Here’s a rich, gorgeous, and EASY Black Forest Trifle — layers of chocolate cake, cherries, and whipped cream that look stunning and taste even better. Perfect for holidays, parties, or anytime you want a show-stopping dessert without the fuss.
🍒 Black Forest Trifle
Ingredients (serves 10–12)
Cake Layer
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (or homemade chocolate cake), baked and cooled
- You can also use brownies or chocolate pound cake.
Cherry Layer
- 2 cans cherry pie filling OR
- 1 jar morello cherries in syrup, drained + ½ cup of the syrup
Whipped Cream Layer
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Extras (highly recommended)
- ¼ cup kirsch (cherry brandy) for authentic flavor
- Chocolate curls or shaved chocolate
- Extra cherries for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cake
- Bake and completely cool your chocolate cake.
- Cut or crumble into medium chunks.
2. Make the Whipped Cream
- Beat heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla.
- Beat to firm peaks — fluffy and stable.
3. Build the Trifle
In a large trifle bowl or glass dish, repeat layers:
- Layer 1: Chocolate cake pieces
- Lightly drizzle with cherry syrup or kirsch if desired.
- Layer 2: Cherry pie filling
- Spread evenly over cake.
- Layer 3: Whipped cream
- Smooth gently over cherries.
- Repeat layers until you reach the top.
4. Finish
- Top with a final layer of whipped cream.
- Add chocolate curls/shavings and extra cherries for decoration.
5. Chill
- Refrigerate at least 2 hours, or overnight for best flavor.
The cake absorbs the cherry juices and becomes incredibly luscious.
⭐ Tips & Variations
- Chocolate mousse version: Replace one whipped cream layer with chocolate pudding or mousse.
- Brownie version: Use cut brownies for a richer, fudgier trifle.
- Individual servings: Build mini trifles in cups or jars.
- Extra rich: Add a drizzle of hot fudge between layers.
- Not too sweet? Use unsweetened whipped cream to balance the cherry filling.
If you’d like, I can also give you:
🍫 Black Forest Cheesecake Trifle
🍒 No-bake Black Forest Icebox Cake
🎂 Black Forest Poke Cake
Just ask!