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Black Forest Trifle

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This festive Black Forest Trifle features layers of moist chocolate cake, cherry compote, and freshly whipped cream, topped with chocolate shavings and cherries. It’s an easy, show-stopping Christmas dessert perfect for parties and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 batch chocolate cake (homemade or 1 box chocolate cake mix, baked and cooled)
  • 1/2 cup strong coffee (optional)
  • 2 cups canned cherries in juice or fresh cherries, pitted and halved
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp kirsch (cherry liqueur, optional)
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 cups heavy cream, chilled
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate, shaved or grated
  • Whole cherries (for topping, fresh or maraschino)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch pan.
  2. Prepare chocolate cake batter as directed (homemade or box mix). Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  3. Cool cake completely, then cut into 1-inch cubes. If using coffee, drizzle over cake cubes and let soak for 5 minutes.
  4. In a medium saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, and water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  5. Mix cornstarch with a tablespoon of water, then add to cherry mixture. Stir until thickened (about 5 minutes).
  6. Remove from heat. Stir in kirsch (if using). Cool until just warm.
  7. In a large, chilled bowl, whip heavy cream on medium speed until soft peaks form (3-4 minutes).
  8. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Beat until stiff peaks hold, but don’t overmix.
  9. Layer trifle: Start with chocolate cake cubes at the bottom of a trifle bowl. Add cherry filling, then whipped cream. Repeat layers 2-3 times.
  10. Top with remaining whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and whole cherries. Optionally, dust with cocoa powder.
  11. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is best).
  12. Before serving, add extra garnish if desired.

Notes

For gluten-free, use a gluten-free cake mix. For dairy-free, substitute coconut cream for whipped cream. Assemble just before serving for best texture. You can prep cake and cherry filling ahead. Use fresh, canned, or frozen cherries. Kirsch is optional; cherry juice or brandy works as substitutes. Garnish with chocolate curls, mint, or orange zest for extra flair.

Nutrition

Keywords: Black Forest Trifle, Christmas dessert, chocolate trifle, cherry trifle, holiday recipe, festive dessert, easy trifle, potluck dessert

Find it online: https://yumyep.com/black-forest-trifle-recipe-easy-christmas-dessert-for-festive-parties/