Description
This Black Forest Trifle for Christmas is a showstopping no-bake dessert featuring layers of moist chocolate cake, cherry compote, fluffy whipped cream, and chocolate curls. The perfect make-ahead holiday treat, this easy trifle recipe delivers festive flavors and rich textures in every spoonful. Great for Christmas parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
2 cups chocolate cake, cubed
1 ½ cups cherry pie filling or cherry compote
1 ½ cups heavy cream
3 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
⅓ cup chocolate shavings or curls
1 tablespoon kirsch or cherry liqueur (optional)
¼ cup toasted chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
1. Bake a chocolate cake (or use store-bought), let it cool, and cut it into 1-inch cubes.
2. If using canned cherry filling, warm it slightly with kirsch if desired. For homemade compote, simmer pitted cherries with sugar and cornstarch until thickened.
3. In a mixing bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
4. Begin assembling your trifle: layer chocolate cake, cherry filling, and whipped cream in a clear trifle bowl or glass dish. Repeat until the bowl is filled.
5. Top the final layer with whipped cream. Garnish with chocolate shavings, cherries, and toasted nuts.
6. Chill for at least 2 hours or overnight before serving.
Notes
For best results, prepare the trifle 12–24 hours ahead to let the flavors meld.
Use a serrated knife for clean cake cubes and neater layers.
Swap kirsch with cherry syrup if making it alcohol-free.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Holiday / Christmas
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg