Black Forest Trifle Recipe Created for Ultimate Decadence

Layers of decadent chocolate sponge cake create a mouthwatering black forest trifle that whispers sweet indulgence.

Rich cherry compote nestles between velvety chocolate crumbs, promising an unforgettable dessert experience.

Creamy whipped peaks rise like delicate mountains, beckoning you to taste.

Germany’s beloved classic takes on a playful new form in this elegant reimagining.

Soft kirsch-soaked cake pieces mingle with luscious cream, creating a symphony of textures.

Dark chocolate shavings add sophisticated crunch to each spoonful.

Prepare to dive into a dessert that celebrates pure deliciousness.

Black Forest Trifle That Turns Heads

• Perfect for Busy Home Bakers
• No complicated techniques required, making this dessert achievable for cooks of all skill levels, with minimal kitchen time and simple assembly steps.
• Combines classic Black Forest flavors in a visually stunning layered presentation that guarantees impressed guests and happy family members.
• Ideal for potlucks, summer gatherings, birthdays, and special occasions, offering a decadent dessert that can be prepared in advance and stored easily in the refrigerator.
• Can be prepared several hours before serving, allowing flavors to blend and reducing last-minute cooking stress while maintaining maximum deliciousness.

Ingredients to Build Black Forest Trifle

• Chocolate Cake: Rich, moist base that provides the foundation for the trifle.
• Cherry Liqueur or Juice: Optional flavor enhancer that adds moisture and depth to the cake cubes.

• Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates light, fluffy texture for layering.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps stabilize the whipped cream.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides subtle, classic flavor to the whipped cream.

• Cherry Pie Filling: Sweet, tangy fruit layer that complements the chocolate.
• Fresh Cherries: Bright, decorative topping for visual appeal and extra fruit flavor.
• Chocolate Shavings: Adds rich chocolate texture and elegant garnish between layers and on top.

How to Assemble Black Forest Trifle Easily

Step 1: Whip Up Creamy Goodness

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip these ingredients until they transform into fluffy, stiff peaks that stand tall. Set the whipped cream aside and get ready for deliciousness.

Step 2: Prepare Chocolate Cake Cubes

Take your chocolate cake and slice it into bite-sized, tempting cubes. Want an extra flavor punch? Drizzle these cubes with cherry liqueur or juice to amp up the taste experience.

Step 3: Create Delectable Layers

• First layer: Spread chocolate cake cubes across the bottom
• Next layer: Spoon cherry pie filling generously
• Follow with a cloud of whipped cream
• Sprinkle chocolate shavings for textural magic

Repeat these layers two more times, making sure to end with a luscious whipped cream topping.

Step 4: Add Stunning Finishing Touches

• Fresh, plump cherries
• Scattered chocolate shavings

Step 5: Chill and Serve with Flair

Slide your trifle into the refrigerator and let the flavors mingle and dance for at least 2 hours. When ready, serve this show-stopping dessert chilled and watch everyone’s eyes light up.

Helpful Black Forest Trifle Tips

• Customize Cake Texture: Use store-bought chocolate cake or homemade sponge cake for varied textures and personal preference.
• Boost Flavor Intensity: Splash cherry liqueur or kirsch over cake cubes to enhance the traditional Black Forest flavor profile.
• Prevent Soggy Layers: Chill cake cubes before assembling to help maintain structural integrity and prevent excessive moisture absorption.
• Chocolate Shaving Trick: Create smooth chocolate shavings by using a vegetable peeler on a room temperature chocolate bar for elegant presentation.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare trifle up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flavors to develop and saving time before serving guests.

Store Black Forest Trifle Without a Mess

• Store the Black Forest Trifle in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover the top with plastic wrap to prevent the whipped cream from absorbing other food odors.
• Transfer leftover trifle into smaller sealed containers for easy grab-and-go servings. This prevents repeated exposure to air and maintains the dessert's texture.
• Avoid freezing the trifle, as the whipped cream and cake layers will lose their delicate texture and become soggy when thawed.
• Keep the trifle cold and enjoy directly from the refrigerator. Do not attempt to reheat, as the layers will break down and lose their distinct creamy and cake textures.

What Matches Black Forest Trifle Best

• Choose a rich, full-bodied German Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) to complement the chocolate and cherry flavors, enhancing the dessert's depth and complexity.
• Brew a strong espresso or dark roast coffee to cut through the sweetness, highlighting the chocolate notes and providing a robust contrast to the creamy trifle.
• Offer a small glass of traditional cherry brandy (Kirsch) alongside the trifle, echoing the Black Forest cake's classic flavor profile and providing a traditional German touch.
• Pour a chilled vanilla cream liqueur as a smooth, complementary drink that enhances the trifle's creamy texture and adds an extra layer of indulgence.

Fresh Ideas for Black Forest Trifle Layers

• Gluten-Free Forest Delight: Replace traditional chocolate cake with gluten-free chocolate cake or almond flour cake for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Black Forest Treat: Swap heavy cream with coconut whipped cream, use vegan chocolate cake, and replace cherry pie filling with homemade chia seed jam made from fresh cherries.
• Low-Sugar Forest Parfait: Substitute powdered sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, use sugar-free cherry preserves, and opt for a low-carb chocolate sponge cake.
• Booze-Free Kid-Friendly Version: Eliminate cherry liqueur and use pure cherry juice or additional cherry syrup to maintain flavor while making it suitable for children.

Black Forest Trifle Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Indulgent black forest trifle blends rich chocolate, cherries, and whipped cream in a mesmerizing German-inspired dessert. Layers of moist cake, kirsch-soaked fruit, and silky cream invite you to savor each luxurious spoonful of this classic sweet sensation.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 (9-inch/23 cm) chocolate cake (store-bought or homemade), cut into cubes
• 2 cups (480 ml) cherry pie filling or pitted fresh cherries
• 2 cups (480 ml) heavy whipping cream

Liquids and Flavor Enhancers:

• ¼ cup (60 ml) cherry liqueur or juice (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Finishing and Decoration Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup (40 g) powdered sugar
• ¼ cup (30 g) chocolate shavings or grated chocolate
• Fresh cherries
• Additional chocolate shavings

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Instructions

1. Whip the cream to a luxurious consistency by vigorously beating heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until it forms stiff, cloud-like peaks. Reserve this airy mixture for later assembly.
2. Prepare chocolate cake cubes by cutting them into uniform bite-sized pieces. Enhance flavor by delicately drizzling cherry liqueur or juice over the cake fragments to infuse moisture and depth.
3. Create the first foundation layer in a transparent trifle vessel by carefully spreading an even tier of chocolate cake cubes across the bottom, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Generously cascade cherry pie filling over the cake layer, allowing the vibrant crimson mixture to nestle between the chocolate fragments.
5. Gently spread a voluminous layer of whipped cream across the cherry filling, creating a smooth, elegant surface. Sprinkle a delicate shower of chocolate shavings to add texture and visual appeal.
6. Repeat the layering sequence two additional times, alternating cake, cherries, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings to build a visually stunning dessert landscape.
7. Crown the final layer with a pristine blanket of whipped cream, creating a billowy, inviting summit.
8. Artfully garnish the trifle’s peak with fresh, glossy cherries and an elegant dusting of chocolate shavings.
9. Refrigerate the assembled dessert for a minimum of two hours, allowing flavors to harmonize and meld into a cohesive, indulgent experience.
10. Serve chilled, revealing the spectacular layers when scooped into individual portions.

Notes

• Choose dark chocolate cake for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor that complements the sweet cherries.
• Drain cherry pie filling slightly to prevent excess liquid from making the cake soggy and maintain the trifle’s structural integrity.
• Grate high-quality dark chocolate directly over each layer for more pronounced chocolate taste and an elegant presentation.
• For a lighter version, substitute whipped cream with Greek yogurt or use low-fat whipping cream to reduce calories without compromising texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg