BLACK FOREST TRIFLE FOR CHRISTMAS

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December 22, 2025

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Black Forest Trifle for Christmas: A Festive Delight

As the holiday season approaches, the kitchen turns into a magical place filled with the aroma of spices, chocolate, and all things sweet. Among the myriad of Christmas desserts, the Black Forest Trifle stands out as a classic favorite, echoing the traditional flavors of the iconic Black Forest Cake while adding a uniquely festive twist. This layered dessert is not only visually stunning but also delightfully indulgent, making it the perfect centerpiece for your Christmas celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale Your Recipe:

Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering or a grand holiday feast, you can easily scale this recipe to meet your needs. Choose from the 1X, 2X, or 3X versions to accommodate your number of guests.

For 1X (8-10 servings):

  • 1 box of 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

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

  1. Bake the Chocolate Cake: Begin by baking your chocolate cake according to the instructions on the box, or use your favorite homemade recipe. Allow it to cool completely, as this is essential for proper trifle assembly. For a quicker option, consider using store-bought brownies or sponge cake.
  2. Cut the Cake into Cubes: Once cooled, cut the cake into roughly 1-inch cubes. This ensures easy layering in your trifle dish.

Step 2: Whip the Cream

  1. Whip the Cream: In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until stiff peaks form using either a hand mixer or stand mixer. Set aside for later use.

Step 3: Prepare the Cherries

  1. Prepare the Cherries: If using canned cherries, drain them while reserving the juice. For fresh cherries, pit and chop them accordingly. Mix the cherries with their juice or syrup in a small bowl and let them marinate.

Step 4: Assemble the Trifle

  1. Layer the Cake: In a large trifle dish or individual serving glasses, start with a layer of chocolate cake cubes at the bottom. Press them down gently to create an even base.
  2. Add the Pudding Layer: Spread a layer of vanilla pudding over the cake, smoothing it out with a spoon.
  3. Add the Cherries: Spoon a layer of marinated cherries, along with some juice, over the pudding. Ensure even distribution.
  4. Layer the Whipped Cream: Add a generous layer of whipped cream over the cherries, smoothing it with a spatula.
  5. Repeat Layers: Continue layering cake cubes, pudding, cherries, and whipped cream until you reach the top of your dish. Finish with a final layer of whipped cream.
  6. Top with Chocolate and Cherries: Garnish the top with dark chocolate shavings or grated chocolate and a few cherries for decoration.

Step 5: Let It Chill

  1. Chill the Trifle: Refrigerate the assembled trifle for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the layers to set, resulting in a delectable dessert.

Enjoy Your Festive Dessert!

Your Black Forest Trifle is now ready to dazzle your guests with its layers of rich chocolate cake, creamy pudding, luscious cherries, and velvety whipped cream. Each spoonful promises a taste of holiday cheer, making it the perfect ending to your Christmas feast.

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Nutrition (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 350-400 kcal
  • Fat: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Protein: 5g

Did you make this recipe? Share your festive creations with us in the comments below, and let us know how you and your loved ones enjoyed this holiday treat!

BLACK FOREST TRIFLE FOR CHRISTMASBLACK FOREST TRIFLE FOR CHRISTMAS

A delicious plate of BLACK FOREST TRIFLE FOR CHRISTMAS

Black Forest Trifle for Christmas

Indulge in this festive Black Forest Trifle, a delightful combination of chocolate cake, cherries, and whipped cream, perfect for a Christmas treat.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Chilling Time 3 hours
Total Time 4 hours
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: German
Calories: 375

Ingredients
  

Chocolate Cake
  • 1 box chocolate cake mix or 1 homemade chocolate cake
Whipped Cream
  • 240 ml heavy cream for whipping
  • 64 g powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cherries
  • 480 g canned or fresh cherries pitted, with juice or syrup
  • 60 ml cherry juice from the canned cherries or fresh
Pudding
  • 480 g vanilla pudding store-bought or homemade
Topping
  • 64 g dark chocolate shavings or grated chocolate
  • 1 tbsp cocoa powder optional for garnish

Equipment

  • Trifle Dish

Method
 

  1. Bake the Chocolate Cake: Start by baking the chocolate cake according to the instructions on the box (or follow your homemade cake recipe). Let it cool completely before assembling the trifle. If you prefer, you can use store-bought brownies or sponge cake for a quicker option.
  2. Cut the Cake into Cubes: Once the cake has cooled, cut it into bite-sized cubes, roughly 1-inch in size. This will make it easy to layer in the trifle dish.
  3. Whip the Cream: In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This can be done with a hand mixer or stand mixer. Set aside.
  4. Prepare the Cherries: If using canned cherries, drain them, reserving the juice. If using fresh cherries, pit and chop them. In a small bowl, mix the cherries with their juice (or syrup) and set aside to marinate.
  5. Layer the Cake: In a large trifle dish or individual serving glasses, begin by placing a layer of chocolate cake cubes at the bottom. Gently press them down to ensure an even base layer.
  6. Add the Pudding Layer: Next, spread a layer of vanilla pudding over the cake, smoothing it out with a spoon.
  7. Add the Cherries: Spoon a layer of marinated cherries (along with some juice) over the pudding. Be sure to distribute them evenly.
  8. Layer the Whipped Cream: Add a generous layer of whipped cream over the cherries, smoothing it out gently with a spatula.
  9. Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers, starting with more cake cubes, then pudding, cherries, and whipped cream, until you reach the top of your trifle dish. Finish with a layer of whipped cream.
  10. Top with Chocolate and Cherries: Garnish the top with chocolate shavings or grated chocolate and a few cherries for decoration.
  11. Chill the Trifle: Refrigerate the trifle for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together and the layers to set.

Notes

For a festive look, you can add some sprigs of fresh mint or edible glitter on top just before serving. This dessert can be made a day ahead, making it perfect for stress-free holiday entertaining.

A delicious plate of BLACK FOREST TRIFLE FOR CHRISTMAS

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CREATED BY POLLY

Polly is the creator of Adrian Recipes, where she shares easy, family-friendly recipes designed for busy home cooks.

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