Description
This Black Forest Trifle for Christmas is a show-stopping holiday dessert layered with rich chocolate cake, velvety vanilla pudding, juicy cherries, and fluffy whipped cream. It’s simple to assemble, make-ahead friendly, and guaranteed to wow your guests with every spoonful.
Ingredients
1 box of chocolate cake mix (or 1 homemade chocolate cake)
1 cup heavy cream (for whipping)
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups canned or fresh cherries (pitted, with juice or syrup)
¼ cup cherry juice (from the canned cherries or fresh)
2 cups vanilla pudding (store-bought or homemade)
½ cup dark chocolate shavings (or grated chocolate)
1 tablespoon cocoa powder (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Bake the Cake: Prepare the chocolate cake according to the box or homemade recipe. Let it cool completely, then cut into 1-inch cubes.
Whip the Cream: Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
Prep the Cherries: Drain canned cherries (or use fresh), reserving the juice. Mix cherries with their juice or syrup in a small bowl.
Assemble the Trifle:
Layer chocolate cake cubes at the bottom of a trifle dish or glass cups.
Spread a layer of vanilla pudding over the cake.
Add a layer of cherries and juice.
Spoon a layer of whipped cream on top.
Repeat layers until the dish is full, finishing with whipped cream.
Garnish: Top with dark chocolate shavings, a dusting of cocoa powder, and a few whole cherries.
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight, to let flavors blend beautifully before serving.
Notes
For a decadent twist, substitute brownies for chocolate cake.
Add a splash of Kirsch (cherry liqueur) to the cherry layer for an adult-friendly version.
The trifle tastes even better the next day as the layers soak up the flavors.
Serve in mini cups for a party-perfect presentation.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake assembly
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 34 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg