Black Forest Trifle is a decadent, layered dessert that captures the rich flavors of chocolate, cherries, and cream in every spoonful. This elegant yet simple dessert combines the indulgence of a traditional Black Forest cake with the ease of a trifle. With velvety chocolate custard, kirsch‑soaked cherries, soft whipped cream, and moist chocolate sponge, this dessert is a show‑stopper for any occasion. It requires no complicated techniques, yet delivers a luxurious experience that will delight family and friends. Whether for a festive gathering or a cozy dinner, Black Forest Trifle is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Black Forest Trifle
You will love this Black Forest Trifle because it brings together all the classic tastes of a Black Forest cake in a fuss‑free, make‑ahead format that practically assembles itself. The combination of smooth chocolate custard, boozy cherries, and fluffy whipped cream delivers the perfect balance between indulgent and comforting. It is ideal for entertaining since you can prepare it ahead of time and let it chill while you finish other dishes. Each layer adds its own texture and flavor, making every bite a delightful mix of softness, richness, and cherry sweetness. Most importantly, this dessert feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to put together.
Ingredients
Chocolate Custard
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150 g dark chocolate, chopped
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500 ml ready‑made custard
Whipped Cream
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600 ml double cream
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2 tbsp icing sugar
Chocolate Cherry Swiss Roll / Sponge
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300 g chocolate swiss roll or chocolate sponge cake
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4–5 tbsp kirsch (optional)
Everything Else
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400 g fresh cherries soaked in kirsch (using about 200 ml kirsch total)
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100 g additional fresh cherries (for decoration)
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200 g cherry jam or cherry conserve
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150 g brownie bites (small pieces)
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10 g grated chocolate (for garnish)
Step‑by‑Step: How to Make Black Forest Trifle
Chocolate Custard
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Place the ready‑made custard into a saucepan over low heat. Add the chopped dark chocolate.
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Stir gently until the chocolate melts completely and the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.
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Remove from heat and let the custard cool fully at room temperature.
Whipped Cream
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Pour the double cream into a mixing bowl. Add the icing sugar.
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Using a whisk or an electric mixer, beat until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip — you want the cream to be light and airy.
Prepare the Chocolate Swiss Roll / Sponge
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Slice the chocolate swiss roll into pieces about 1–2 cm thick, or cut the chocolate sponge cake into similar-sized chunks.
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If you like, sprinkle 4–5 tbsp of kirsch over the sponge pieces to infuse extra flavor.
Assembly
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Begin by arranging the sponge or swiss roll slices around the edge of your trifle bowl, and a few pieces at the bottom center.
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Pour half of the cooled chocolate custard over the sponge base, spreading it evenly.
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Spoon half of the kirsch‑soaked cherries over the custard, along with half of the brownie bites.
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Spread half of the whipped cream in a thick, even layer.
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Add a layer of cherry jam or conserve over the cream.
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Repeat the layers: remaining sponge (if you have extra), custard, cherries, brownie bites, whipped cream.
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Finish with a generous layer of whipped cream on top. Decorate with additional fresh cherries and the grated chocolate.
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Refrigerate the trifle for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld and the layers to set.
Helpful Tips
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Use good quality dark chocolate (at least 70%) — it significantly elevates the richness of the custard.
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If serving to kids or guests who prefer non‑alcoholic desserts, you can skip the kirsch and soak the cherries in warm water or cherry juice instead.
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Slice the sponge uniformly so that layers remain neat and visually appealing.
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Chill your mixing bowl and whisk before whipping the cream — cold tools help the cream whip faster and hold shape better.
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For a deeper cherry flavor, stir a tablespoon or two of cherry jam into the whipped cream layer.
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Assemble the trifle close to serving time if possible. If refrigerating overnight, cover it with plastic wrap to prevent it absorbing fridge odors.
Substitutions And Variations
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Alcohol‑free version: Replace the kirsch-soaked cherries with cherries soaked in warm cherry juice or simple syrup. Use plain sponge cake instead of chocolate if preferred.
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Different fruit twist: Swap cherries with raspberries or mixed berries and use berry jam instead of cherry jam for a fresh summer variant.
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Nutty crunch: Add chopped toasted hazelnuts or almonds between layers for a crunchy texture contrast.
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Vegan adaptation: Use dairy-free custard, coconut cream whipped substitute, vegan chocolate sponge, and fruit preserves to create a vegan-friendly version.
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Mini trifles: Instead of one large bowl, assemble in individual glasses or jars for elegant single-serve portions — ideal for dinner parties or picnics.
Storage Instructions
Once assembled and chilled, the trifle should be stored in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or a trifle lid to keep out moisture and fridge odors. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days. After 2 days, the sponge may begin to absorb too much liquid and become soggy, and the whipped cream may start to lose volume. If you want to prepare components in advance, you can make the custard and whip the cream up to a day ahead. Store them separately — custard in a sealed container in the fridge, cream in a covered bowl — then assemble just before serving for the freshest texture.
Nutritional Information
Here is an approximate nutrition breakdown per serving (based on 10 servings):
| Component | Amount (approx) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 550 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 60 g |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Sugar | 35 g |
Note: These values are estimates and will vary depending on the exact brands and quantities you use. The cherry jam and brownie bites increase the sugar content, while dark chocolate and cream contribute to higher fat and calorie counts.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve chilled in a large trifle bowl or in individual glass dishes for a refined presentation.
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Garnish with extra fresh cherries, grated chocolate, or even chocolate curls for an elegant finish.
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Pair your Black Forest Trifle with a simple espresso or a glass of chilled sparkling water to balance the richness.
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For holiday dinners or festive celebrations, place with decorative elements like holly leaves or a sprig of mint to add a seasonal touch.
Frequently Asked Questions About Black Forest Trifle
Can I skip the alcohol entirely?
Yes absolutely. If you prefer a non‑alcoholic version or are serving kids, you can skip the kirsch altogether. Instead soak the cherries in warm water, cherry juice, or simple syrup. This will still give you juicy, soft cherries without the alcohol flavor.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of jam and soaked cherries?
You can use fresh cherries — especially for decoration on top. However for the inside layers, using jam or soaked cherries provides moisture and flavor that fresh cherries alone may not deliver. The jam also helps bind the layers together more cohesively.
How far in advance can I assemble the trifle?
You can assemble the trifle up to 24 hours in advance if you cover it properly and store in the fridge. After that, the sponge tends to absorb too much liquid and the texture may become soggy. For best results, assemble it the day of or the night before serving.
Can I make this in individual serve portions?
Yes you can. Assembling in smaller glasses or jars is a great way to serve your trifle elegantly. It also helps with portion control and makes the dessert feel more special for each guest.
What if I do not have chocolate sponge or swiss roll?
If you do not have chocolate sponge or swiss roll, you can use any soft cake — vanilla sponge, pound cake, or plain sponge cake, for the base. While the chocolate layer adds extra richness, a plain cake will still work and allow the cherry and custard layers to shine.
Final Thoughts
Thank you for reading and giving this Black Forest Trifle recipe a try. I truly love how this dessert brings together the classic flavors of chocolate, cherries, and cream in a way that is effortless yet elegant. It is perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or simply indulging your sweet tooth at home. The layered textures and contrasting flavors create a dessert that feels both luxurious and comforting. I encourage you to experiment with different fruits, cakes, or serving styles to make it your own. Enjoy creating this treat, enjoy sharing it with loved ones, and enjoy every delicious bite. Happy cooking and happy indulging!
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Black Forest Trifle
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Black Forest Trifle is a rich and creamy layered dessert with chocolate custard, kirsch-soaked cherries, whipped cream, and chocolate sponge. Perfect for celebrations or weekend gatherings, this no-fuss trifle is a showstopping dessert everyone will love!
Ingredients
Chocolate Custard:
150 g dark chocolate, chopped
500 ml ready-made custard
Whipped Cream:
600 ml double cream
2 tbsp icing sugar
Chocolate Sponge:
300 g chocolate swiss roll or sponge cake
4–5 tbsp kirsch
Extras:
400 g fresh cherries soaked in kirsch (200 ml kirsch)
100 g fresh cherries for garnish
200 g cherry jam or conserve
150 g brownie bites
10 g grated chocolate for topping
Instructions
Chocolate Custard
-
Place the ready‑made custard into a saucepan over low heat. Add the chopped dark chocolate.
-
Stir gently until the chocolate melts completely and the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.
-
Remove from heat and let the custard cool fully at room temperature.
Whipped Cream
-
Pour the double cream into a mixing bowl. Add the icing sugar.
-
Using a whisk or an electric mixer, beat until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip — you want the cream to be light and airy.
Prepare the Chocolate Swiss Roll / Sponge
-
Slice the chocolate swiss roll into pieces about 1–2 cm thick, or cut the chocolate sponge cake into similar-sized chunks.
-
If you like, sprinkle 4–5 tbsp of kirsch over the sponge pieces to infuse extra flavor.
Assembly
-
Begin by arranging the sponge or swiss roll slices around the edge of your trifle bowl, and a few pieces at the bottom center.
-
Pour half of the cooled chocolate custard over the sponge base, spreading it evenly.
-
Spoon half of the kirsch‑soaked cherries over the custard, along with half of the brownie bites.
-
Spread half of the whipped cream in a thick, even layer.
-
Add a layer of cherry jam or conserve over the cream.
-
Repeat the layers: remaining sponge (if you have extra), custard, cherries, brownie bites, whipped cream.
-
Finish with a generous layer of whipped cream on top. Decorate with additional fresh cherries and the grated chocolate.
-
Refrigerate the trifle for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld and the layers to set.
Notes
For a non-alcoholic version, soak cherries in cherry juice.
You can prep components a day ahead and assemble just before serving.
Use individual dessert glasses for single-serve portions.
Decorate with chocolate curls for a festive touch.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes + Time (Chilling): 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Layered / No-bake
- Cuisine: European / German-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (1/10 of recipe)
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Protein: 6g