Black Forest Trifle

No ratings yet

Black Forest Trifle is prepared with layers of chocolate cake pieces, pudding, cherry pie filling, and whipped topping. A delicious make-ahead dessert made to mimic the classic chocolate cherry cake.

Prep Time15

Cook Time25

Rest and Chill Time2 30

Total Time3 10

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings: 1 cup servings

Calories: 468kcal

Author: Jennifer Fishkind

Ingredients

15.25 ounces devil’s food cake mix (prepared according to box directions)
6.8 ounces (2 3.4-oz boxes) instant chocolate pudding mix
4 cups cold milk
42 ounces (2 21-ounces each) cherry pie filling
16 ounces (2 8-ounces each containers) thawed whipped topping
12 fresh cherries optional garnish
Chocolate shavings or grated chocolate optional garnish

Instructions

Prepare the devil’s food cake according to box directions. Ensure the cake is completely cooled before cutting it into 1-inch x 1-inch cubes.
15.25 ounces devil’s food cake mix
Prepare the chocolate pudding according to the package instructions using cold milk. Chill it in the refrigerator to set.
6.8 ounces (2 3.4-oz boxes) instant chocolate pudding mix, 4 cups cold milk
In a trifle bowl (3.25 quarts -or- 104 ounces), create a single layer of 1-inch cake cubes at the bottom.
Spoon ½ of the chocolate pudding over the cake cubes.
Spread ¾ of the cherry pie filling over the chocolate pudding.
42 ounces (2 21-ounces each) cherry pie filling
Add a layer of whipped topping over the cherry pie filling.
16 ounces (2 8-ounces each containers) thawed whipped topping
Repeat the layers - cake cubes, remaining chocolate pudding, ¾ of the cherry pie filling - until the dish is nearly full, ending with a layer of whipped topping on top.
Loosely cover and refrigerate the trifle for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Just before serving, set the fresh cherries into the center of the whipped topping. You can also garnish the top with chocolate shavings or grated chocolate.
12 fresh cherries, Chocolate shavings or grated chocolate

Notes

Storage:

To Store: This trifle is best served chilled. It can be refrigerated and lightly covered with plastic wrap for up to 3 days. Please note that the longer this sits, the softer the cake will become from the moisture in the pudding and cool whip layers.
Make in Advance: You can make this trifle a few days ahead of time. This recipe calls for a minimum of two hours in the refrigerator before serving to allow the cake to soak up the lemon flavors. The longer the trifle is chilled, the better the ingredients will have to meld. It's a great make-ahead dessert recipe.

Tips:

Make sure to allow time for the cake to cool completely before assembling the trifle.
Be sure the cake cubes are uniform in size and tightly fitted to form a sturdy base for your trifle.
When adding each layer to your trifle bowl, be careful around the outer edges to keep the different layers nice and neat. This will ensure that you have a pretty presentation when you are looking at the outside of the bowl.
My trifle bowl held 3.25 quarts or 104 ounces. Depending on the size of your trifle bowl, you may end up with extra cake cubes.
Want to make this an even easier cherry and chocolate trifle recipe? Go to your grocery store bakery and grab a pre-made cake!

Nutrition