Black Forest Trifle Recipe
Introduction
Black Forest Trifle is a delightful twist on the classic Black Forest cake, combining rich chocolate, juicy cherries, and fluffy whipped cream in a layered dessert. It’s simple to assemble and perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a special treat at home.

Ingredients
- Chocolate cake, cut into cubes
- Cherries, pitted and halved
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Step 1: In a trifle dish or large glass bowl, arrange a layer of chocolate cake cubes evenly across the bottom.
- Step 2: Spoon a generous layer of cherries over the cake, spreading them out evenly.
- Step 3: Spread a thick layer of whipped cream over the cherries, smoothing the top gently.
- Step 4: Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of whipped cream.
- Step 5: Cover and chill the trifle in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving, allowing the flavors to meld.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh or canned cherries depending on availability; drained if canned to avoid sogginess.
- For extra flavor, drizzle cherry liqueur or chocolate syrup between layers.
- Consider adding chocolate shavings or toasted almonds on top for added texture.
Storage
Store the trifle covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The whipped cream and cake may soften over time, so it’s best enjoyed within this period. To serve, you can let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly if desired.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake instead of chocolate?
Yes, vanilla or sponge cake can be used as a substitute, but chocolate cake complements the cherries and cream best for the classic flavor.
Is it necessary to chill the trifle before serving?
Chilling helps the layers to meld and enhances the flavor and texture, so it’s recommended to refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
PrintBlack Forest Trifle Recipe
A delightful Black Forest Trifle combines layers of rich chocolate cake, juicy cherries, and fluffy whipped cream into a beautifully presented and easy-to-make dessert perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Chocolate Cake
- 200g chocolate cake, cut into cubes
Cherries
- 150g pitted cherries, fresh or jarred
Whipped Cream
- 200ml heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Whipped Cream: In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Layer Ingredients: In a large glass trifle bowl or individual serving glasses, start by layering a portion of chocolate cake cubes, followed by a layer of cherries, and then a generous layer of whipped cream.
- Repeat Layers: Continue layering cake, cherries, and whipped cream until the container is filled, finishing with a layer of whipped cream on top.
- Chill: Cover the trifle with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and to chill thoroughly before serving.
- Serve: Garnish with extra cherries or chocolate shavings if desired, and serve chilled.
Notes
- For an added touch, include a splash of Kirsch or cherry liqueur over the cake layers.
- You can substitute fresh cherries with canned or frozen cherries if out of season.
- The cake can be homemade chocolate sponge or store-bought chocolate cake.
- Whipped cream can be stabilized with a small amount of gelatin if preparing in advance for better texture retention.
Keywords: Black Forest Trifle, chocolate cake trifle, layered dessert, cherry dessert, whipped cream dessert

