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Black Forest Trifle for Christmas

A showstopping holiday dessert featuring layers of chocolate cake, whipped cream, and sweet cherries in beautiful trifle form.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Chilling Time 3 hours
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 10 portions
Course: Dessert, Holiday
Cuisine: American, German
Calories: 375
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 box chocolate cake mix or 1 homemade chocolate cake
  • 1 cup heavy cream for whipping
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups canned or fresh cherries pitted, with juice or syrup
  • 1/4 cup cherry juice from canned cherries or fresh
  • 2 cups vanilla pudding store-bought or homemade
  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate shavings or grated chocolate
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder optional for garnish

Equipment

  • Large clear glass trifle dish
  • hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Bake chocolate cake according to package instructions and let cool completely. Cut into 1-inch cubes.
  2. Beat heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
  3. If using canned cherries, drain and reserve juice. Mix cherries with their juice and set aside.
  4. Place layer of chocolate cake cubes at bottom of trifle dish, pressing gently for even base.
  5. Spread layer of vanilla pudding over cake, smoothing with spoon.
  6. Add layer of cherries with some juice, distributing evenly.
  7. Top with generous layer of whipped cream, smoothing gently with spatula.
  8. Repeat layers until reaching top of dish, finishing with whipped cream layer.
  9. Garnish with chocolate shavings and reserved cherries.
  10. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight before serving.

Notes

Can substitute store-bought brownies for quicker option. Best served within 24 hours. Does not freeze well.