Ah, the Black Forest Trifle—it’s like a symphony of flavors playing a sweet serenade in your mouth. Imagine layers so indulgent they’re almost scandalous, yet comforting like a warm hug on a chilly night. I remember my first encounter with this decadent dessert; it was during a friend’s wedding where the trifle stole the spotlight from the bride’s exquisite gown. Chocolate, cherries, and cream—each bite a nostalgic waltz through the Black Forest itself.
Speaking of which, did you catch last week’s viral video of a raccoon stealing cherries from an orchard? It was hilariously adorable! But back to our trifle—it’s a dessert that demands attention, yet invites you to take your time savoring each spoonful. It’s like the dessert version of watching your favorite comfort movie—familiar, yet endlessly entertaining.
You could say it’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you’re a kid again, sneaking into the kitchen to swipe a taste before it’s ready. So, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself on a lazy Sunday afternoon, this trifle is your ticket to indulgence. Ready to dive into this layered masterpiece? Let’s do it, and don’t worry—you don’t need to be a pastry chef to pull this off.
Steps
- Bake a chocolate cake and once cooled, cut it into 1-inch cubes or crumble it into pieces.
- Prepare the chocolate pudding according to package instructions or using a homemade recipe, then let it cool completely.
- Make the cherry pie filling or use a pre-made version as desired.
- Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form or opt for store-bought whipped topping.
- Start assembling the trifle by placing half the cake pieces at the bottom of a trifle bowl, and drizzle with half of the cherry liqueur if using.
- Layer half of the chocolate pudding, followed by half of the cherry pie filling, and then half of the whipped cream.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients, finishing with a whipped cream layer on top.
- Cover the trifle and refrigerate it for at least an hour or overnight for the flavors to meld.
- Before serving, garnish the trifle with fresh cherries, shaved chocolate, or chocolate sprinkles as desired.
Ingredients
- One 9×13 chocolate cake or brownie, baked according to package or recipe instructions
- 30 ounces cherry pie filling (approximately 2 cups), either store-bought or homemade
- 4 ounces kirsch, cherry brandy, or any cherry liqueur (or amaretto or cherry juice for a non-alcoholic version)
- 2 boxes chocolate pudding (90 grams each), prepared according to package instructions or homemade
- For the Whipped Cream (or substitute with 3 cups thawed whipped topping):
- 1 ½ cups cold heavy whipping cream or double cream
- 2-4 tablespoons (15-30 grams) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- For Garnishing:
- Fresh cherries
- Shaved chocolate
- Chocolate sprinkles
- Icing sugar or cocoa powder for dusting
FAQ
- Can I prepare the Black Forest Trifle in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the components of the trifle 1-2 days ahead. Bake the cake, make the whipped cream, and prepare the cherry pie filling. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Assemble the trifle a few hours before serving.
- How should I store leftover trifle?
- Store any leftover trifle in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Due to the fruit content, it is best consumed within a few days.
- What type of cake is best for a Black Forest Trifle?
- A chocolate sponge or angel food cake is ideal for trifles as they absorb the liquids well. You can use a homemade recipe, a box mix, or store-bought options like pound cake or brownies for a richer taste.
- Can I make a non-alcoholic version of the trifle?
- Yes, you can substitute the cherry liqueur with cherry juice to make a non-alcoholic version of the trifle while still maintaining the classic Black Forest flavors.
- What are some suitable toppings for garnishing the trifle?
- Suitable garnishes include fresh cherries, shaved chocolate, chocolate sprinkles, or a dusting of icing sugar or cocoa powder.
Tips
- Prepare in Advance: To save time on the day of serving, make the chocolate cake, chocolate pudding, and cherry pie filling a day or two ahead. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
- Layer Carefully: When assembling the trifle, start with a layer of cake at the bottom and gently press it down. Drizzle with cherry liqueur for added flavor before adding layers of chocolate pudding, cherry pie filling, and whipped cream. Repeat the layers for a visually appealing dessert.
- Chill for Best Results: Allow the assembled trifle to chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight if possible. This helps the flavors meld together and ensures a refreshing and cohesive dessert.
- Customizable Garnishes: Before serving, add personal touches with garnishes like fresh cherries, shaved chocolate, or a dusting of cocoa powder. These not only enhance the presentation but also add extra flavor and texture.
Equipment
- Trifle Bowl – A medium-sized, preferably glass trifle bowl to assemble and display the dessert.
- Stand Mixer or Handheld Mixer – Useful for making homemade whipped cream.
- Whisk Attachment – If you’re using a stand mixer, this attachment is necessary for whipping cream.
- Cherry Pitter – If you’re making homemade cherry pie filling using fresh cherries, a cherry pitter would be helpful.
