Description
A decadent and layered Black Forest Trifle featuring moist chocolate cake, luscious cherry pie filling, creamy chocolate pudding, and fluffy whipped cream. This elegant dessert is garnished with fresh cherries and chocolate accents, perfect for special occasions or a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- One 9×13 chocolate cake or brownie, baked according to package or homemade recipe directions
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; cherry juice for non-alcoholic version
Chocolate 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
- Bake the Cake: Bake the chocolate cake according to package or homemade recipe directions. Allow the cake to cool completely, then cut it into 1-inch cubes.
- Prepare the Pudding: Make the chocolate pudding following the package instructions or your homemade recipe, then let it cool to room temperature.
- Make the Whipped Cream: In a large bowl with a stand mixer or handheld mixer, combine the cold heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip on low speed until the mixture thickens and starts to form soft peaks, then increase to medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Assemble the Trifle: In a trifle bowl, layer half of the cake cubes evenly at the bottom, pressing down lightly. Drizzle half of the kirsch or cherry juice over the cake. Top with half of the pudding, then half of the cherry pie filling. Spread half of the whipped cream over the cherries. Repeat the layers ending with the whipped cream on top.
- Chill: Cover the trifle and refrigerate for 1 to 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow flavors to meld and the dessert to set well.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish with fresh cherries, shaved chocolate, chocolate sprinkles, and a dusting of icing sugar or cocoa powder. Serve chilled.
Notes
- Kirsch can be substituted with cherry juice for a non-alcoholic version.
- For convenience, store-bought cherry pie filling and chocolate pudding can be used, or make homemade versions for extra flavor.
- Prepare the trifle at least a few hours ahead or the night before to allow the flavors to develop.
- Use a clear glass trifle bowl for a beautiful presentation showcasing the layers.
- Adjust the amount of powdered sugar in the whipped cream to your desired sweetness level.
- This recipe serves 8 and is perfect for gatherings and celebrations.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/8th of trifle)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 38 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
