Introduction

Celebrate the festive season with this indulgent Black Forest Trifle, combining layers of chocolate cake, cherries, creamy pudding, and whipped cream. It’s a show-stopping dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for Christmas gatherings.

The dessert is served in a clear glass cup with a stem, showing multiple layers. The bottom layer is dark brown, looking like chocolate cake or brownie. On top of it, there are thick, creamy off-white layers mixed with chunks of the same brownie. Red berry sauce is spread unevenly between layers, adding bright red and shiny textures. On the top, there is a swirl of white whipped cream crowned with a dark red leaf-shaped decoration that looks like a candy or fruit peel, surrounded by small red berries and walnut pieces. The background is a white marbled texture with soft lighting creating a cozy atmosphere. 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 package instructions or your favorite homemade recipe. Once baked, allow it to cool completely, then cut into bite-sized cubes.
Step 2: In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Set aside.
Step 3: Drain the cherries, reserving 1/4 cup of the juice for soaking the cake.
Step 4: In a large trifle dish or individual glasses, start layering. Begin with a layer of chocolate cake cubes, then drizzle with cherry juice to moisten.
Step 5: Add a layer of cherries over the soaked cake cubes, followed by a layer of vanilla pudding.
Step 6: Spoon a layer of the whipped cream over the pudding, then sprinkle with some dark chocolate shavings.
Step 7: Repeat the layers as desired, finishing with whipped cream and a final garnish of chocolate shavings and a light dusting of cocoa powder if using.
Step 8: Refrigerate the trifle for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh cherries in season for a brighter flavor or canned cherries for convenience and extra syrup to soak the cake.
Add a splash of cherry liqueur or kirsch to the cherry juice for an adult twist.
Substitute the vanilla pudding with chocolate or cherry-flavored pudding for variation.
For a lighter option, use whipped coconut cream instead of heavy cream.

Storage

Store the trifle covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors improve after resting, but the cake may begin to soften over time. Serve chilled, and if needed, give a gentle stir before plating to refresh the layers.

How to Serve

This dessert is served in a clear glass goblet with a short stem. The bottom layer consists of a dark, rich cake or brownie base. Above this is a thick layer of creamy white filling, possibly cheesecake or mousse, interspersed with chunks of nuts and crumbled bits that add texture. Drizzled and streaked throughout the layers is a deep red berry sauce, creating a contrast with the white filling. The top layer is a swirl of white whipped cream crowned with a deep red, glossy cherry and a couple of dark red or burgundy leaf-shaped decorations, giving it a festive look. The glass sits on a white marbled texture surface with soft lighting enhancing the warm and inviting colors. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the Black Forest Trifle in advance?

Yes, it’s best to prepare the trifle at least 4 hours ahead, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to absorb the cherry juice.

What can I use if I don’t have canned cherries?

Fresh pitted cherries work well, especially when in season. If fresh cherries aren’t available, frozen cherries thawed and drained can also be used.

Black Forest Trifle for Christmas Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 217 reviews

This festive Black Forest Trifle for Christmas combines layers of rich chocolate cake, luscious cherries, creamy vanilla pudding, and fluffy whipped cream. Decorated with dark chocolate shavings and a touch of cocoa powder, this no-bake dessert is perfect for holiday celebrations and impresses with its beautiful layered presentation and classic Black Forest flavors.

Author: Zane
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes (if baking cake from scratch)
Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes (including chilling time)
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: Western
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Cake Layer

1 box of chocolate cake mix (or 1 homemade chocolate cake, cooled and cut into cubes)

Cherry Layer

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

Vanilla Pudding Layer

2 cups vanilla pudding (store-bought or homemade)

Whipped Cream Layer

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

Garnish

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

Instructions

Prepare the Cake: If using a cake mix, bake according to package directions and allow to cool completely. Cut the cooled cake into bite-sized cubes.
Whip the Cream: In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Set aside.
Assemble the Trifle – Layer 1 (Cake): In a large trifle bowl or individual glass dessert cups, place a layer of chocolate cake cubes at the bottom.
Layer 2 (Cherries): Spoon the pitted cherries along with some of their juice evenly over the cake layer to moisten it and add flavor.
Layer 3 (Vanilla Pudding): Spread a smooth layer of vanilla pudding over the cherries.
Layer 4 (Whipped Cream): Top the pudding with a generous layer of whipped cream.
Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers (cake, cherries with juice, pudding, and whipped cream) until the bowl or cups are filled, finishing with a whipped cream layer on top.
Garnish: Sprinkle the dark chocolate shavings over the top layer of whipped cream. Optionally, dust lightly with cocoa powder for added decoration and flavor.
Chill: Refrigerate the trifle for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set.
Serve: Serve chilled as a festive holiday dessert, scooping out layers to enjoy all the rich textures and flavors in every bite.

Notes

Use fresh cherries in season for the best flavor, or canned cherries drained slightly if fresh are unavailable.
For a homemade pudding, cook vanilla pudding from scratch with milk, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla for a richer taste.
Dark or semi-sweet chocolate shavings add a nice contrast to the sweetness of the pudding and cherries.
The trifle can be made a day ahead to save time on the day of your celebration.
Use a clear trifle dish or glass cups to showcase the beautiful layers of this dessert.

Keywords: Black Forest Trifle, Christmas Dessert, Holiday Dessert, Layered Trifle, Chocolate Cherry Trifle