Description
A decadent and visually stunning Black Forest Trifle featuring layers of rich chocolate cake, cherry pie filling, luscious chocolate pudding, and fluffy whipped cream. This dessert is garnished with fresh cherries, shaved chocolate, and sprinkles for an indulgent treat perfect for special occasions or celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- One 9×13 chocolate cake or brownie (homemade or store-bought)
Cherry Filling
- 30 ounces cherry pie filling (approx 2 cups), store bought or homemade
- 4 ounces kirsch, cherry brandy, cherry liqueur, amaretto, or cherry juice for non-alcoholic version
Pudding
- 2 boxes chocolate pudding (90 grams each), prepared according to package directions or homemade
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 your chosen homemade recipe. Allow the cake to cool completely before cutting it into 1 inch cubes.
- Make the Pudding: Prepare the chocolate pudding as per the package instructions or use your homemade pudding recipe. Let it cool to room temperature.
- Prepare 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. Begin mixing on low speed. As the cream thickens and soft peaks form, increase speed to medium-high until stiff peaks develop.
- Assemble the Trifle: Place half of the cake cubes in the bottom of a trifle bowl and gently press them down. Drizzle half of the kirsch or alternative over the cake. Spread half of the pudding over the cake, then layer half of the cherry pie filling followed by half of the whipped cream. Repeat the layers with the remaining cake, kirsch, pudding, cherries, and top with the remaining whipped cream.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the assembled trifle with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 to 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow the flavors to meld. Just before serving, garnish with fresh cherries, shaved chocolate, chocolate sprinkles, and a dusting of icing sugar or cocoa powder. Serve chilled.
Notes
- If avoiding alcohol, substitute kirsch with cherry juice or additional cherry liqueur flavorings.
- Use homemade chocolate cake or high-quality store-bought cake for the best flavor and texture.
- Chilling overnight enhances the melding of flavors and softens the cake layers.
- For a lighter whipped cream, reduce the powdered sugar to 2 tablespoons.
- Garnish creatively with chocolate shavings or sprinkles to make the trifle visually appealing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 40 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
