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Black Forest Trifle Recipe

Black Forest Trifle Recipe


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4.6 from 40 reviews

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

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.


Ingredients

Scale

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

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