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Black Forest Trifle

A delightful layered dessert combining rich chocolate cake, creamy vanilla pudding, whipped cream, and sweet cherries, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert, Sweet Treat
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

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

Method
 

Preparation of Cake
  1. Start by making the chocolate cake according to the box instructions or your favorite chocolate cake recipe.
  2. Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely.
  3. After cooling, cut the cake into small cubes.
Prepare the Whipped Cream
  1. In a mixing bowl, pour in the heavy cream.
  2. Using an electric mixer, whip the cream until stiff peaks form.
  3. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract while continuing to whip.
Prepare the Cherries
  1. If using fresh cherries, pit and chop them into smaller pieces.
  2. Toss them in a bowl with the cherry juice.
  3. If using canned cherries, drain them but save some juice to mix with the fruit.
Layer the Trifle
  1. Get a clear bowl or trifle dish.
  2. Start by adding a layer of the chocolate cake cubes at the bottom.
  3. Next, spoon in a layer of vanilla pudding followed by a layer of the whipped cream.
  4. Then, add a layer of the cherry mixture.
  5. Repeat the layering process until you use all ingredients, ending with a layer of whipped cream on top.
Chill the Trifle
  1. Cover the trifle with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
  2. Overnight is even better to meld the flavors together.
Serve and Enjoy
  1. Remove the trifle from the refrigerator.
  2. Garnish with dark chocolate shavings or a light dusting of cocoa powder.
  3. Serve with additional chocolate syrup or cherry sauce on the side if desired.

Notes

Keep the trifle chilled and consume within three days. Optionally, you can use reduced-fat pudding and whipped topping for a lighter version.