Description
A decadent and visually stunning Black Forest Trifle featuring layers of rich chocolate cake, cherry pie filling, luscious chocolate pudding, and fluffy homemade whipped cream, garnished with fresh cherries and chocolate shavings. Perfect for a special dessert treat that combines classic Black Forest flavors in an elegant, easy-to-assemble trifle.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- One 9×13 chocolate cake or brownie, baked according to package or homemade recipe directions
Cherry Filling and Liquor
- 30 ounces cherry pie filling (approx 2 cups), store bought or homemade
- 4 ounces kirsch or cherry brandy, any cherry liqueur or 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 or homemade recipe directions until fully cooked, about 30-40 minutes. Allow it to cool completely, then cut into 1-inch cubes.
- Make the Pudding: Prepare the chocolate pudding according to package instructions or your homemade recipe. Let it cool completely before assembling the trifle.
- Whip the Cream: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, combine cold heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Start mixing on low speed, gradually increasing to medium-high once soft peaks form. Continue whipping until stiff peaks form, then set aside.
- Assemble the Trifle: In a 9-inch medium-size trifle bowl, layer half of the chocolate cake cubes evenly at the bottom, pressing down gently. Drizzle half of the kirsch or chosen liquor evenly over the cake layer. Next, spread half of the chocolate pudding over the cake. Add half of the cherry pie filling on top, followed by half of the whipped cream. Repeat the layers with the remaining cake, liquor, pudding, cherries, and finish with the whipped cream layer on top.
- Chill and Garnish: Cover the assembled trifle with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 to 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and the dessert to set. Before serving, garnish with fresh cherries, shaved chocolate, chocolate sprinkles, and optionally dust with icing sugar or cocoa powder. Serve chilled.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute kirsch or cherry brandy with cherry juice.
- Use homemade chocolate cake and pudding for a richer, fresher flavor.
- Whipped cream can be substituted with defrosted whipped topping if preferred.
- Chilling overnight enhances the flavor and texture of the trifle.
- Ensure cake is completely cooled before assembling to prevent pudding from melting.
- Adjust powdered sugar in whipped cream to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
