Black Forest Trifle for Christmas – Decadent, Festive & Layers of Chocolate-Cherry Bliss

Black Forest Trifle for Christmas – Decadent, Festive & Layers of Chocolate-Cherry Bliss

Make your holiday table unforgettable with this Black Forest Trifle for Christmas — a stunning, layered dessert that combines rich chocolate cake, luscious cherries, and fluffy whipped cream in every decadent spoonful. Inspired by the classic German Black Forest cake, this trifle brings all the same indulgent flavors — chocolate, cream, and cherry — but in a simpler, no-fuss presentation that’s as easy to assemble as it is breathtaking to serve. Each layer glistens with festive flair, making it a true centerpiece dessert — perfect for Christmas gatherings, winter celebrations, or cozy holiday evenings by the fire.

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Prep Time 25

Cook Time 2

Servings: 12 Slices

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake Layer

1 box chocolate cake mix or homemade chocolate cake
Ingredients required for the mix usually eggs, oil, and water

For the Cherry Filling

1 can 21 oz cherry pie filling
1 tablespoon kirsch cherry brandy or 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
For the Whipped Cream Layer
2 cups heavy whipping cream
3 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Pudding Layer

1 3.9 oz package instant chocolate pudding mix
2 cups cold milk

For Garnish

Chocolate shavings or curls
Fresh cherries with stems, if possible
Dusting of cocoa or powdered sugar

Equipment

Trifle dish or large glass bowl
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or whisk
Spatula
Saucepan
Measuring cups and spoons

Method

Step 1: Bake the Cake

Prepare the chocolate cake according to package or recipe instructions.
Once baked and cooled completely, cut it into 1-inch cubes.
💡 Pro Tip: For extra decadence, drizzle the cake cubes with a little kirsch or coffee syrup before layering.

Step 2: Prepare the Pudding

In a mixing bowl, whisk pudding mix with cold milk until thickened (about 2 minutes).
Refrigerate while you prepare the other layers.

Step 3: Whip the Cream

Beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on high speed until soft peaks form.
Keep chilled until assembly.

Step 4: Assemble the Trifle

In a trifle dish, layer the ingredients as follows:
Chocolate Cake Cubes – place a layer at the bottom.
Chocolate Pudding – spoon a thick layer over the cake.
Cherry Filling – add a layer of cherries, spreading evenly.
Whipped Cream – spread or pipe a layer of whipped cream over the cherries.
Repeat the layers until the dish is full, finishing with a smooth layer of whipped cream on top.

Step 5: Garnish & Chill

Top with chocolate shavings, a drizzle of cherry syrup, and a few fresh cherries for that classic Black Forest finish.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to let the flavors meld beautifully.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate: Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Do Not Freeze: The whipped cream and pudding layers may separate when thawed.

Make Ahead: Prepare up to 1 day in advance — just keep covered until serving.

🥄 Variations

Mini Black Forest Trifles: Assemble in small glasses or jars for individual servings.

Brownie Trifle: Replace cake with chocolate brownies for a fudgier texture.

No-Alcohol Version: Use cherry juice instead of kirsch for a family-friendly dessert.

White Chocolate Twist: Add a layer of white chocolate mousse or drizzle.

Dark Chocolate Lovers: Use dark chocolate pudding for a richer depth of flavor.

Vegan Version: Use dairy-free whipped topping, almond milk pudding, and vegan cake.

Mocha Trifle: Add espresso powder to pudding for a mocha kick.

Cherry-Chocolate Ganache Layer: Add melted chocolate ganache between layers.

Oreo Crunch Layer: Sprinkle crushed Oreos between cake layers for extra texture.

Festive Peppermint: Add crushed peppermint candies or mint extract for a holiday spin.

❓ 10 FAQs

Can I make this trifle without alcohol?
Yes — just skip the kirsch or use cherry juice or almond extract instead.

Can I use frozen cherries instead of canned filling?
Absolutely — simmer them with sugar and cornstarch until thickened.

Can I use store-bought whipped topping?
Yes, Cool Whip or any whipped topping works well for a shortcut.

Can I prepare this in advance?
It’s best within 24 hours — longer storage may cause the cake to soften too much.

Can I use other cake flavors?
Devil’s food or dark chocolate cake works beautifully.

What if I don’t have a trifle dish?
Use any large glass bowl or make individual servings in cups or mason jars.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free cake mix and ensure pudding mix is gluten-free.

Can I make it more tart?
Mix in a bit of lemon juice or extra cherry syrup to the filling.

How do I keep the layers neat?
Use a piping bag for whipped cream and pudding layers for clean edges.

Can I use chocolate mousse instead of pudding?
Yes — it makes the trifle even richer and more decadent.

🏁 Conclusion

This Black Forest Trifle for Christmas is an absolute showstopper — a decadent yet easy-to-make dessert that layers all the beloved flavors of the classic cake into one gorgeous glass masterpiece.

With its moist chocolate cake, juicy cherries, silky pudding, and fluffy cream, every spoonful tastes like holiday joy. It’s the perfect way to end your Christmas feast — elegant, nostalgic, and guaranteed to impress your guests.