Description
This Black Forest Trifle is the ultimate showstopper for your holiday table. A festive, easy recipe perfect for Christmas entertaining, it layers rich devil’s food chocolate cake, homemade cherry compote, airy whipped cream, and dark chocolate shavings into one irresistible treat. Whether you’re looking for an easy Christmas dessert, a no-fuss party recipe, or a layered dessert that feeds a crowd, this Black Forest Trifle checks every box. It’s elegant, make-ahead friendly, and packed with seasonal flavor. Great for easy holiday desserts, Christmas food ideas, or even a decadent no-bake option for dinner parties.
Ingredients
1 box devil’s food cake mix
1 pound fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
1/4 cup cherry liqueur (like Kirsch)
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 bar dark chocolate for shaving
Instructions
1. Prepare and bake the devil’s food cake as directed on the box. Let it cool completely, then cut or tear into cubes.
2. In a saucepan, combine cherries, granulated sugar, cherry liqueur, and cornstarch. Simmer until thick and glossy. Let cool fully.
3. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
4. Layer cake cubes in a trifle bowl. Add cherry compote, whipped cream, and dark chocolate shavings. Repeat layers.
5. Finish with whipped cream and extra chocolate shavings on top.
6. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
Notes
Let the cherry compote cool completely before layering to prevent melting the whipped cream.
Use a glass trifle dish for maximum visual impact and even layering.
Don’t overbeat the whipped cream—stop at soft peaks for the fluffiest texture.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Layered
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: black forest trifle, easy trifle recipe, Christmas dessert, layered dessert, holiday food ideas