Chocolate Cherry Black Forest Trifle

I first created this chocolate cherry Black Forest trifle when I had leftover chocolate cake and a jar of cherry preserves staring at me from the fridge. I didn’t feel like assembling a traditional cake so I decided to layer everything in a big glass bowl and top it with whipped cream and fresh cherries. One spoonful in and I was hooked it was rich and fruity and absolutely stunning without all the fuss.

Since then this dessert has become my favorite showstopper for holidays and birthdays because it’s indulgent and beautiful and incredibly easy to make. You get fudgy cake and tart cherries and sweet cream in every bite and the presentation always gets people talking. If you’re looking for a dessert that feels elegant but comes together in minutes this one’s it.

Ingredients

• Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
• Chocolate cake – Adds a rich and fudgy base to the layers
• Cherry pie filling – Brings sweetness and tart cherry flavor throughout
• Whipped cream – Light and fluffy to balance out the richness
• Chocolate pudding – Adds a creamy and smooth chocolate layer
• Dark chocolate shavings – For extra texture and a touch of decadence
• Fresh cherries – A gorgeous garnish and a juicy finish on top
• Cocoa powder – Lightly dusted over the top for dramatic flair

Tools You’ll Need

• Trifle dish or large glass bowl – Showcases all the beautiful layers
• Spatula – Makes spreading each layer smooth and easy
• Mixing bowls – Useful for preparing pudding and cream separately
• Cake knife – To cut or crumble the chocolate cake into chunks
• Ice cream scoop or spoon – For layering pudding and cherries evenly

Instructions

Step 1:

I start by baking or grabbing a store-bought chocolate cake and cutting it into small chunks or cubes.

Step 2:

Next, I prepare the chocolate pudding according to the package instructions and let it chill slightly.

Step 3:

In a trifle dish, I begin layering with a layer of chocolate cake pieces as the base.

Step 4:

Then I spoon on some cherry pie filling and gently spread it over the cake.

Step 5:

I add a generous layer of whipped cream over the cherries followed by a layer of chocolate pudding.

Step 6:

I repeat the layers until the dish is full, making sure to end with whipped cream on top.

Step 7:

To finish, I decorate the top with fresh cherries, dark chocolate shavings, and a light dusting of cocoa powder.

Step 8:

I chill the trifle for at least 2 hours before serving to let the flavors meld together perfectly.

Tips

If you want a deeper flavor, I recommend brushing the cake layers with a little cherry liqueur before assembling. You can also use brownies instead of chocolate cake for an ultra-rich twist. And if you’re short on time, use whipped topping instead of homemade whipped cream – no one will know the difference!

Ways to Serve

This trifle is perfect for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or birthdays

Serve in individual glasses for a personalized touch at dinner parties

Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an extra indulgent treat

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Chocolate Cherry Black Forest Trifle in advance?

Yes, it’s even better when made a day ahead and chilled overnight.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?

Definitely! Just cook them down with a little sugar and cornstarch for a homemade cherry layer.

Can I substitute the chocolate cake?

Brownies or chocolate loaf cake both work wonderfully in this trifle.

How long does this trifle last in the fridge?

It keeps well for up to 3 days, covered and refrigerated.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this Chocolate Cherry Black Forest Trifle a try! It’s rich, fruity, and so simple to put together but always feels like a celebration. Let me know if you make it I love seeing your delicious creations!

Happy Cooking!

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