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This Black Forest Trifle is a delightful dessert that brings together layers of moist chocolate cake, creamy chocolate pudding, and bright cherry pie filling topped with fluffy whipped cream. It is perfect for celebrations or casual gatherings and comes together quickly enough to be a goto treat when you want to impress without fuss.
I first shared this dessert at a family reunion, and it quickly became the highlight that everyone asked for again and again. Its ease and richness make it a crowdpleaser every time.
Ingredients
- One box of XOXO Chocolate Cake Mix: plus the package ingredients to bake the base chocolate cake. You can also use your favorite homemade chocolate cake recipe for a more personal touch
- 21 ounce can of cherry pie filling: Choose a brand with whole cherries for texture and natural sweetness
- Eight ounces of whipped cream topping: Real whipped cream is best but stable whipped toppings work well for convenience
- Three point nine ounce box of chocolate instant pudding: Select high quality pudding mix for a rich chocolate flavor
- One and a half cups of milk: Use whole milk for the creamiest pudding, or substitute coconut milk for a dairy free option (avoid thinner milks like almond as the pudding won’t set properly)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat your oven as recommended on the chocolate cake box or recipe. Bake the cake fully and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut or break the cake into roughly oneinch pieces, which will create perfect layers in the trifle.
- Prepare the Pudding:
- In a clean mixing bowl, combine the chocolate instant pudding powder with one and a half cups of cold milk. Whisk or beat the mixture with a hand mixer for about two minutes until it thickens fully into a smooth and creamy consistency. If you are using dairy free milk, opt for a thicker option for the pudding to set correctly.
- Assemble the Trifle:
- Layer one is half of the chocolate cake pieces spread evenly across the bottom of your trifle dish or large bowl. Layer two is half the prepared chocolate pudding spooned gently over the cake pieces, taking care to cover them evenly. Layer three is half the cherry pie filling carefully spread over the pudding, allowing some cherries to sit on top for visual appeal. Layer four adds the remaining chocolate cake pieces on top of the cherry layer, maintaining the pattern of distinct layers. Layer five involves spreading the remaining chocolate pudding over the cake pieces, smoothing it evenly. Layer six is the final cherry pie filling layer spooned on top to finish the fruit component.
- Top with Whipped Cream:
- Evenly spread the whipped cream topping over the final cherry layer. Use a spatula to smooth out the surface or create soft peaks for an inviting look.
- Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the assembled trifle for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the layers to set nicely. Serve chilled to enjoy the combination of textures and tastes at their best.
The pudding layer is my favorite because it adds rich creaminess that balances the cherry’s tartness. One of my fondest memories is making this with my kids who loved spooning the cherry pie filling on top and admiring the colorful layers through the glass dish.
Storage Tips
Cover the trifle tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to three days but is best enjoyed within the first two days when the cake is freshest. Avoid freezing the assembled trifle as the texture of the whipped cream and pudding may degrade upon thawing.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap the cherry pie filling for fresh cherries macerated with a bit of sugar and lemon juice for a fresher flavor. Use homemade chocolate pudding instead of the instant kind by making a custard style pudding if you prefer from scratch methods. For a boozy twist, drizzle a bit of cherry liqueur or rum over the cake layers before assembling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this trifle with a sprinkle of chocolate shavings or fresh cherries on top for extra flair. Pair it with a cup of strong coffee or a glass of dessert wine for an indulgent experience.
Chill the trifle before serving and enjoy the contrast of chocolate, cherries, and cream. It makes a show stopping dessert for any gathering.
Your Recipe Questions Answered
- → What type of cake is used in this dessert?
A moist chocolate cake, either homemade or from a boxed mix, forms the base layers of this dessert.
- → Can I use dairy-free milk for the pudding?
Yes, but choose a thicker dairy-free milk as almond milk won't thicken the pudding properly.
- → How long should I chill this layered dessert before serving?
Chilling for at least 30 minutes helps the layers set nicely and enhances the flavors.
- → Can this dessert be made in individual servings?
Yes, it can be assembled in parfait glasses or a large dish for sharing.
- → What gives this dessert its tangy flavor?
The cherry pie filling adds a pleasant tartness that balances the sweetness of the chocolate and cream.