Black Forest Trifle

Black Forest cake has always been one of those classic, show-stopping desserts—and this trifle version is no less special. While it’s still a bit of a labor of love with all the components made from scratch, the layered format makes it more forgiving and easier to serve to a crowd. It captures all the rich, indulgent flavors of the original—chocolate, cherries, and whipped cream—just in a more relaxed, rustic presentation. I make everything from scratch, including the chocolate pound cake and cherry filling, but you can easily prep the components ahead of time and assemble it when you're ready to serve. It’s layered, luscious, and guaranteed to disappear fast at any gathering.

Who do I make this for?

This recipe is fun for holiday gatherings! I would make this for Thanksgiving or Christmas.

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Black Forest Trifle Recipe

Prep: 30-45 min | Bake: 50-60 min | Total: 4 hours (includes chilling)

Yields 8-10 servings

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Ingredients

Chocolate Pound Cake

• 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 3 cup sugar

• 5 large eggs

• 1 cup whole milk

• 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste or extract

• 1/2 tsp baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 4 tablespoons cocoa powder

Cherry Filling

• 4 cups pitted red cherries, fresh or frozen

• 1 cup white sugar

• 1 tablespoon orange juice

• 1/4 cup cornstarch

Whip Cream

• 1 pint heavy whipping cream

• 1/3 cup powdered sugar

• 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or extract

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Pound Cake

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease and flour a bundt or loaf pan.

2. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (3–5 minutes).

3. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt.

5. Add dry ingredients and milk alternately to the butter mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

6. Pour batter into pan and smooth the top.

7. Bake 65–75 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely, then cube into 1" pieces.

Step 2: Make the Cherry Filling

1. In a saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, orange juice, cornstarch, and water.

2. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until thickened and glossy (8–10 minutes).

3. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.

Step 3: Make the Whipped Cream

1. In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.

2. Add powdered sugar and vanilla bean paste, and continue whipping until stiff peaks form.

3. Chill until ready to use.

Step 4: Assemble the Trifle

1. In a trifle dish or large glass bowl, layer:

   • Chocolate pound cake cubes

   • Cherry filling

   • Whipped cream

2. Repeat layers, ending with whipped cream on top.

3. Optional: Garnish with chocolate shavings, extra cherries, or a dusting of cocoa powder.

4. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

Chill for at least 2–3 hours before serving. Serve cold and enjoy every creamy, fruity, fluffy bite!

Make-Ahead Tip: You can make all the components a day in advance and assemble the trifle the day of serving.

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