Black Forest Trifle
A festive dessert featuring layers of rich chocolate cake, whipped cream, sweet cherries, and vanilla pudding, perfect for Christmas gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Cake and Pudding
- 1 box chocolate cake mix or 1 homemade chocolate cake
- 2 cups vanilla pudding store-bought or homemade
For the Whipped Cream
- 1 cup heavy cream for whipping
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cherry Layer
- 2 cups canned or fresh cherries pitted, with juice or syrup
- 1/4 cup cherry juice from the canned cherries or fresh
For the Garnish
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate shavings or grated chocolate
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder optional for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Bake the chocolate cake according to package instructions or your favorite homemade recipe. Once baked, let it cool completely before cutting it into chunks.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to whip until you achieve stiff peaks. Set aside.
- If using fresh cherries, wash and pit them, then toss with cherry juice. If using canned cherries, drain them and reserve the juice for later layering.
Assembly
- In a large trifle dish or individual glasses, layer chocolate cake pieces, followed by a layer of cherries and a layer of vanilla pudding.
- Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream. Repeat the layers until you reach the top of the dish, finishing with whipped cream and garnishing with chocolate shavings and a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
Chilling
- Cover the trifle with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
For an elegant presentation, serve in individual glasses or a large trifle bowl. Pair with coffee or festive sparkling wine. Best consumed within 3 days.