Black Forest Trifle Christmas (Printer-Friendly)
Chocolate, cherries, and whipped cream in layered harmony for your next holiday table centerpiece.
# List of Ingredients:
→ Cake Base
01 -
1 box chocolate cake mix, prepared as directed, or 1 homemade chocolate cake
→ Whipped Cream
02 -
1 cup heavy cream
03 -
1/2 cup powdered sugar
04 -
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Fruit Layer
05 -
2 cups cherries, canned or fresh, pitted, with juice or syrup
06 -
1/4 cup cherry juice, reserved from cherries or freshly squeezed
→ Pudding Layer
07 -
2 cups vanilla pudding, homemade or store-bought
→ Garnish
08 -
1/2 cup dark chocolate shavings or grated chocolate
09 -
1 tablespoon cocoa powder, for dusting (optional)
# Preparation Steps:
01 -
Prepare the chocolate cake according to package or your preferred recipe directions. Allow the baked cake to cool completely before assembling.
02 -
Cut the cooled cake into approximately 1-inch cubes to facilitate even layering in the trifle dish.
03 -
In a large mixing bowl, beat heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form using a hand or stand mixer. Set aside until ready to assemble.
04 -
If using canned cherries, drain and reserve juice. Combine cherries with 1/4 cup cherry juice in a bowl and gently stir to marinate. If using fresh cherries, pit, chop, and soak in juice.
05 -
Place a layer of chocolate cake cubes at the bottom of a large glass trifle dish or individual glasses, pressing gently to create an even base.
06 -
Spread one-third of the vanilla pudding evenly over the cake cubes, smoothing with a spatula.
07 -
Spoon one-third of the marinated cherries and juice over the pudding, distributing evenly.
08 -
Add one-third of the whipped cream on top of the cherries. Smooth gently with a spatula.
09 -
Repeat the layering process—cake cubes, pudding, cherries, and whipped cream—until all ingredients are used, ending with a final whipped cream layer on top.
10 -
Sprinkle chocolate shavings and, if desired, a dusting of cocoa powder on the top layer. Garnish with a few cherries for an elegant finish.
11 -
Refrigerate the assembled trifle for at least 3 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set firmly.
12 -
Serve chilled, scooping generous portions into bowls or glasses. For an elevated presentation, portion individually and garnish with extra chocolate shavings and cherries.
# Additional Suggestions:
01 -
Use freshly whipped cream and marinate cherries for brightest flavor; for a non-alcoholic dessert, omit liqueur. Chilling overnight further improves flavor integration.