Description
A classic Black Forest Trifle combining rich chocolate cake, luscious cherry pie filling, and fluffy whipped cream, layered beautifully for an elegant, crowd-pleasing dessert. Perfect for gatherings or as a make-ahead treat with optional kirsch for an authentic cherry liqueur flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Layer
- 1 box (18.25 oz) chocolate cake mix, prepared and cooled
- 1 tablespoon kirsch or cherry liqueur (optional)
Filling and Topping
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 2 cups cold heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips
- Fresh cherries and extra chocolate for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bake the Cake: Prepare the chocolate cake according to the package directions. Once fully baked, allow it to cool completely to avoid melting the whipped cream later.
- Cut Cake into Cubes: After cooling, cut the cake into 1-inch cubes for easy layering in the trifle dish or glasses.
- Whip the Cream: In a large bowl, using a mixer, whip the cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form, creating a light and sweet topping.
- Add Kirsch (Optional): If using kirsch, lightly drizzle it over the cake cubes to infuse a subtle cherry flavor.
- Assemble the Trifle: In a trifle dish or individual serving glasses, layer half of the chocolate cake cubes first, followed by half the cherry pie filling, and then a generous layer of whipped cream.
- Repeat Layers: Add the remaining cake cubes, more cherry pie filling, and top with the remaining whipped cream to complete the layering.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the top layer with dark chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips. Optionally, garnish with fresh cherries and extra chocolate for an attractive finish.
- Chill: Refrigerate the assembled trifle for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set properly before serving.
Notes
- Store-bought chocolate pound cake or brownies can be used instead of cake mix for convenience.
- For a quicker option, substitute homemade whipped cream with store-bought whipped topping.
- This dessert can be prepared a day ahead and kept refrigerated to enhance flavor.
