Black Forest Trifle
An easy and festive dessert perfect for Christmas, featuring layers of chocolate cake, cherries, vanilla pudding, and whipped cream.
Ingredients
For the Trifle
- 1 box 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)
Instructions
Preparation
- Bake the chocolate cake according to the box instructions or your recipe. Let it cool, then cut into 1-inch cubes.
- In a bowl, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
- If using canned cherries, drain and keep 1/4 cup of the juice. If fresh, pit them and add sugar if they are tart.
Assembly
- In a large clear trifle bowl or individual glasses, layer cake cubes on the bottom.
- Spoon some vanilla pudding over the cake.
- Add a layer of cherries and a little cherry juice.
- Spread a layer of whipped cream.
- Repeat layers until you reach the top, finishing with whipped cream.
- Scatter dark chocolate shavings on top and dust with cocoa powder if desired.
Chill
- Cover and chill for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
Notes
Serve chilled with a large spoon. Store leftovers tightly covered in the fridge for 2-3 days. For variations, consider adding a boozy twist, creating mini trifles, or swapping fruit.