Description
This Black Forest Trifle is a luscious layered dessert combining rich chocolate cake, creamy chocolate pudding, sweet cherry pie filling, and fluffy whipped topping. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as an indulgent treat, it brings the classic flavors of Black Forest cake into a no-bake layered parfait that’s easy to assemble and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Cake
- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients to prepare as per box)
Filling and Toppings
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1 package (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 2 cups whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Chocolate shavings for garnish (optional)
- Maraschino cherries for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chocolate Cake: Follow the package instructions to prepare the chocolate cake mix. Bake as directed and let the cake cool completely before proceeding.
- Cut the Cake: Once cooled, cut the chocolate cake into 1-inch cubes to create perfect bite-size pieces for layering.
- Make the Chocolate Pudding: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and 2 cups of cold milk until the mixture thickens, about 2 minutes.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form, creating a light and fluffy whipped cream layer.
- Assemble the Trifle: In a large trifle dish or individual serving glasses, layer half of the chocolate cake cubes on the bottom. Spoon half of the chocolate pudding over the cake, then add half of the cherry pie filling. Follow this with a layer of whipped topping.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process with the remaining cake cubes, chocolate pudding, cherry pie filling, and whipped topping for a beautifully layered dessert.
- Garnish and Chill: Finish with a final dollop of whipped cream on top and garnish with chocolate shavings and maraschino cherries if desired. Chill the trifle in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- You can substitute homemade chocolate cake or brownie pieces for added richness and texture.
- For a more traditional Black Forest flavor, add a splash of kirsch or cherry liqueur to the cake layers before assembling.
- To maintain the best texture, assemble the trifle just before serving or chill thoroughly if made ahead.
