Description
This Black Forest Trifle is a decadent layered dessert featuring moist chocolate cake cubes, luscious cherry pie filling, creamy chocolate pudding, and fluffy homemade whipped cream. Garnished with chopped dark chocolate and fresh cherries, it’s a perfect show-stopping treat that’s easy to assemble and ideal for holidays or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Cake
- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients needed to prepare as per package)
Whipped Cream
- 2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling & Garnishes
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1 1/2 cups prepared chocolate pudding
- 1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate or chocolate shavings
- Fresh cherries (optional, for garnish)
- Additional chocolate (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Bake the Cake: Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions, making sure to bake it fully, then allow it to cool completely to room temperature so it is easier to handle when layering.
- Make Whipped Cream: Using a chilled mixing bowl, beat the cold heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form—that means the cream holds its shape firmly when the beaters are lifted. Set aside.
- Prepare the Cake Cubes: Once the cake is fully cooled, cut it into 1-inch cubes that will be layered in the trifle dish.
- Assemble the Trifle Layers: In a large trifle dish or individual serving cups, start layering with half of the chocolate cake cubes on the bottom, then add half of the cherry pie filling, followed by half of the chocolate pudding. Top with half of the whipped cream. Repeat the exact layering with the remaining cake cubes, cherry pie filling, pudding, and whipped cream to build a beautiful multi-layered dessert.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped dark chocolate or chocolate shavings evenly over the top layer of whipped cream. Optionally decorate with fresh cherries and extra chocolate pieces for a festive touch.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled trifle for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld and the layers to set properly. Serve chilled for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Best made a few hours ahead to allow the layers to set and flavors to blend.
- Substitute store-bought whipped topping for homemade whipped cream to save time.
- Use fresh pitted cherries when in season for a fresher, more vibrant flavor.
