Black Forest Trifle
This Black Forest Trifle is the perfect dessert to impress your guests and is very simple to make.
It has chocolate cake, whipped cream, and cherry pie filling in it, which is pretty much everything that tastes like happiness in a cup.
I’ve made this for family dinners, holidays, and even just because I needed something sweet and comforting on a Friday night. It always goes away quickly. Let’s get started!
Ingredients & Equipment
- ◯ 1 box of chocolate cake mix
- ◯ eggs (as directed on cake mix package)
- ◯ oil (as directed on cake mix package)
- ◯ water (as directed on cake mix package)
- ◯ Two 21-ounce cans of cherry pie filling
- ◯ 2 cups of heavy whipping cream
- ◯ 1/2 cup of sugar in powder form
- ◯ 1 tsp of vanilla extract
- ◯ 1 bar of dark chocolate (for shaving)
- ◯ Optional: maraschino cherries on top
Equipment:
- 9×13-inch baking dish for the cake
- Bowls for mixing
- Electric mixer or a whisk and strong arms
- Grater or vegetable peeler (for chocolate shavings)
- A large glass bowl or a trifle bowl
- Spatula made of rubber
- Spoon for stacking
Preparation Instructions
- Follow the instructions on the package to make the cake. Let it cool all the way down, then cut it into pieces.
- Mix together heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Put some pieces of chocolate cake in a trifle bowl.
- Put a lot of cherry pie filling on top of the cake.
- Put a layer of whipped cream on top of the cherries. Keep adding layers until the bowl is full.
- Use a peeler or grater to shave dark chocolate over the top. For a little extra style, add some maraschino cherries.
Tips for Best Results
- If you don’t let the cake cool completely, your whipped cream will melt!
- Use a glass bowl to show off those pretty layers.
- Beat your cream until it has soft peaks; beating it too much will make it grainy.
- First, taste the cherry pie filling. If it’s too sweet, add a little lemon juice.
- Chill the whole thing before you serve it. It tastes better that way.
- Don’t put warm cake on top of the whipped cream; it will make it sad.
- Don’t beat the cream too much.
- Don’t fill the layers too much; leave room for the top!
Storage & Make-Ahead Advice
- Make the cake a day ahead of time and cover it.
- Put together the whole trifle the night before, but don’t add the chocolate shavings until right before you serve it.
- Keep it in the fridge for up to three days.
- Don’t freeze it; it will get watery.
- It might get a little softer over time, but it’s still tasty!
Serving Suggestions
This dessert is very rich, so don’t eat too much for dinner. Some good combinations are:
- Grilled steak or roast chicken
- Simple salads or vegetables that have been roasted
- After dinner, coffee or espresso
This trifle is just right for:
- Holiday spreads (like Christmas dessert!)
- Parties for birthdays
- Desserts you can make ahead of time for the weekend
- Dinner with friends in a casual setting
Why This Trifle Works
This trifle is so much easier than Black Forest cake, which I love. No layers to stack or frost just right. You just put it in a bowl and watch it work its magic. This is why it’s so popular:
- Looks nice, doesn’t take much work
- Great for a lot of people
- You can make it ahead of time (yes, please!)
- Very rich, but the cherries and cream balance it out.
I once brought this to a potluck, and a friend actually licked the spoon. This is a true story.
Flavor and Texture Notes
- Chocolate cake is like a sponge; it soaks up the cherry juice and cream while still keeping its shape.
- Whipped cream makes it less rich and gives it that dreamy look.
- Layering gives each bite a little bit of everything: chocolate, cherry, and cream.
Variations
- Instead of cake, use brownies for a more fudgy taste.
- If you’re short on time, Cool Whip works.
- If you want a more traditional adult drink, add kirsch (cherry liqueur).
- If you don’t like cherries, you can use strawberries or raspberries.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use cake from the store? Yes! Just get a chocolate cake or brownies that are already made.
- Is it okay to use Cool Whip instead of whipped cream? Of course. It’s not as fresh, but it’s simple and good.
- Is it possible to make this gluten-free? Everything else is naturally gluten-free, so use a gluten-free cake mix.
- Is it okay to add alcohol? Yes, try adding kirsch or a little rum to the cherries or cake.
Final Thoughts
You’re going to love how easy and impressive this Black Forest Trifle is. People remember this dessert and ask for it again and again. Go ahead and stack it up, eat it, and don’t forget to leave a comment to let me know how it turned out! Need help? I have answers. 🍫🍒✨