Description
This Christmas Black Forest Trifle is a stunning holiday dessert. It features layers of rich chocolate cake, creamy chocolate pudding, sweet cherry pie filling, and fluffy whipped cream. It’s an easy-to-assemble, make-ahead dessert perfect for Christmas parties and gatherings. This festive trifle combines classic Black Forest cake flavors in a crowd-pleasing format.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients to prepare)
- 2 (3.9 oz) boxes instant chocolate pudding
- 3 cups cold milk
- 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- Chocolate shavings or curls (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh or maraschino cherries (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Bake the chocolate cake according to package directions. Let it cool completely, then cut into 1- to 2-inch cubes.
- Prepare the chocolate pudding by whisking the pudding mixes and cold milk together in a large bowl until smooth. Refrigerate for 5 minutes to thicken.
- In a trifle dish or large glass bowl, begin layering: a layer of cake cubes, followed by a layer of chocolate pudding, then a layer of cherry pie filling, and finally a layer of whipped topping.
- Repeat these layers until the dish is full.
- Finish the top with a final swirl of whipped topping. Sprinkle with chocolate shavings and top with fresh or maraschino cherries for a festive look.
- Chill the trifle in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the layers to set.
Notes
- This Christmas Black Forest Trifle can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated.
- Use a clear glass trifle bowl to showcase the beautiful layers.
- For a fudgier texture, consider using brownies instead of cake.
- Do not skip the chilling step; it is crucial for the pudding to firm up and for the flavors to enhance.
- Store leftovers covered and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Do not freeze.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Holiday, Christmas
- Method: Layered, No-Bake Assembly
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Christmas Black Forest Trifle, Holiday Chocolate Dessert, Cherry Chocolate Trifle, Christmas Trifle Recipe, Easy Trifle Dessert, Make Ahead Holiday Dessert, Layered Trifle, Chocolate Cherry Dessert, Christmas Potluck Dessert, Holiday Party Recipes