Easy Black Forest Trifle Recipe (Chocolate Cherry Dessert)

This Black Forest trifle is a show-stopping dessert that combines all the classic flavors of Black Forest cake in an easy-to-assemble layered format. With decadent chocolate cake, rich chocolate pudding, sweet cherry pie filling, and pillowy whipped cream, this chocolate cherry trifle is the perfect centerpiece for any celebration. Best of all? It’s surprisingly simple to make and can be prepared with store-bought ingredients or homemade components!

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 1-4 hours
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes – 4 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 10-12

Why This Black Forest Trifle Recipe Works

This easy trifle recipe takes the beloved flavors of traditional Black Forest cake and transforms them into a stunning layered dessert that’s actually easier to make than a cake! No frosting skills required—just layer and chill. The chocolate cake soaks up the cherry liqueur (or juice), creating moist, flavorful bites, while the chocolate pudding adds richness and the whipped cream provides the perfect light contrast.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, birthday party, or special occasion, this impressive dessert looks like it took hours but comes together quickly, especially if you prep components in advance.

Ingredients

For the Trifle Layers:

• 1 (9×13-inch) chocolate cake or brownies (homemade or store-bought)
• 30 ounces (about 2 cups) cherry pie filling (store-bought or homemade)
• 4 ounces kirsch, cherry brandy, cherry liqueur, or cherry juice (for non-alcoholic version)
• 2 boxes (90g each) instant chocolate pudding, prepared according to package directions (or homemade chocolate pudding)

For the Whipped Cream:

• 1½ cups cold heavy whipping cream
• 2-4 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Alternative: 3 cups store-bought whipped topping, thawed

For Garnish:

• Fresh cherries
• Shaved chocolate or chocolate curls
• Chocolate sprinkles
• Cocoa powder or powdered sugar for dusting

How to Make Black Forest Trifle

Step 1: Prepare the Components

Chocolate Cake: If making from scratch, bake a 9×13-inch chocolate cake according to your favorite recipe or box mix directions. Allow to cool completely, then cut into 1-inch cubes or crumble into chunks.

Chocolate Pudding: Prepare instant chocolate pudding according to package directions (or make homemade chocolate pudding). Allow to cool and set in the refrigerator.

Cherry Pie Filling: Use store-bought cherry pie filling or prepare homemade cherry filling if desired.

Step 2: Make the Whipped Cream

In a large bowl using a stand mixer with whisk attachment or handheld mixer, combine the cold heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Start on low speed, then increase to medium-high once the mixture begins to thicken. Beat until stiff peaks form (about 3-4 minutes). Be careful not to overbeat.

Step 3: Assemble the Trifle

First Layer: Place half of the chocolate cake cubes in the bottom of a trifle bowl (or large glass bowl), pressing down lightly to create an even layer. Drizzle with half of the kirsch or cherry juice.

Second Layer: Spread half of the chocolate pudding evenly over the cake layer.

Third Layer: Spoon half of the cherry pie filling over the pudding layer.

Fourth Layer: Spread half of the whipped cream over the cherries.

Repeat: Layer the remaining cake (drizzle with remaining kirsch), pudding, cherries, and whipped cream.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Cover the trifle with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1-4 hours, or overnight for best results. This allows the flavors to meld and the cake to absorb the liqueur.

Before serving, garnish with fresh cherries, shaved chocolate, chocolate sprinkles, and a dusting of cocoa powder or powdered sugar.

Tips for the Perfect Black Forest Trifle

Use the Right Cake: Angel food cake, sponge cake, or chocolate pound cake all work beautifully. They absorb liquid well without becoming too soggy. Brownies create a richer, fudgier version.

Chill for Best Results: While you can serve this after 1 hour, chilling overnight allows the flavors to develop and the layers to set perfectly.

Don’t Skip the Liqueur: Kirsch (cherry brandy) gives authentic Black Forest flavor, but cherry juice works for a non-alcoholic version. You can also use amaretto for a nutty twist.

Layer in a Clear Bowl: A trifle bowl or large glass serving dish showcases the beautiful layers and makes for an impressive presentation.

Make it Your Own: Adjust the sweetness of the whipped cream to your preference by adding more or less powdered sugar.

Recipe Variations

No-Bake Brownies: Use store-bought brownies cut into cubes for an even richer chocolate experience.

White Chocolate Version: Use white chocolate pudding and vanilla cake for a lighter twist, keeping the cherry filling.

Mixed Berry: Substitute cherry pie filling with mixed berry filling for a different fruit flavor.

Individual Trifles: Layer in individual glasses or mason jars for personal servings—perfect for parties.

Chocolate Shavings: Use a vegetable peeler to create chocolate curls from a chocolate bar for elegant garnish.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Make-Ahead: This is a perfect make-ahead dessert! Bake the cake 1-2 days in advance and prepare the pudding and cherry filling. Store separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble the trifle up to 24 hours before serving for best results.

Storage: Cover tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The fruit filling means it won’t keep longer than this, and the texture is best within the first two days.

Freezing: Not recommended, as the whipped cream and fruit don’t freeze well.

Serving Suggestions

This Black Forest dessert is perfect for:

• Holiday gatherings (Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter)
• Birthday celebrations
• Potluck dinners
• Summer barbecues
• Valentine’s Day dessert

Serve chilled directly from the trifle bowl, scooping down through all the layers to get every delicious component in each serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this trifle without alcohol?
Absolutely! Replace the kirsch or cherry brandy with an equal amount of cherry juice or omit it entirely. The trifle will still be delicious.

How far in advance can I assemble the trifle?
You can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance. In fact, it’s often better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together.

What if I don’t have a trifle bowl?
Use any large glass serving bowl or deep dish. The glass allows guests to see the beautiful layers.

Can I use homemade components?
Yes! You can make everything from scratch—chocolate cake, chocolate pudding, and cherry pie filling. Store-bought versions work perfectly too and save time.

Will the cake get soggy?
A little softness is expected and desired in a trifle. The cake should absorb some liquid from the cherries and kirsch, creating a moist, flavorful dessert. Use sponge cake or angel food cake as they hold up best.

Can I substitute Cool Whip for whipped cream?
Yes! Use 3 cups of thawed whipped topping as a convenient substitute for homemade whipped cream.

How do I prevent the layers from mixing?
Spread each layer gently and evenly. The pudding and whipped cream should be thick enough to create distinct layers. Chilling helps set the layers as well.

This easy Black Forest trifle recipe delivers all the decadent chocolate-cherry goodness of traditional Black Forest cake with half the effort. It’s the perfect impressive dessert that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen—but we’ll keep the easy secret between us!