Name: Black Forest Trifle Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 4 h 20 min
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: One 9x13 chocolate cake or brownie, baked according to package or homemade recipe directions; 30 ounces cherry pie filling (approx 2 cups), store bought or homemade; 4 ounces kirsch or cherry brandy, any cherry liqueur or amaretto, or cherry juice for non-alcoholic version; 2 boxes chocolate pudding (90 grams each), prepared according to directions or homemade; 1 ½ cups cold heavy whipping cream or double cream; 2-4 tablespoons (15-30 grams) powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; Fresh cherries; Shaved chocolate; Chocolate sprinkles; Icing sugar or cocoa powder for dusting

Nothing quite says indulgence like layers of chocolate, cherries, and whipped cream coming together in a beautiful glass dish. This Black Forest Trifle Recipe is a stunning yet simple dessert that delivers that classic Black Forest cake vibe but with a relaxed, festive twist anyone can master.

The dessert is in a clear glass bowl on a glass stand, showing six visible layers. Starting from the bottom, the first layer is dark, crumbly chocolate cake. Above it is a smooth chocolate pudding layer that gently wraps around the cake pieces. The third layer is bright red cherry sauce, thin but rich in color. The fourth layer is fluffy white cream, slightly uneven and soft. Next, another thick layer of chocolate pudding, darker and shiny, with some dark cake crumbs mixed in. On top is a thick, whipped cream layer with a few chocolate shavings scattered around, crowned by a bunch of whole bright red cherries with green stems standing upright. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with fresh cherries and a small white bowl of chocolate shavings nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Black Forest Trifle Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Black Forest Trifle Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Black Forest Trifle Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve always been a fan of the traditional Black Forest cake, but assembling it as a trifle feels liberating and so festive. It’s less fuss, more fun, and perfect for gatherings because everyone can see those luscious layers. Plus, you don’t have to be a pro baker to impress!

Layered Simplicity: Each component shines on its own, yet they blend beautifully when layered.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Chill it overnight and the flavors get even better.
Customizable: Whether you want to go boozy or not, this recipe adapts effortlessly.
Visual Showstopper: The glass bowl reveals the rich layers that are sure to wow your guests.

The image shows a tall dessert in a clear glass trifle bowl with six visible layers. Starting from the bottom, the first layer is dark chocolate cake with a rough texture, followed by a smooth, thick layer of milk chocolate pudding. The third layer is bright red cherry sauce with whole cherries mixed in. Above that is a thick white cream layer, which is topped again by a rich chocolate pudding layer. The top layer is a thick white whipped cream spread unevenly, sprinkled with dark chocolate shavings, and crowned with a pile of shiny, deep red cherries with green stems. Around the bowl, fresh cherries lie on a white marbled surface, with a small white bowl holding chocolate shavings and a glass with a dark red drink blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Black Forest Trifle Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that balance rich, tart, creamy, and boozy notes. The combo is timeless, and knowing what each ingredient brings helps you nail the final dessert.

Flat lay of a dozen fresh whole cherries with stems, a small pile of shiny dark chocolate shavings, a scattering of tiny chocolate sprinkles, a pristine white ceramic bowl filled with smooth dark chocolate cake cubes, a small white ceramic bowl holding glossy cherry pie filling with visible whole cherries, a small white ceramic bowl of rich dark chocolate pudding, a small white ceramic bowl of thick cold heavy whipping cream, a single whole uncracked brown egg with a clean shell, a small white ceramic bowl with fine white powdered sugar, and a small white ceramic bowl containing clear golden kirsch liqueur, all arranged symmetrically and balanced on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chocolate Cake or Brownie: Use a dense, moist cake or brownie; it soaks up the kirsch nicely without turning mushy.
Cherry Pie Filling: The quintessential tart cherry flavor that's sweetened just enough—store-bought works great, but homemade adds a personal touch.
Kirsch or Cherry Brandy: Adds that signature boozy cherry punch; swap with cherry juice for a kid-friendly or alcohol-free trifle.
Chocolate Pudding: Creamy, rich, and smooth—this layer completes the chocolatey goodness in every bite.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Whipped to stiff peaks, it provides lightness to balance heavier layers.
Powdered Sugar and Vanilla Extract: Sweetens and flavors the whipped cream subtly, making it irresistible.
Fresh Cherries, Shaved Chocolate, and Sprinkles: For garnish, these add texture, color, and an inviting finish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One thing I love about this Black Forest Trifle Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on the occasion or your pantry. I switch between layers of chocolate cake or fudgy brownies depending on my mood, and I sometimes add a touch of espresso powder to the pudding for extra depth.

Variation: For a non-alcoholic version, substitute kirsch with cherry juice or pomegranate juice; it’s still wonderfully fruity and festive.
Dairy-Free Twist: Swap heavy cream for coconut cream whipped into softness; it adds a subtle tropical note and keeps it creamy.
Seasonal Upgrade: In summer, use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling when they’re at their peak sweetness.
Extra Crunch: Add crushed amaretti biscuits between layers for a delightful surprise.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Black Forest Trifle Recipe

Step 1: Bake and Cube the Chocolate Base

Whether you’re using a mix or my homemade chocolate sheet cake, I like to bake it the night before to save time and let it cool completely. Once cooled, cut it into roughly 1-inch cubes. This size helps the cubes soak just enough kirsch or cherry juice without turning into mush.

Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Pudding

Whip up two boxes of chocolate pudding according to package directions or my homemade recipe if you want that extra cozy feel. Let it chill while you prep the other elements so it firms up nicely.

Step 3: Whip the Cream Until Stiff Peaks Form

Combine cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Start whisking on low and gradually increase speed until stiff peaks form—this light fluffiness balances the rich layers perfectly. Be careful not to overwhip, or it’ll become grainy.

Step 4: Build Your Layers

In a clear trifle bowl, place half your chocolate cake cubes first, pressing gently. Drizzle with half the kirsch or cherry juice. Spoon half the pudding over that, add half the cherry pie filling, and then top with half the whipped cream. Repeat the layers, finishing with a final whipped cream layer.

Step 5: Chill and Garnish

Cover the trifle and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but I recommend overnight for the flavors to marry beautifully. Just before serving, sprinkle fresh cherries, shaved chocolate, and chocolate sprinkles on top for that wow factor.

Top Tip

From making this Black Forest Trifle Recipe a dozen times, here are my go-to tips to help you nail it without stress.

Use a Dense Cake: I’ve learned that lighter cakes fall apart too fast, so stick to fudgy brownies or moist chocolate sheet cake for the perfect texture.
Patience is Key: Don’t skip the chilling step! The longer it rests, the more the layers meld into that harmonious taste everyone loves.
Gentle Layering: Press cake layers lightly but don’t squash - you want the kirsch to soak in without turning the base soggy.
Whipped Cream Watch: Stop whipping as soon as stiff peaks form; overwhipping makes the cream grainy and hard to spread smoothly.

How to Serve Black Forest Trifle Recipe

Black Forest trifle - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to keep it classic with fresh cherries and generous chocolate shavings on top. Sometimes I dust a little cocoa powder or icing sugar for contrast. These final touches add texture and make it feel extra special when you bring it to the table.

Side Dishes

This dessert is usually the star, but I love pairing it with simple sides like coffee, espresso, or a mild vanilla ice cream to keep the focus on those rich layers without overwhelming.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I sometimes serve the trifle in individual clear glasses or mason jars — guests love seeing their own mini dessert layered to perfection. It’s also fun to add a drizzle of cherry liqueur right before serving for a boozy final flourish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your trifle covered tightly with plastic wrap in the fridge. It stays fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, though honestly, it rarely lasts that long around my place!

Freezing

I wouldn’t recommend freezing the assembled trifle since the whipped cream and pudding layers might lose their texture. If you want to freeze components, I’d do so separately—cake and cherry filling freeze well, but pudding and whipped cream don’t thaw beautifully.

Reheating

This dessert is best served chilled, so there’s no reheating involved. If leftovers are cold straight from the fridge, let them sit at room temperature 15-20 minutes before serving for the flavors to come alive.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Black Forest Trifle Recipe without alcohol?

Absolutely! Just replace kirsch or cherry brandy with cherry juice or even a bit of pomegranate juice. It gives you that fruity kick without the booze, perfect for kids or those avoiding alcohol.

What type of cake works best for the trifle?

A dense, moist chocolate cake or brownie is ideal. I’ve tried lighter cakes, but they tend to get soggy too quickly. Using a sturdier cake ensures the trifle layers stay distinct yet tender.

Can I prepare the trifle in individual servings?

Yes! Feel free to layer everything into small glasses or mason jars for parties or special occasions. It’s fun, makes portion control easy, and looks absolutely charming.

How long should I chill the Black Forest Trifle before serving?

At least 1 hour is necessary to let the flavors meld, but I recommend chilling overnight whenever possible. The longer rest really elevates the taste and texture.

Final Thoughts

This Black Forest Trifle Recipe is one of those recipes I come back to because it’s effortless, stunning, and endlessly delicious. It’s perfect for when you want something showstopping but not stressful. Give it a go—I promise you’ll enjoy every bite and the compliments that come with it!