Description

This Black Forest Trifle is a luscious, no-bake layered dessert featuring moist chocolate cake cubes, tart cherry pie filling, rich chocolate pudding, and fluffy whipped cream. Enhanced optionally with Kirsch, it brings the classic flavors of the Black Forest cake into a simple, elegant trifle perfect for gatherings and celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Cake Layer

1 chocolate cake (store-bought or homemade, cut into cubes)
1/4 cup Kirsch (optional)

Cherry Layer

2 cups cherry pie filling

Chocolate Pudding Layer

1 1/2 cups chocolate pudding

Whipped Cream Layer

2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Garnish

Dark chocolate shavings or curls for garnish
Maraschino cherries or fresh cherries for topping

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Instructions

Prepare the base layer: Place half of the chocolate cake cubes evenly at the bottom of a large bowl or trifle dish to form the foundation of the dessert.
Add Kirsch (optional): Drizzle half of the Kirsch liqueur over the chocolate cake cubes to add an authentic Black Forest aroma and flavor.
Layer cherry pie filling: Spoon half of the cherry pie filling over the cake layer, spreading evenly to ensure every bite has a fruity tartness.
Add chocolate pudding: Spread half of the chocolate pudding smoothly over the cherry layer to create a creamy, rich contrast.
Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
Apply whipped cream: Spread or pipe half of the whipped cream over the chocolate pudding to add a luscious final touch to this layer.
Repeat layering: Repeat the previous layers with the remaining chocolate cake cubes, drizzle with the remaining Kirsch if using, remaining cherry pie filling, chocolate pudding, and whipped cream, building the trifle beautifully layered.
Garnish: Top the assembled trifle with dark chocolate shavings or curls and maraschino or fresh cherries to enhance appearance and flavor.
Chill: Refrigerate the trifle for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld and the dessert to set perfectly.

Notes

Kirsch adds authentic Black Forest flavor but can be omitted for a child-friendly version.
You can substitute chocolate pudding with chocolate mousse for a richer texture.
Best served chilled and ideally within 24 hours for optimal freshness.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: German-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 410
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 220mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 75mg