Why make this recipe
Black Forest Trifle is a delightful dessert perfect for Christmas. It combines rich chocolate cake, creamy whipped cream, and sweet cherries to create a beautiful and tasty treat. This simple recipe is easy to assemble and is sure to impress your family and friends during the holiday season.
How to make Black Forest Trifle
Ingredients:
- 1 box of chocolate cake mix (or 1 homemade chocolate cake)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for whipping)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups canned or fresh cherries (pitted, with juice or syrup)
- 1/4 cup cherry juice (from the canned cherries or fresh)
- 2 cups vanilla pudding (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate shavings (or grated chocolate)
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (optional for garnish)
Directions:
- Prepare the Cake: Bake the chocolate cake according to the package instructions or your favorite recipe. Let it cool completely. Once cooled, cut the cake into small cubes.
- Whip the Cream: In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream until it starts to thicken. Then add powder sugar and vanilla extract and continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
- Prepare the Cherries: If using canned cherries, drain them, saving their juice. If using fresh cherries, pit them and slice them. Set aside a few cherries for decoration later.
- Assemble the Trifle: In a trifle dish or large glass bowl, layer the ingredients. Start with a layer of chocolate cake cubes, followed by a layer of whipped cream, then a layer of cherries, and a layer of vanilla pudding. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used.
- Let it Chill: Cover the trifle with plastic wrap and put it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This allows the flavors to blend together.
How to serve Black Forest Trifle
To serve, scoop out portions of the trifle into bowls. You can add a little extra whipped cream on top and decorate with the saved cherries and dark chocolate shavings for an elegant touch.
How to store Black Forest Trifle
Store any leftover trifle in the refrigerator. Cover it with plastic wrap or a lid to keep it fresh. It is best enjoyed within 2-3 days, as the cake may become too soggy over time.
Tips to make Black Forest Trifle
- For an even richer taste, you can add a splash of cherry liqueur to the cherry juice.
- Choose high-quality chocolate cake mix or use a homemade chocolate cake for a more personal touch.
- Ensure the whipped cream is whipped to stiff peaks for better layering.
Variation
You can create a festive version by adding peppermint extract to the whipped cream for a minty twist. Another variation is to use white chocolate pudding instead of vanilla for a different flavor profile.
FAQs
Q: How long does it take to make Black Forest Trifle?
A: The prep and assembly take about 30 minutes, plus a chilling time of at least 2 hours.
Q: Can I use frozen cherries for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Just thaw them and drain the excess liquid before use.
Q: Is it possible to make this dessert ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the trifle a day in advance. Just cover it well and keep it in the refrigerator until serving.
Black Forest Trifle
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (or 1 homemade chocolate cake)
For the Whipped Cream
- 1 cup heavy cream for whipping
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Layers
- 2 cups canned or fresh cherries pitted, with juice or syrup
- 1/4 cup cherry juice from the canned cherries or fresh
- 2 cups vanilla pudding store-bought or homemade
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate shavings or grated chocolate
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder optional for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Bake the chocolate cake according to the package instructions or your favorite recipe. Let it cool completely, then cut the cake into small cubes.
- In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream until it starts to thicken. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
- If using canned cherries, drain them, saving their juice. If using fresh cherries, pit them and slice them. Set aside a few cherries for decoration later.
Assembly
- In a trifle dish or large glass bowl, layer the ingredients. Start with a layer of chocolate cake cubes, followed by whipped cream, then cherries, and vanilla pudding. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used.
Chilling
- Cover the trifle with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to let the flavors blend together.
