Berry Trifle: For summer, I add fresh blueberries and raspberries with cherry pie filling for extra fruity goodness.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream whipped topping and dairy-free pudding, and it still works beautifully.
How to Make Black Forest Trifle with Cherries and Chocolate Recipe
Step 1: Bake or Prep Your Chocolate Cake
Start by baking your chocolate cake or brownies if you’re making from scratch. I like to use my easy chocolate sheet cake recipe for a moist, tender crumb. Let the cake cool completely before cutting it into 1-inch cubes — this helps keep the layers neat and prevents the cake from turning mushy in the trifle bowl.
Step 2: Prepare Your Pudding
Next, prepare your chocolate pudding according to the package instructions, or whip up my homemade version if you prefer. Either way, make sure the pudding is fully cooled before layering — warm pudding will melt your whipped cream and thin out the layers.
Step 3: Whip Up the Cream
In a large bowl or using a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract. I start mixing on a low speed, then crank it up to medium-high once soft peaks start to form. Watch closely so you don’t overwhip—it’s perfect at stiff peaks, light and fluffy!
Step 4: Assemble Your Trifle Layers
Layer half of the cake cubes in your trifle bowl, pressing down lightly to create a nice even base. Drizzle half the kirsch or cherry brandy over the cake for that signature Black Forest flavor. Now add half the chocolate pudding, then half the cherry pie filling, and finish with half the whipped cream. Repeat the layers and top with remaining whipped cream.
Step 5: Chill and Garnish
Cover the trifle and chill for at least 1 hour, but overnight is my favorite because the flavors get even better and meld together beautifully. Before serving, decorate with fresh cherries, shaved chocolate, chocolate sprinkles, and a light dusting of cocoa powder or icing sugar. It’s such a showstopper!
Pro Tips for Making Black Forest Trifle with Cherries and Chocolate Recipe
- Cool Everything First: I learned the hard way that layering warm pudding or cake leads to soggy texture—always let everything cool completely.
- Layer Wisely: Press your cake layers gently but firmly to create a solid base without squashing the cubes.
- Use a Clear Bowl: It really shows off those gorgeous layers and makes the dessert look extra tempting.
- Experiment with Alcohol: If you’re skipping the kirsch, cherry juice works great—just be mindful of sweetness and adjust accordingly.
How to Serve Black Forest Trifle with Cherries and Chocolate Recipe
Garnishes
I always finish mine with a handful of fresh cherries on top plus heaps of chocolate shavings, because who can resist a bit of extra chocolate? Chocolate sprinkles add a fun little crunch, and a light dusting of cocoa powder gives a beautiful contrast and extra depth of flavor.
Side Dishes
This trifle is a dessert star on its own, but if you want to serve alongside, I find simple vanilla or almond biscotti and a hot coffee or tea complement the rich layers perfectly without competing in flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve layered individual parfait glasses with smaller portions so guests can enjoy their own personal Black Forest Trifle with Cherries and Chocolate Recipe. Adding a fresh mint leaf or even edible flowers on top makes it extra festive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This trifle keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or use an airtight lid to keep it fresh and prevent the whipped cream from absorbing any fridge scents.
Freezing
I personally don’t recommend freezing Black Forest Trifle with Cherries and Chocolate Recipe because the whipped cream gets watery upon thawing and the texture changes. It’s best made fresh or stored in the fridge for a few days.
Reheating
No reheating needed here! This dessert is best served chilled. Just take it out of the fridge about 15 minutes before serving if you want to take the chill off slightly without melting the layers.
FAQs
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Can I make the Black Forest Trifle with Cherries and Chocolate Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I recommend making it at least a few hours before serving so the flavors have time to meld and the pudding and cake soak up the cherry brandy or juice. Overnight chilling often results in the best texture and taste.
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What if I don’t have kirsch or cherry brandy?
No worries at all. You can substitute kirsch with cherry juice for a non-alcoholic version, or any cherry-flavored liqueur or even amaretto. Just be careful not to add too much liquid to avoid soggy cake layers.
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Can I use store-bought whipped topping instead of whipping cream?
Yes! If you prefer, you can use 3 cups of defrosted whipped topping instead of making fresh whipped cream—it saves time and still tastes great, although fresh whipped cream gives a nicer texture and flavor.
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How do I keep the trifle from getting soggy?
Avoid sogginess by making sure all components (cake, pudding) are completely cooled before assembling and not adding too much liquid. Gently pressing the cake but not smashing it helps maintain structure. Chill before serving to let layers set.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Black Forest Trifle with Cherries and Chocolate Recipe is one of my go-to desserts when I want to wow guests without stress. It’s comforting but elegant, rich but balanced, and always brings a smile to everyone’s face. If you’re looking for a dessert that feels festive and special yet is easy enough to whip up on short notice, this one’s for you. Grab a big bowl, layer away, and get ready for compliments — trust me, you’re going to love it as much as my family does!
Print
Black Forest Trifle with Cherries and Chocolate Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes (if baking cake; optional if using store-bought cake)
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes to 4 hours 40 minutes including chilling (or overnight chilling for best results)
- Yield: 8 servings (one 9-inch medium size trifle bowl)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
A decadent and visually stunning Black Forest Trifle combining layers of rich chocolate cake, luscious cherry pie filling, creamy chocolate pudding, and fluffy whipped cream, garnished with fresh cherries and chocolate accents. Perfect for celebrations or a delightful dessert treat.
Ingredients
Cake
- One 9×13 chocolate cake or brownie baked according to package or recipe directions (or use homemade easy chocolate sheet cake recipe)
Cherry Filling
- 30 ounces cherry pie filling (approx 2 cups), store bought or homemade
- 4 ounces kirsch or cherry brandy, any cherry liqueur or amaretto (use cherry juice for non-alcoholic version)
Pudding
- 2 boxes chocolate pudding (90 grams each), prepared according to directions or homemade version
Whipped Cream
- 1 ½ cups cold heavy whipping cream or double cream
- 2-4 tablespoons (15-30 grams) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Garnishing
- Fresh cherries
- Shaved chocolate
- Chocolate sprinkles
- Icing sugar or cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the cake: Bake the chocolate cake according to package directions or using your homemade recipe. Allow it to cool completely, then cut into 1-inch cubes.
- Make the pudding: Prepare the chocolate pudding as directed on the box or use a homemade recipe. Let it cool to room temperature.
- Whip the cream: In a large bowl or stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, combine the cold heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Start mixing on low speed, increasing to medium-high as the mixture thickens until stiff peaks form.
- Assemble the trifle: Place half of the cubed cake in the bottom of a trifle bowl, pressing down gently. Drizzle with half of the kirsch or cherry liqueur (or cherry juice for non-alcoholic). Layer half of the pudding on top, then half of the cherry pie filling, followed by half of the whipped cream.
- Repeat layers: Repeat the layering sequence with the remaining cake cubes, kirsch, pudding, cherries, and top with the remaining whipped cream.
- Chill: Cover the trifle and refrigerate for 1 to 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and dessert to set.
- Garnish and serve: Just before serving, garnish with fresh cherries, shaved chocolate, chocolate sprinkles, and a dusting of icing sugar or cocoa powder. Serve chilled.
Notes
- Use cherry juice instead of kirsch or cherry liqueur for a non-alcoholic version.
- For quicker assembly, store-bought chocolate cake and cherry pie filling can save prep time.
- Chilling overnight enhances flavor melding and texture.
- Whipped cream can be substituted with defrosted whipped topping for convenience.
- This recipe serves 8 and is perfect for serving in a 9-inch medium size trifle bowl.
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before slicing to prevent crumbling during assembly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of trifle)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
