Imagine layers of rich chocolate cake, luscious cherries, and silky pudding coming together in perfect harmony. That’s exactly what makes this Black Forest Trifle with Cherry and Chocolate Recipe so irresistible—it’s like the ultimate cherry-chocolate dream dance in a bowl!

The dessert is in a clear glass bowl on a glass stand, showing six visible layers. Starting from the bottom, the first layer is dark, crumbly chocolate cake. Above it is a smooth chocolate pudding layer that gently wraps around the cake pieces. The third layer is bright red cherry sauce, thin but rich in color. The fourth layer is fluffy white cream, slightly uneven and soft. Next, another thick layer of chocolate pudding, darker and shiny, with some dark cake crumbs mixed in. On top is a thick, whipped cream layer with a few chocolate shavings scattered around, crowned by a bunch of whole bright red cherries with green stems standing upright. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with fresh cherries and a small white bowl of chocolate shavings nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Black Forest Trifle with Cherry and Chocolate Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Black Forest Trifle with Cherry and Chocolate Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Black Forest Trifle with Cherry and Chocolate Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

From the moment I first tried this trifle, I was hooked. It’s not just any dessert—each spoonful brings a delightful balance of textures and flavors that feels both comforting and elegant. This Black Forest Trifle with Cherry and Chocolate Recipe is a showstopper that's surprisingly easy to put together, making it perfect for everything from casual family dinners to festive celebrations.

Decadent yet approachable: The combination of chocolate cake, cherry pie filling, and creamy pudding hits all the right notes without needing fancy skills.
Make-ahead friendly: It tastes even better after chilling, so you can prepare in advance and enjoy stress-free serving.
Customizable layers: Whether you love more cherries, extra pudding, or whipped cream, you can build it exactly how you like it.
Visually stunning: This dessert looks beautiful in a glass trifle bowl, perfect for impressing guests without overtime in the kitchen.

The image shows a tall dessert in a clear glass trifle bowl with six visible layers. Starting from the bottom, the first layer is dark chocolate cake with a rough texture, followed by a smooth, thick layer of milk chocolate pudding. The third layer is bright red cherry sauce with whole cherries mixed in. Above that is a thick white cream layer, which is topped again by a rich chocolate pudding layer. The top layer is a thick white whipped cream spread unevenly, sprinkled with dark chocolate shavings, and crowned with a pile of shiny, deep red cherries with green stems. Around the bowl, fresh cherries lie on a white marbled surface, with a small white bowl holding chocolate shavings and a glass with a dark red drink blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this trifle comes from simple ingredients that blend harmoniously. Each element adds its own texture and flavor, so choosing quality components really elevates the final dish. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one is important.

Flat lay of a dozen fresh whole cherries with stems, a small pile of shiny dark chocolate shavings, a scattering of tiny chocolate sprinkles, a pristine white ceramic bowl filled with smooth dark chocolate cake cubes, a small white ceramic bowl holding glossy cherry pie filling with visible whole cherries, a small white ceramic bowl of rich dark chocolate pudding, a small white ceramic bowl of thick cold heavy whipping cream, a single whole uncracked brown egg with a clean shell, a small white ceramic bowl with fine white powdered sugar, and a small white ceramic bowl containing clear golden kirsch liqueur, all arranged symmetrically and balanced on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chocolate cake or brownie: Acts as the rich, sturdy base soaking up the cherry liqueur and pudding, lending moistness and deep chocolate flavor.
Cherry pie filling: The star fruit element that brings sweet and tart notes complementing chocolate beautifully.
Kirsch or cherry brandy: Adds authentic black forest spirit and flavor; for a non-alcoholic version, cherry juice works great!
Chocolate pudding (2 boxes): Adds luscious creaminess and extra chocolate punch that contrasts the cake’s texture.
Heavy whipping cream: Whipped to soft peaks to provide lightness and richness, balancing the dessert layers perfectly.
Powdered sugar and vanilla extract: Sweeten and flavor the whipped cream, making it a heavenly topping.
Fresh cherries and chocolate garnishes: Bring freshness and an elegant touch to the finished trifle.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

Honestly, one of the things I love most about this Black Forest Trifle with Cherry and Chocolate Recipe is how flexible it can be. I’ve played with different textures and timings, so please feel free to tweak it to suit your taste.

Variation: I sometimes swap out the cherry brandy for amaretto—this gives the trifle a warm almond undertone that’s delicious and unexpected.
Dairy-free option: Try using coconut whipped cream and dairy-free pudding for a vegan-friendly trifle; it’s just as indulgent!
Fruit swap: If cherries aren’t in season, fresh raspberries or blackberries make a fantastic alternative—just be sure to adjust the sweetness accordingly.
Layer creativity: I’ve even added crushed cookies or nuts between layers for an extra crunch when I want something special.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Black Forest Trifle with Cherry and Chocolate Recipe

Step 1: Bake and Cube the Chocolate Cake

Whether you opt for store-bought cake or my easy chocolate sheet cake recipe, the key here is to let it cool completely before cutting. I like to slice the cake into roughly 1-inch cubes—big enough to hold their shape but still soak up that kirsch beautifully. Using a serrated knife helps keep the edges intact and prevents crumbling.

Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Pudding

Making homemade pudding is a game changer here, but if you’re short on time, the boxed variety works fine. Just be sure to follow the directions exactly and let it cool completely before layering. This step ensures your pudding won’t melt the whipped cream later on.

Step 3: Whip the Cream to Perfection

I always chill my mixing bowl and whisk in the fridge for a bit before whipping. Then I beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla on low speed at first—gradually increasing to medium-high. When soft peaks form, watch carefully—it only takes a few seconds more to reach stiff peaks. Over-whipping can turn your cream into butter, so stop just in time!

Step 4: Assemble the Trifle Layers

Start with half the chocolate cake cubes pressed gently into the bottom of your trifle bowl. Drizzle half the kirsch or cherry juice over them to soak in flavor. Then layer half the pudding, followed by half the cherry pie filling, and top with half the whipped cream. Repeat the layers exactly the same way and finish off with a beautiful cloud of whipped cream on top.

Pop the trifle into the fridge for at least 1 hour, though overnight is even better for the flavors to meld perfectly. Trust me, the wait is worth it!

Top Tip

After making this Black Forest Trifle with Cherry and Chocolate Recipe several times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really help ensure success and keep cleanup easy.

Chill everything first: Refrigerate your mixing bowl, whisk, and even the cake cubes if possible to keep whipped cream stable and pudding firm.
Don’t rush the chilling: Let the trifle rest at least an hour so the cake and pudding absorb the cherry liqueur flavors and soften just right.
Use an offset spatula: This tool is perfect for smoothing whipped cream layers and creating a clean top before garnishing.
Keep garnishes last-minute: Add fresh cherries and chocolate shavings right before serving to keep everything looking fresh and vibrant.

How to Serve Black Forest Trifle with Cherry and Chocolate Recipe

Black Forest trifle - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

For garnishes, I’m a big fan of fresh cherries—they give a burst of freshness and a pop of color. I also like to add shaved dark chocolate or chocolate sprinkles for texture and to enhance that chocolate vibe. A light dusting of cocoa powder or icing sugar adds a pretty finishing touch that makes it look like you really put in the effort.

Side Dishes

This trifle usually steals the spotlight, but if you want to serve alongside, I recommend simple but elegant: a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a light mint salad helps balance the richness. For a party, fresh coffee or dark roast espresso pairs beautifully to cut through the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

I love assembling individual trifles in glass jars for parties—so cute and perfectly portioned. It’s also a fun twist to layer the ingredients in clear wine glasses for a more sophisticated look. During holidays, adding edible gold leaf or red and white striped straws gives it a festive charm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover trifle covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge. Because of the whipped cream and fresh cherries, it’s best eaten within 2 days for optimal freshness and texture.

Freezing

I usually don’t freeze this trifle since whipped cream and pudding can get grainy or separate when thawed. If you must, freeze individual portions without whipped cream and add fresh cream just before serving.

Reheating

Since this is a cold dessert, reheating isn’t recommended. Serve it chilled straight from the fridge for the best experience.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the Black Forest Trifle with Cherry and Chocolate Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This trifle actually benefits from chilling overnight because it allows the flavors to meld and the cake to soak up the cherry liqueur and pudding for a perfect, moist texture.

What’s the best substitute for kirsch or cherry brandy in this recipe?

If you prefer not to use alcohol, cherry juice is a great non-alcoholic substitute that still adds lovely cherry flavor without overpowering sweetness. You could also use almond extract combined with a splash of water for complexity.

Can I use store-bought pudding for this Black Forest Trifle with Cherry and Chocolate Recipe?

Yes, store-bought pudding works perfectly well if you’re short on time. Just make sure to chill it thoroughly before layering to prevent melting the whipped cream in the next step.

What kind of chocolate cake works best for this trifle?

I recommend a moist, dense chocolate cake or brownie—something that’s sturdy enough to hold layers without turning mushy. A homemade chocolate sheet cake or a quality boxed cake mix both do wonderfully. Avoid very dry cakes as they won’t absorb the kirsch well.

Final Thoughts

This Black Forest Trifle with Cherry and Chocolate Recipe is one of those desserts that instantly brings smiles to the table. It’s a perfect blend of sophisticated flavors with a comforting, homey feel—just like a hug in a bowl. I love making it for friends because it looks impressive but isn’t intimidating to prepare. Give it a try—you might find it becoming a treasured dessert in your repertoire, just like I did.