If you have a weakness for irresistible desserts that marry rich, velvety chocolate with bright, juicy cherries, you are in for a real treat. This Chocolate Cherry Trifle: Black Forest Cake Dessert Recipe captures all the magic of the classic Black Forest cake but presents it in a delightfully simple and elegant trifle form. It’s layered with moist chocolate cake crumbs, luscious whipped cream, and sweet cherry pie filling, creating a symphony of textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re planning a special occasion or just craving a decadent delight, this recipe is a gorgeous crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to assemble.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows small clear glass cups each with three layers: the bottom layer is dark brown cake crumbs, the middle layer is white creamy filling, and the top layer is a shiny dark purple berry sauce with visible chunks. Around the cups, there are round dark brown cake pieces scattered on a white marbled surface. The cups and cake pieces are arranged naturally in a close-up view. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe brings together a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that each play a starring role in crafting the perfect balance of taste, texture, and visual appeal. From the chocolate cake crumbs adding depth and richness, to the fluffy whipped cream lending lightness, and the cherries adding that iconic pop of color and tartness, every element shines on its own and harmonizes beautifully.

Chocolate cake (1 lb, crumbled): Use a moist, rich chocolate cake as the base to ensure deep chocolate flavor and soft texture.
Powdered sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens the whipped cream gently while also helping it whip up smoothly.
Heavy cream (1 cup, cold): Chilling the cream is key for achieving those perfect stiff peaks in the whipped cream.
Cherry pie filling (1 cup): Adds vibrant sweetness and juicy bursts that complement the chocolate perfectly.
Semisweet chocolate shavings (¼ cup): Adds a hint of bittersweet crunch and a gorgeous finishing touch atop the trifle.
Cherries with stems (1 cup, for garnish): Fresh cherries make the dessert look stunning and offer a fresh, fruity flavor to balance richness.

How to Make Chocolate Cherry Trifle: Black Forest Cake Dessert Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake

Start by crumbling your chocolate cake into small, bite-sized pieces. This crumbly texture allows the cake to layer beautifully and soak in flavors from the other ingredients while still maintaining a little structure in the trifle.

Step 2: Whip the Heavy Cream

In a chilled bowl, combine the cold heavy cream and powdered sugar. Whisk vigorously until stiff peaks form—this means the whipped cream should hold firm when you lift the whisk, lending the trifle that luxuriously creamy texture we all adore.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

Grab your favorite mini dessert cups or a large trifle bowl and start layering. Begin with a generous spoonful of chocolate cake crumbs, followed by a smooth dollop of whipped cream, then a layer of the cherry pie filling. Continue repeating these layers, building up that stunning contrast between dark chocolate, white cream, and bright cherries.

Step 4: Final Touches

Top off your trifle with a final swirl of whipped cream. Sprinkle semisweet chocolate shavings over the top for a delicate crunch and finish by placing whole cherries with stems on each serving for a pop of freshness and an elegant look.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the trifle for at least two hours before serving. This chilling step allows all the flavors to marry, the textures to meld, and the dessert to firm up so every spoonful is blissful.

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Trifle: Black Forest Cake Dessert Recipe

The image shows four glass cups filled with layered desserts. Each cup has three visible layers: the bottom layer is dark brown and crumbly, the middle layer is thick and white with a creamy texture, and the top layer is a dark red fruit sauce. On top of each dessert is a smooth layer of white cream, sprinkled with small dark chocolate pieces, and each has a single dark red cherry on top. The cups sit on a white marbled surface, and in the background, there is a small glass bowl filled with the same dark red fruit sauce and a spoon inside it. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a few extra touches to your trifle not only elevates its appearance but also enhances the taste. Fresh mint leaves alongside the cherries bring a refreshing aroma, or a dusting of cocoa powder can deepen the chocolate notes beautifully. Don’t shy away from adding a drizzle of cherry syrup around the serving dish to wow your guests visually.

Side Dishes

This trifle is a standout dessert all on its own, but pairing it with a simple scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a light coffee can create an unforgettable dessert experience. For a lighter contrast, fresh fruit salad with citrus notes can balance the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the traditional trifle bowl—try layering this recipe in clear mason jars for a charming, portable dessert or creating individual servings in stemmed glasses for an elegant party presentation. You can also set up a DIY trifle bar where friends and family can customize their layers, making the experience even more interactive and fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Chocolate Cherry Trifle: Black Forest Cake Dessert Recipe keeps beautifully covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it tightly sealed with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to maintain the freshness of the whipped cream and prevent the cake from drying out.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, it’s best to avoid it if you want to preserve the whipped cream’s delicate texture. If necessary, freeze the unfrosted cake separately, then assemble the trifle fresh to enjoy the best possible flavor and consistency.

Reheating

This dessert is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Reheating is not recommended, as it will compromise the texture of the whipped cream and cherry filling, diminishing the experience that makes this Chocolate Cherry Trifle: Black Forest Cake Dessert Recipe so special.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought chocolate cake or should I bake one from scratch?

Both options work perfectly! A store-bought chocolate cake saves time and still provides delicious results, especially if it’s moist and flavorful. Baking from scratch gives you complete control over ingredients and freshness, so choose what works best for you.

Is it possible to substitute fresh cherries in the pie filling?

Yes, fresh cherries can be used if you prefer a less processed option, but you may want to simmer them slightly with sugar to create a similar syrupy consistency to pie filling for the best layering effect.

Can I make this dessert vegan or dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use a dairy-free whipped cream substitute and vegan chocolate cake, and swap the cherry pie filling for a suitable vegan-friendly brand. This way, everyone can enjoy the magic of this Chocolate Cherry Trifle: Black Forest Cake Dessert Recipe.

How long can I assemble the trifle in advance?

This trifle can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead, which actually enhances the blending of flavors. Just be sure to keep it refrigerated and well-covered until serving time.

What’s the best size for serving cups or bowls?

Mini dessert cups between 6 to 8 ounces work beautifully for individual portions, while a larger trifle bowl is ideal for family-style serving. Choose based on the occasion and your presentation preference.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Cherry Trifle: Black Forest Cake Dessert Recipe is an absolute joy to make and even more delightful to eat. It strikes the perfect balance of rich chocolate, airy cream, and tangy cherries in a way that feels both decadent and approachable. I encourage you to give it a try—after all, some desserts are simply meant to be shared and savored together.

Chocolate Cherry Trifle: Black Forest Cake Dessert Recipe

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4 from 3 reviews

Author: Chef
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

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Description

This classic Black Forest Cake recipe is an easy no-bake dessert that layers rich chocolate cake crumbs with sweet cherry pie filling and fluffy whipped cream, garnished with chocolate shavings and fresh cherries. Perfect for a crowd-pleasing treat that you can prepare ahead of time and chill for a delightful finish.

Ingredients

Chocolate Cake Layer

1 lb chocolate cake (crumbled)

Whipped Cream

1 cup heavy cream (cold)
¾ cup powdered sugar

Cherry Layer and Garnish

1 cup cherry pie filling
¼ cup semisweet chocolate shavings
1 cup cherries with stems (for garnish)

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Instructions

Crumble the cake: Break the chocolate cake into small, even crumbs and set aside in a mixing bowl.
Whip the cream: In a chilled bowl, combine the cold heavy cream and powdered sugar. Whip vigorously using a hand mixer or whisk until stiff peaks form, indicating the cream is thick and holds its shape.
Layer the dessert: In individual mini dessert cups or serving glasses, start by adding a layer of chocolate cake crumbs, followed by a generous spoonful of whipped cream, and then a layer of cherry pie filling.
Repeat layers: Continue layering the cake crumbs, whipped cream, and cherry filling again to fill the cups, finishing with a swirl of whipped cream on top.
Garnish: Sprinkle the tops with semisweet chocolate shavings and place a fresh cherry with stem on each cup for an elegant presentation.
Chill: Refrigerate the assembled desserts for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and the dessert to set before serving.

Notes

Use cold heavy cream for best whipping results.
You can substitute cherry pie filling with fresh maraschino cherries if preferred.
For an extra chocolatey touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the top before chilling.
This dessert can be assembled a day ahead for convenience.
Ensure the cake crumbs are evenly sized for smooth layering and texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: German