There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about a Black Forest dessert at Christmastime—the rich chocolate, the bright cherries, and that swoon-worthy whipped cream. This Black Forest Trifle for Christmas wraps all of that festive goodness into an easy, layered dessert that’s as inviting as a warm hug from grandma. It’s elegantly simple, full of comforting flavors, and perfect for making ahead while you’re juggling roast potatoes and carols.
Whether you’re hosting a merry gathering or sharing a sweet moment with loved ones, this trifle brings cozy, festive cheer to the table—without any fuss.
Recipe Info
| Field | Info |
|---|---|
| Category | Dessert |
| Prep Time | 30 minutes |
| Cook Time | 0 minutes (no baking needed*) |
| Servings | 8 |
| Calories | ~450 kcal per serving |
*If you’re using store-bought chocolate cake, no baking is needed—if you prefer homemade cake, allow an extra 30–40 min to bake and cool.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 (9×13″) pan of store-bought chocolate cake (or homemade, cooled and cubed)
- 2 cups cherry pie filling (canned or homemade)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup chocolate shavings (or mini chocolate chips)
- Optional: 2 Tbsp cherry liqueur (like kirsch) or cherry juice
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Prep the cake
Cube or crumble the chocolate cake into bite-sized pieces. Tip: If using cherry liqueur, lightly drizzle it over the cake cubes to infuse a hint of boozy warmth. - Whip the cream
In a chilled bowl, whisk the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Pro-tip: Chill your bowl and whisk in the freezer for 10 minutes before whipping—it helps everything whip faster. - Layer time
In your trifle dish, start with a layer of cake cubes, then spoon over cherry pie filling, followed by a thick layer of whipped cream. Sprinkle on a few chocolate shavings. Repeat these layers, finishing with whipped cream and a generous sprinkle of chocolate shavings on top. - Chill to meld flavors
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours—or even overnight—for flavors to mingle and cake to soften into the creamy layers. - Serve and enjoy
Remove from fridge just before serving and watch your guests’ faces light up at the festive layers!
Helpful Notes & Tips
- Make-ahead friendly: Assemble your trifle up to 24 hours in advance; chilling deepens the cherry-chocolate harmony.
- Stabilizing whipped cream: For sturdier peaks, whisk in a teaspoon of instant pudding mix or a bit of softened cream cheese.
- Sweetness tweak: If you prefer less sugary desserts, reduce powdered sugar to 2–3 Tbsp or choose light cherry pie filling.
- Cherry choices: Fresh or frozen cherries are great, but canned pie filling saves time and keeps that festive shine.
Recipe Variations
- Lighter version
Swap heavy cream with equal parts Greek yogurt and light whipped topping for a tangy, lower-fat version. - Hidden boozy twist
Add a tablespoon of cherry liqueur or rum to the whipped cream or drizzle over your cake cubes for grown-up depth. - Nutty crunch boost
Mix in chopped almonds, toasted hazelnuts, or even crushed amaretti between layers—adds textural delight and holiday warmth.
Serving Suggestions
- Garnish ideas: Fresh cherries, extra chocolate shavings, or a dusting of cocoa powder make the top look like holiday magic.
- On the side: Serve with simple gingerbread cookies, buttery shortbread, or a fruity compote to balance the richness.
- Beverage pairings: A mug of hot cocoa, spiced tea, or complements the sweet and cozy vibe.
Conclusion
From the moment you spoon through those layers of cake, cherries, and cream, you’ll taste the cozy spirit of the season. This Black Forest Trifle for Christmas is all about festive flavor without fuss—made even sweeter when shared with loved ones. So, grab your trifle dish, gather everyone ‘round, and enjoy every festive, spoon-ful moment!