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Layered Black Forest Trifle with Cherries & Chocolate

This festive Black Forest Trifle combines layers of rich chocolate cake, sweet cherries, and luscious whipped cream, making it a perfect dessert for your Christmas celebration. Easy to assemble and visually stunning, it's sure to impress your guests.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 10 people
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chocolate Cake Layer
  • 1 package/batch pre-made chocolate cake or brownies cubed
  • 1/2 cup cherry liqueur (e.g., Kirsch) or cherry juice for soaking
Cherry Filling
  • 2 cups frozen pitted dark sweet cherries
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Whipped Cream
  • 3 cups heavy cream cold
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnish
  • 1/4 cup chocolate shavings
  • 10 each fresh cherries optional

Equipment

  • Large trifle dish
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Combine cherries, sugar, and water in a saucepan; bring to a simmer. Mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry, then stir into the simmering cherries until thickened.
  2. Remove the cherry mixture from heat and stir in vanilla, then let it cool completely. Cut the chocolate cake into 1-inch cubes.
  3. Arrange half of the cake cubes in the bottom of a large trifle dish, then drizzle with half of the cherry liqueur or cherry juice.
Assembly
  1. Spoon half of the cooled cherry filling over the cake layer. Top with half of the prepared whipped cream, spreading it evenly.
  2. Place the remaining cake cubes over the whipped cream, drizzle with the remaining liqueur or juice, and then add the rest of the cherry filling.
  3. Top with the remaining whipped cream, spreading it smoothly across the surface.
Chill and Serve
  1. Chill the trifle for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld. Before serving, garnish with chocolate shavings and fresh cherries if desired.

Notes

For best results, chill the trifle overnight. You can substitute cherry juice for Kirsch for an alcohol-free version.