Velvety chocolate, luscious cherries, and fluffy whipped cream all piled high in a gorgeous glass bowl—this Black Forest Trifle with Cherry and Chocolate Recipe is pure dessert magic. It’s that dazzling showstopper you’ll want to make over and over, perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to treat yourself.

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

I can’t get enough of how this Black Forest Trifle with Cherry and Chocolate Recipe layers bold flavors and textures into every bite. It’s nostalgic yet effortlessly elegant, making it a hit at family dinners and parties alike.

Easy to assemble: No complicated baking techniques here—just layering your favorite flavors for max impact.
Customizable: Whether you want to swap the liqueur or add extra cherries, this recipe molds beautifully to your taste.
Show-stopping presentation: Clear layers in a trifle bowl make it look fancy, but it tastes even better than it looks!
Make-ahead friendly: It actually tastes better after resting in the fridge, so prep in advance and relax.

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

Each ingredient here plays a starring role, combining classic Black Forest flavors with easy accessibility. Here’s what to know when grabbing your supplies.

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: Using a moist chocolate base ensures each bite stays rich and chocolaty—you can bake from scratch or grab a mix for convenience.
Cherry pie filling: The sweet-tart cherries are essential for that signature flavor punch; you can use canned or homemade depending on your time.
Kirsch or cherry liqueur: A splash of kirsch brightens the dessert and adds an authentic cherry brandy note; skip or substitute with cherry juice if you prefer no alcohol.
Chocolate pudding: Smooth, creamy pudding layers add indulgence and balance the fruit and cake—homemade or boxed both work wonderfully.
Heavy whipping cream: Whipping your own cream with sugar and vanilla gives you that cloud-like topping that makes every spoonful dreamy.
Garnishes (fresh cherries, shaved chocolate, sprinkles): These make your trifle really pop visually and offer a refreshing texture contrast.

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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

I love mixing things up with this Black Forest Trifle with Cherry and Chocolate Recipe. It’s forgiving enough that you can add your own little twists to suit whatever mood or occasion you’re catering for.

Variation: One time, I swapped the cherry pie filling for fresh macerated cherries and sprinkled a bit of crunchy toasted almonds between layers. It gave the trifle an unexpected texture pop and a fresh cherry brightness that I adored.
Dietary tweaks: For a lighter version, you can try using low-fat whipped topping instead of heavy cream, and sugar-free pudding mixes to dial back on calories without sacrificing flavor.
Alcohol-free option: Cherry juice or a non-alcoholic cherry syrup does the trick beautifully if you’re serving kids or prefer to skip the kirsch.

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

Step 1: Bake Your Chocolate Cake or Brownie

Start by baking your chocolate cake or brownies according to the package or your favorite recipe. I often make a simple moist chocolate sheet cake that keeps well and slices easily. Let it cool completely—that’s key! Warm cake will soak up too much liquid and turn soggy instead of maintaining nice layers. Once cooled, cut it into roughly 1-inch cubes. I find this size gives perfect layering without crumbling too much.

Step 2: Prepare Your Chocolate Pudding

While the cake cools, whip up your chocolate pudding. You can use your favorite boxed pudding, just follow the instructions, or make a homemade version for more richness. Allow it to fully cool and set before assembling—hot pudding is a trifle killer and will melt your whipped cream later!

Step 3: Whip The Cream Till It’s Dreamy

Next, pour your cold heavy cream into a chilled bowl (trust me on this, cold tools help!) and add powdered sugar and vanilla. Start mixing on low speed; once you see soft peaks form, bump the speed up to medium-high and keep going till stiff peaks form. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to overbeat—stop when the cream holds peaks but is still smooth and silky. If you cheerfully overwhip like me sometimes, you can rescue it by folding in a splash of fresh cream.

Step 4: Time to Assemble Your Trifle

Scoop half your cubed chocolate cake into the bottom of a clear trifle bowl or large glass dish. Press the cubes gently to form an even layer. Drizzle half the kirsch (or cherry juice if going alcohol-free) over the cake—this keeps things moist and infused with flavor. Layer half the chocolate pudding on top next, spreading evenly but gently.

Then spoon on half of your cherry pie filling—go ahead and let some juices drizzle down the sides. Top with a generous layer of whipped cream. Repeat all these layers once more, finishing with a thick cloud of whipped cream on top.

Cover tightly with plastic wrap and chill for 1 to 4 hours, or better yet, overnight. The chilling lets all those flavors marry beautifully and makes the trifle sliceable.

Top Tip

From my experience, getting the layering just right makes all the difference between a messy bowl and a dessert that wows at the table. Patience in chilling and careful whipping elevate this trifle to something truly memorable.

Chill your bowl and beaters: Cold utensils give your whipped cream a better chance to whip up fluffy and stable.
Don’t rush the chilling: While it’s tempting to dig right in, letting the trifle rest overnight helps flavors blend for a deeper, richer taste.
Use a sharp knife to slice: To serve perfect layers, wipe your knife clean between slices so each serving looks as stunning as the last.
Adjust sweet and tart balance: Taste your cherries and pudding first; if your filling is very sweet, cut down the powdered sugar in the whipped cream a bit.

How to Serve Black Forest Trifle with Cherry and Chocolate Recipe

Black Forest trifle - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always garnish with fresh cherries—if I can find them in season—and a generous shower of chocolate shavings or sprinkles. It makes the dessert look irresistible and adds a contrasting texture. A light dusting of cocoa powder or icing sugar finishes it beautifully.

Side Dishes

This trifle is rich on its own, so I like to keep sides simple—think freshly brewed coffee or tea and maybe some crisp biscotti or almond cookies for a little crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or festive dinners, try individual mini trifles in clear glasses. They’re cute, portion-controlled, and feel extra special. You can also swap layers by adding a ribbon of crushed cookies or swapping cherries for raspberries for a different twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers go straight back into an airtight container or stay covered in the original bowl, refrigerated. I find the flavors actually deepen after a day or two. Just give it a gentle stir before serving to refresh the layers.

Freezing

I haven’t had much luck freezing this trifle because the texture of the whipped cream and pudding changes when thawed, becoming a bit watery. I recommend enjoying it fresh for the best experience.

Reheating

This dessert is best served cold, so no reheating needed. If you want to soften the cake inside, just let it rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen cherries instead of cherry pie filling?

You can absolutely swap in frozen cherries; just thaw them fully and drain any extra liquid before layering. For extra sweetness, toss them lightly with sugar or a glaze to mimic pie filling texture.

What’s the best way to make this recipe alcohol-free?

Simply replace the kirsch or cherry brandy with cherry juice or a cherry-flavored syrup. This keeps the trifle flavorful and kid-friendly without compromising the classic taste.

Can I prepare the components in advance?

Yes! You can bake the cake and prepare the pudding a day ahead. Whip the cream just before assembling for best texture. Once assembled, chill for a few hours or overnight to let the flavors meld.

How long will this trifle keep in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container or covered tightly, the trifle will keep fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. After that, the textures may start to change, so it’s best enjoyed sooner rather than later.

Final Thoughts

This Black Forest Trifle with Cherry and Chocolate Recipe holds a special place in my recipe arsenal—it’s the kind of dessert that brings smiles, sparks nostalgia, and always earns rave reviews. Whether you’re serving it up at a cozy family dinner or a festive party, trust me, it’s worth every spoonful. Give it a try and savor those layers of chocolatey goodness mingled with fruity sweetness—you might just find your new favorite dessert!