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–+ servings

Black Forest Trifle

A delightful and festive dessert combining layers of chocolate cake, creamy vanilla pudding, sweet cherries, and whipped cream, perfect for holiday celebrations.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert, Holiday
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Cake Layer

  • 1 box chocolate cake mix (or 1 homemade chocolate cake) Use your favorite chocolate cake recipe or a boxed mix.

For the Whipped Cream

  • 1 cup heavy cream (for whipping) Chill the bowl and whisk for best results.
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cherry Layer

  • 2 cups canned or fresh cherries (pitted, with juice or syrup) Fresh cherries provide a vibrant flavor.
  • 1/4 cup cherry juice From canned cherries or fresh ones.

For the Pudding Layer

  • 2 cups vanilla pudding (store-bought or homemade) Ensure it is fully chilled before use.

For Garnish

  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate shavings (or grated chocolate)
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (optional) For dusting on top.

Method

Preparation

  • Bake the chocolate cake according to the package instructions or your recipe. Let it cool completely and cut into small cubes.
  • In a bowl, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Set aside.
  • If using fresh cherries, wash and pit them. If using canned cherries, drain them but keep the juice. Combine cherries with 1/4 cup of cherry juice in a bowl.

Assembly

  • In a trifle dish or a large glass bowl, layer the dessert starting with chocolate cake cubes at the bottom.
  • Next, add a layer of cherries with their juice, followed by a layer of vanilla pudding and then a layer of whipped cream.
  • Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of whipped cream on top.

Chilling

  • Cover the trifle with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 4gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 11gSodium: 150mgFiber: 2gSugar: 25g

Notes

For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of cherry liqueur to the cherry juice for soaking the cake. Use fresh seasonal cherries if available for a more vibrant taste. Opt for homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste, but store-bought whipped topping can save time. The dessert can be made a day in advance for better flavor blending.
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