Black Forest Trifle is a luxurious and festive dessert that layers rich chocolate cake, luscious whipped cream, and tart cherries. This delightful treat is not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious, making it a perfect addition to your Christmas celebrations. The combination of flavors and textures in this trifle will impress your guests and create a memorable end to your holiday meal!

Ingredients List

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup boiling water

For the Cherry Filling:

• 2 cups pitted cherries (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Whipped Cream:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Assembly:

• Chocolate shavings or grated chocolate (for garnish)
• Additional cherries (for garnish)

Timing

Preparing Black Forest Trifle takes about 30 minutes of prep time and 30-35 minutes of baking time, plus chilling time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Chocolate Cake

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined. Gradually stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth.
4. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely in the pan before removing.

Step 2: Prepare the Cherry Filling

1. Cook Cherries: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Cook until the mixture starts to thicken and bubble, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.

Step 3: Make the Whipped Cream

1. Whip Cream: In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip.

Step 4: Assemble the Trifle

1. Layer Ingredients: In a large trifle dish or individual serving glasses, start by breaking the cooled chocolate cake into bite-sized pieces and layering them at the bottom.
2. Add Cherries: Spoon a layer of the cherry filling over the cake pieces.
3. Add Whipped Cream: Top with a layer of whipped cream.
4. Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers until the dish is filled, finishing with whipped cream on top.

Step 5: Garnish

1. Add Toppings: Garnish the top with chocolate shavings or grated chocolate and additional cherries.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

1. Chill: Refrigerate the trifle for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Serve: Scoop out portions and enjoy!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick glance at the nutritional profile of Black Forest Trifle (per serving, based on 8 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	350
Protein	4g
Fat	22g
Carbohydrates	36g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	20g

Tips for Customization

• Use Different Fruits: Substitute cherries with raspberries or strawberries for a different flavor.
• Add Liqueur: For an adult version, drizzle the cake layers with cherry liqueur (like Kirsch) before layering.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Store any leftover trifle in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed within this time frame to maintain the freshness of the whipped cream.

Conclusion

Black Forest Trifle is a show-stopping dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate, cherries, and whipped cream in a beautiful layered presentation. Perfect for Christmas or any festive occasion, this trifle is sure to delight your guests and leave them wanting more. Enjoy this festive treat as a sweet ending to your holiday meal!

FAQs

Can I make the chocolate cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the chocolate cake a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature until you’re ready to assemble the trifle.

Can I use store-bought cake?

Absolutely! For a quicker option, you can use a store-bought chocolate cake or brownies.

What can I serve with this trifle?

This dessert pairs well with coffee or a glass of dessert wine for a complete indulgent experience.