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Black Forest Trifle for Christmas

A delightful layered dessert combining rich chocolate cake, luscious whipped cream, and juicy cherries, perfect for the holiday season.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Course Dessert, Holiday
Cuisine American, German
Servings 8 servings
Calories 380 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 box chocolate cake mix (or 1 homemade chocolate cake) Use gluten-free cake mix for a gluten-free option.
  • 1 cup heavy cream (for whipping) Can be substituted with coconut cream for dairy-free.
  • ½ cup powdered sugar Can be replaced with erythritol for low-sugar options.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups canned or fresh cherries (pitted, with juice or syrup) Frozen cherries can be used if fresh are not available.
  • ¼ cup cherry juice From canned cherries or fresh.
  • 2 cups vanilla pudding (store-bought or homemade) Dairy-free pudding can be used as a substitute.
  • ½ cup dark chocolate shavings (or grated chocolate)
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder Optional for garnish.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Gather all your ingredients and tools including a mixing bowl, whisk or electric mixer, trifle dish, and a spatula.
  • If using a homemade chocolate cake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake according to your recipe or package instructions. Cool completely before cutting into cubes.
  • In a chilled mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip until stiff peaks form, about 2-4 minutes.
  • Prepare the cherries by draining canned cherries and reserving juice or pitting and halving fresh cherries. Toss with cherry juice and let them soak for 10 minutes.
  • If making homemade vanilla pudding, prepare it now and let it chill in the fridge for about 10 minutes to set.

Assembly

  • Begin layering your trifle in the dish, starting with chocolate cake cubes, then cherries, followed by vanilla pudding, and finally the whipped cream.
  • Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used or you reach the top of the dish.
  • Finish with a layer of dark chocolate shavings or grated chocolate and dust with cocoa powder if desired.

Chilling

  • Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight.

Serving

  • Scoop into dessert bowls and enjoy the stunning layers and flavors.

Notes

Avoid using warm cake to prevent soggy layers. Do not overwhip the cream. Chilling is essential for flavor enhancement.
Keyword Black Forest Trifle, Chocolate Cherry, Christmas Dessert, Festive Treat, Layered Dessert