Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Black Forest Trifle is a decadent and festive dessert perfect for the Christmas season. With layers of rich chocolate cake, whipped cream, cherries, and chocolate shavings, this trifle combines the classic flavors of the beloved Black Forest cake in a more approachable and visually stunning format. It’s an impressive dessert that feeds a crowd and is perfect for holiday gatherings, offering a delicious mix of textures and flavors that will leave everyone wanting more.
Ingredients
- Chocolate cake (store-bought or homemade)
- Heavy cream
- Sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Kirsch (cherry liqueur) or cherry juice
- Canned or fresh cherries
- Dark chocolate shavings
- Maraschino cherries (for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the chocolate cake (if homemade) and let it cool. Once cooled, cut it into cubes.
- In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- If using Kirsch, drizzle a little over the cake cubes. If not, drizzle with cherry juice for a non-alcoholic version.
- In a large trifle dish, layer the cake cubes, followed by a layer of whipped cream, cherries, and chocolate shavings.
- Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of whipped cream and a few cherries on top.
- Garnish with additional chocolate shavings and maraschino cherries.
- Chill the trifle in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves approximately 8-10 people.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Chill time: 4 hours
Total time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Variations
- Add a layer of chocolate pudding or custard for extra richness.
- Use whipped mascarpone cheese mixed with cream for a different texture.
- If you prefer a less sweet dessert, substitute whipped cream with Greek yogurt.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. The dessert is best served chilled and fresh, but the flavors will still be delicious the next day.
FAQs
Can I use a store-bought chocolate cake?
Yes, store-bought cake works perfectly to save time.
Can I make this trifle a day ahead?
Yes, it actually gets better as it sits in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.
Is there an alternative to Kirsch?
Yes, you can use cherry juice or a non-alcoholic cherry syrup.
Can I use fresh cherries?
Fresh cherries work well, but ensure they are pitted and sliced.
How do I make this trifle more festive?
Top with extra whipped cream, sprinkle some red and green holiday-themed sprinkles, or add a dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
Conclusion
Black Forest Trifle for Christmas is a show-stopping dessert that brings together the rich flavors of chocolate, cherries, and cream in a beautiful layered dessert. Perfect for holiday celebrations, it’s easy to make ahead and can be customized to suit your tastes. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or attending a Christmas party, this trifle will certainly impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.
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Black Forest Trifle for Christmas
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake (Layering)
- Cuisine: German-inspired, Holiday
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive and indulgent dessert, the Black Forest Trifle layers rich chocolate cake, sweetened cherries, creamy custard, and fluffy whipped cream for a show-stopping treat perfect for Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 box of chocolate cake mix (or homemade chocolate cake)
- 1 jar of maraschino cherries, drained (or fresh cherries with syrup)
- 1 cup heavy cream, whipped
- 2 cups vanilla custard or pudding
- 1/4 cup cherry juice or brandy (optional)
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Shaved chocolate or cocoa powder for garnish
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the chocolate cake according to package instructions or your preferred recipe. Let it cool completely before cutting into cubes.
- If using maraschino cherries, drain them well. If using fresh cherries, slice and combine them with a little cherry juice or brandy, if desired.
- In a large trifle dish, layer the chocolate cake cubes at the bottom.
- Next, spoon half of the vanilla custard or pudding over the cake, followed by a layer of cherries.
- Spread half of the whipped cream on top of the cherries.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining cake, custard, cherries, and whipped cream. Be sure to reserve a few cherries and some whipped cream for decoration on top.
- Top the trifle with the reserved whipped cream, cherries, and shaved chocolate or cocoa powder. Garnish with mint leaves if desired.
- Refrigerate the trifle for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled and enjoy a festive treat!
Notes
- For an extra touch of flavor, you can add a little cherry liqueur like Kirsch to the cherries for a more intense flavor.
- To make this dessert gluten-free, use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix or recipe.
- The trifle can be assembled ahead of time, making it a great choice for holiday gatherings.
- If you want to make it lighter, you can substitute the whipped cream with Greek yogurt or light whipped topping.