Black Forest Trifle for Christmas

Christmas Magic in a Bowl

Imagine diving into a decadent dessert where layers of chocolate cake, fluffy whipped cream, and tart cherries collide in perfect harmony. Yep, I’m talking about the Black Forest Trifle! This dessert is not just delicious; it’s a festive showstopper that transforms any gathering into a special occasion. It’s easy to throw together and practically begs to be admired on your holiday table.

Why Make This Recipe

Let’s be real—who doesn’t appreciate a dessert that’s both stunning and sublime? Here are a few reasons why this trifle will steal the holiday spotlight:

• Quick and easy: With store-bought options like cake mix and pudding, you’ll whip this up faster than your relatives can find the remote control during Christmas movie night.
• Crowd-pleaser: Rich chocolate and sweet cherries work in perfect tandem. Everyone will be begging for seconds!
• Minimal cleanup: You’ll only dirty a few bowls. The last thing you want is to spend hours scrubbing pots when you could be enjoying dessert, right?

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff—just these basics!

• 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)

Directions

Here’s how to create your masterpiece:

1. Prepare the Cake: Follow the box instructions to bake your chocolate cake. Let it cool before cutting into cubes.
2. Whip the Cream: In a bowl, whip together the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. It’s like fluffy clouds of happiness!
3. Prepare the Cherries: Mix the pitted cherries with cherry juice in a bowl. If you’re feeling fancy, you could even toss in some brandy!
4. Assemble the Trifle: In a large glass bowl or individual cups, layer the cake cubes, cherries, vanilla pudding, and whipped cream. Repeat until you run out (or run out of room in your bowl).
5. Let it Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour. This allows all the flavors to mingle—trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!

How to Make Black Forest Trifle for Christmas (Overview)

Creating this Black Forest Trifle for Christmas is almost as delightful as eating it! Start with a moist chocolate cake—layer that baby with creamy vanilla pudding, juicy cherries, and fluffy whipped cream. Pro tip: Don’t skip letting it chill; it’s like giving your trifle a little holiday spa treatment to enhance the flavors!

How to Serve Black Forest Trifle for Christmas

Your trifle will be a visual feast—think rich chocolate against bright red cherries, topped with snowy white cream. Serve it in clear glasses for an eye-catching look, or go rustic with a large bowl at the center of your table. Don’t forget to sprinkle some chocolate shavings on top; a little flair goes a long way! 😋

How to Store Black Forest Trifle for Christmas

Leftovers? Yes, please! You can keep any trifle in the fridge for up to 3 days, but it probably won’t last that long with all those hungry guests around. Just cover it well to keep that whipped cream fluffy. Want to get ahead? Assemble it a day in advance; it actually gets better as it sits!

Tips to Make Black Forest Trifle for Christmas

• Cake mix hacks: If you’re in a hurry, a boxed chocolate cake mix will save you time. Just don’t tell Grandma!
• Flavor boost: Toss in some almond extract alongside the vanilla for an extra layer of deliciousness.
• Texture tip: Use instant pudding for a firmer texture that holds up better in layers. Your trifle will be Instagram-ready!

Variations

Want to get adventurous? Try swapping out the chocolate cake for red velvet for a holiday twist! Or, make it vegan by using plant-based pudding, coconut cream, and a dairy-free cake mix—deliciousness for everyone! 🎉

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the trifle a day in advance and refrigerate. It’ll taste even better!

Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes! Just thaw them out and drain excess moisture before layering.

How long can I store leftovers?
Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days, but you probably won’t have any left by then! 😜

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Black Forest Trifle

A festive layered dessert featuring chocolate cake, whipped cream, and tart cherries that is quick to prepare and perfect for holiday gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dessert, Holiday

Cuisine: American, Festive

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

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

Method

 

Preparation

1. Follow the box instructions to bake your chocolate cake. Let it cool before cutting into cubes.
2. In a bowl, whip together the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
3. Mix the pitted cherries with cherry juice in a bowl. Optionally, toss in some brandy.

Assembly

1. In a large glass bowl or individual cups, layer the cake cubes, cherries, vanilla pudding, and whipped cream. Repeat until you run out or run out of room in your bowl.
2. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

Serve in clear glasses for a stunning presentation or in a large bowl for a rustic look. Add chocolate shavings for garnish.