Description
This showstopping Best Layered Black Forest Trifle delivers the iconic flavors of rich chocolate cake, juicy cherry filling, fluffy whipped cream, and dark chocolate shavings in gorgeous, crowd-pleasing layers. Easy to assemble ahead for parties or special dinners, this easy dessert is indulgent yet light, beautiful, and guaranteed to impress! Perfect for any celebration, holiday, or whenever you crave a quick make-ahead treat. Try this for your next gathering if you love easy desserts, chocolate-cherry flavor, or classic European-inspired food ideas.
Ingredients
1 (9×13-inch) chocolate cake, baked and cooled (about 12 cups 1-inch cubes)
2 (21 oz) cans cherry pie filling
3 cups heavy whipping cream, chilled
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2–3 tablespoons kirsch or cherry juice (optional)
3 ounces semisweet or dark chocolate (for shavings/curls)
Instructions
1. Cut cooled chocolate cake into 1-inch cubes (about 12 cups). If desired, drizzle kirsch or cherry juice over cake cubes for extra flavor.
2. In a large chilled bowl, beat heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Do not overbeat.
3. In a trifle dish, layer half the chocolate cake cubes. Spoon half the cherry pie filling evenly over cake. Spread half the whipped cream over cherries.
4. Repeat with remaining cake, cherries, and whipped cream, finishing with a final layer of whipped cream.
5. Garnish with chocolate shavings or curls. Chill trifle for at least 2 hours before serving for best flavor and texture.
Notes
For the prettiest layers, use a clear glass trifle bowl or deep glass salad bowl.
Make up to 24 hours ahead, but assemble no more than a day before for best whipped cream texture.
Use a vegetable peeler to create perfect chocolate curls from a block of chocolate.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Layered/No-Bake
- Cuisine: European/German-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12th trifle
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: easy dessert, Black Forest trifle, make ahead, chocolate cherry trifle, crowd-pleasing dessert