Name: BLACK FOREST TRIFLE FOR HOLIDAYS Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 4 h
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 1 box of chocolate cake mix (or 1 homemade chocolate cake); 1 cup heavy cream; 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)

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 16 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a truly show-stopping, crowd-pleasing dessert, let me introduce you to the BLACK FOREST TRIFLE FOR HOLIDAYS. Imagine layers of moist chocolate cake, lush vanilla pudding, juicy cherries, and clouds of whipped cream, all crowned by chocolate shavings—every spoonful is an irresistible combination of flavors and textures! Whether you’re looking for a centerpiece for your Christmas table or just need an indulgent winter dessert that comes together quickly but stuns guests, this trifle is pure magic. Not only is it gorgeous to look at, but it brings a nostalgic nod to classic Black Forest flavors with a playful, easy twist.

BLACK FOREST TRIFLE FOR HOLIDAYS Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The charm of BLACK FOREST TRIFLE FOR HOLIDAYS lies in its accessible ingredients—nothing fancy, but each one is chosen for a reason! From the deep, cocoa-rich cake to the contrasting tang of cherries and the cool lift of whipped cream, every layer works to create a dessert that’s balanced and festive.

Chocolate Cake Mix (or homemade chocolate cake): The base of your trifle—delivers fudgy, chocolaty goodness that soaks up cherry juices beautifully.
Heavy Cream: Whipped into soft peaks, this adds luscious richness that balances the bittersweet notes of the chocolate.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cream just enough without making it cloying—think pillowy clouds, not sugar overload.
Vanilla Extract: Boosts the flavor of the whipped cream and ties together every element with comforting, aromatic warmth.
Canned or Fresh Cherries (with juice or syrup): Provide tartness, fruitiness, and that unmistakable Black Forest flair.
Cherry Juice: Adds moisture and a pop of sweet-tart flavor to the cake layers—don’t skip this!
Vanilla Pudding: Creamy and mellow, it nestles between layers to add smooth texture and extra decadence.
Dark Chocolate Shavings (or grated chocolate): For a dramatic, elegant finish—plus, who doesn’t love extra chocolate?
Cocoa Powder (optional): A dusting over the top adds striking color contrast and a hint of bitterness to balance the sweetness.

How to Make BLACK FOREST TRIFLE FOR HOLIDAYS

Step 1: Bake and Prepare Your Cake

Begin by baking your chocolate cake according to the instructions, whether you use a box or your favorite homemade recipe. Once it’s cooled, cut the cake into bite-sized, 1-inch cubes. If you’re pressed for time, store-bought brownies or sponge cake will work in a pinch, but that chocolate cake magic really shines here.

Step 2: Whip the Cream

Grab your cold heavy cream, a splash of vanilla extract, and powdered sugar, then whip them together until stiff peaks form. This takes just a few minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer. The whipped cream should hold its shape but still feel soft—think light and dreamy, not stiff and buttery.

Step 3: Prepare the Cherries

If you’re using canned cherries, drain them (make sure to save the juice). For fresh cherries, pit and chop them. Mix the cherries together with their juice or syrup in a small bowl and let them marinate for a few minutes—this step infuses extra cherry flavor in every bite and keeps the cake layers juicy.

Step 4: Layer the Cake

Begin the assembly in a large trifle bowl or individual glasses. Start with a layer of chocolate cake cubes, gently pressing them into an even layer at the bottom. This will soak up all the cherry and pudding goodness.

Step 5: Add Pudding and Cherries

Spread a smooth, even layer of vanilla pudding over the cake base, followed by a generous spoonful of marinated cherries (including a little juice). Distribute the cherries evenly for fruity bursts in every serving.

Step 6: Layer on the Whipped Cream

Spoon or pipe on a thick layer of your freshly whipped cream. Smooth it gently with a spatula so it looks pillowy and inviting—this is what guests see first!

Step 7: Repeat and Top

Continue layering: more cake cubes, pudding, cherries, and whipped cream, until you reach the top of the dish. Finish with a blanket of whipped cream, sprinkle with dark chocolate shavings, and, if you like, dust with cocoa powder for drama. Add a few whole cherries on top for a festive touch.

Step 8: Chill and Set

Cover and refrigerate for at least three hours (overnight is even better). This crucial step allows the layers to meld, transforming your BLACK FOREST TRIFLE FOR HOLIDAYS into a harmonious, scoopable masterpiece.

How to Serve BLACK FOREST TRIFLE FOR HOLIDAYS

Garnishes

For a striking finish, decorate the top with big curls of dark chocolate, a handful of reserved cherries, and a dusting of cocoa powder. These garnishes hint at the flavors inside and make your BLACK FOREST TRIFLE FOR HOLIDAYS look absolutely luxurious on the table.

Side Dishes

As this dessert is rich and celebratory, keep side dishes on the light or refreshing side—think a bowl of fresh berries, a crisp citrus salad, or dainty almond cookies for a delightful contrast alongside the trifle.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the trifle in an elegant glass bowl for a big reveal, or try assembling individual BLACK FOREST TRIFLE FOR HOLIDAYS in wine glasses or mason jars for a fun, personal touch. A clear vessel puts those gorgeous layers on full display, turning dessert into edible holiday décor!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover trifle covered in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. The flavors and textures blend even more over time, but after a few days, the cake will soften considerably (which some people love!). Just be sure to keep it well-covered to prevent the whipped cream from absorbing fridge odors.

Freezing

While you technically can freeze BLACK FOREST TRIFLE FOR HOLIDAYS, note that the texture of the cream and pudding may change after thawing, becoming less smooth. If you do freeze it, wrap tightly and eat within one month; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

Since this dessert is served chilled, there’s no need for reheating. Simply remove from the fridge and serve. For best flavor and texture, let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before scooping so it’s not too cold on the palate.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought whipped topping instead of homemade whipped cream?

Absolutely! Store-bought whipped topping works in a pinch, especially if you’re short on time. The flavor and texture will be slightly different from homemade, but it will still deliver a creamy layer everyone will love.

What’s the best type of chocolate to use for shavings?

A dark chocolate bar (about 70 percent cacao) is perfect for shaving. It gives rich flavor and a bit of bitter depth, offsetting the sweetness of the trifle. Use a vegetable peeler to create elegant curls or just roughly chop if you prefer a rustic look.

Can I make BLACK FOREST TRIFLE FOR HOLIDAYS a day in advance?

Yes—this trifle is actually better when made ahead! Prepare it the day before your event so the flavors meld and the cake soaks up the cherry juice and pudding. Just add garnishes right before serving for the freshest look.

What if I don’t have a trifle dish?

No trifle bowl? No problem! Use a large glass salad bowl, a clear baking dish, or assemble individual servings in glasses or jars. The key is to show off those beautiful layers, no matter what vessel you choose.

Can I substitute another fruit for cherries?

Traditional Black Forest desserts are all about cherries, but you can swap in raspberries or mixed berries if cherries are hard to find. Just keep a little juice or syrup for moistening the cake layer—it’s all about balance!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a centerpiece dessert that delivers both stunning looks and festive, crowd-pleasing flavor, you simply can’t go wrong with BLACK FOREST TRIFLE FOR HOLIDAYS. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes a new tradition at your holiday table!