Description
This Black Forest trifle is a show-stopping layered dessert inspired by the classic German cake. It features rich chocolate cake or brownies, luscious whipped cream, tart cherry pie filling, and dark chocolate shavings in every decadent bite. Easy to assemble and perfect for feeding a crowd, it’s an elegant and indulgent treat for holidays or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Layer
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box) or 1 batch of brownies
Fruit Layer
- 2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling
Whipped Cream
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnish
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate shavings or curls (plus more for garnish)
Optional
- 1 tablespoon kirsch or cherry liqueur
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake or Brownies: Follow the package instructions on the chocolate cake mix or prepare a batch of brownies from your favorite recipe. Once baked, allow the cake or brownies to cool completely before proceeding.
- Cut Cake into Pieces: Once cooled, cut the cake or brownies into cubes or chunks that will layer nicely in your serving dish.
- Make Whipped Cream: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the heavy whipping cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This creates a rich, fluffy whipped cream perfect for layering.
- Assemble the Trifle – First Layer: In a trifle dish or large glass bowl, place half of the cake cubes evenly on the bottom. If using, drizzle the kirsch or cherry liqueur over the cake pieces to add a traditional cherry flavor. Then, spoon half of the cherry pie filling over the cake layer, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Whipped Cream and Chocolate Shavings: Spread half of the whipped cream over the cherry layer and sprinkle with a generous amount of dark chocolate shavings for added texture and flavor.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering sequence with the remaining cake cubes, cherry pie filling, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings.
- Final Garnish and Chill: Finish with a final swirl of whipped cream on top, then decorate with extra cherries and chocolate curls for an elegant presentation. Chill the assembled trifle in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
- For a more traditional flavor, drizzle kirsch over the cake layers before assembling.
- You can use store-bought whipped topping for convenience instead of making fresh whipped cream.
- Individual servings in cups or jars make attractive and easy-to-serve party desserts.
