Christmas Black Forest Trifle

Name: Christmas Black Forest Trifle
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1 cup water; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tbsp white vinegar; 2 cups heavy whipping cream; 2 tbsp powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 cups cherry pie filling; Chocolate shavings for garnish

Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive

Celebrate the festive season with a dazzling Christmas Black Forest Trifle! This layered dessert features rich chocolate cake, whipped cream, and luscious cherries, creating a stunning centerpiece that will delight family and friends. Easy to assemble and utterly delicious, this trifle is a perfect addition to your holiday gatherings and is sure to impress.

Created by

Josie Lambert

Last updated on 2025-12-14T02:50:54.233Z

Creating Holiday Magic

The Christmas Black Forest Trifle is not only a dessert but a delightful experience that captures the spirit of the holiday season. Its enchanting layers of chocolate cake, whipped cream, and cherries create a visual feast that is almost too beautiful to eat. When you serve this trifle at your holiday gatherings, it becomes a conversation starter, drawing everyone to its luscious appeal. The combination of flavors and textures will transport your guests into a festive wonderland with each spoonful.

Additionally, this dessert is incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt the recipe to suit dietary preferences by using gluten-free flour or dairy alternatives for the whipped cream. This means that everyone can enjoy this holiday treat, making it truly inclusive. The layers can also be adjusted: add nuts or spices to give an extra dimension to the flavors, or substitute the cherries with other seasonal fruits for a creative twist.

Perfect for Gatherings

Whether you're hosting a holiday party or bringing a dish to a family gathering, the Black Forest Trifle is an excellent choice. Its striking presentation and delicious taste make it a crowd-pleaser, while the easy assembly allows you more time to spend with your guests. Each layer adds not just flavor, but also a sense of luxury to your table setting, making your gatherings feel even more special.

Moreover, the trifle can be made in advance, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify. Preparing it the night before can save you stress on the day of your event, giving you peace of mind to enjoy the festivities. Serve it in individual cups for an elegant touch or in a large bowl for a communal dessert that encourages sharing and interaction.

Tips for Success

Ingredients

For the Cake

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup water
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp white vinegar

For the Filling

2 cups heavy whipping cream
2 tbsp powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups cherry pie filling
Chocolate shavings for garnish

Instructions

Make the Cake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, mix the oil, water, vanilla extract, and vinegar. Combine wet and dry ingredients, then pour into a greased 9x9-inch baking pan. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Prepare the Whipped Cream

In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.

Assemble the Trifle

Once the cake has cooled, cut it into cubes. In a trifle dish or bowl, layer cake cubes, cherry pie filling, and whipped cream. Repeat layers, finishing with whipped cream on top. Garnish with chocolate shavings.

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers, storing the Christmas Black Forest Trifle is straightforward. Cover the trifle bowl with plastic wrap or a lid to keep it fresh. It’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days, as the cake may start to absorb excess moisture from the whipped cream, altering the texture. However, that may not be a concern as you're likely to have your guests coming back for seconds!

For individual servings, simply place any remaining trifle in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to enjoy another serving, just give it a gentle stir and perhaps add a few fresh chocolate shavings on top to refresh its appearance.

Mixing It Up

Feeling adventurous? There are so many creative options for customizing your Black Forest Trifle. Try incorporating different flavors by adding a layer of chocolate mousse or a drizzle of chocolate ganache between layers for an indulgent twist. You can also experiment with various cake bases, such as vanilla or red velvet, to change up the traditional flavor profile while still maintaining the festive look.

Consider these variations as an opportunity to explore new seasonal flavors. Use spiced pears or cranberries during the winter months, or add peppermint extract for a minty holiday treat. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to make this trifle your own with unique touches that reflect your holiday cooking style.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this trifle a day ahead?

Yes, you can make it a day ahead. Just keep it refrigerated until serving.

→ What can I substitute for cherries?

You can use mixed berries or other fruits if preferred.