Description
This Black Forest Trifle captures the soul of the traditional Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte while being accessible for busy holiday hosts. It features layers of dark chocolate cake, tart cherries, and whipped cream, creating a stunning, festive dessert that improves over time and allows for flexibility in ingredients and variations.
Ingredients
1 standard 9×13 inch Dark Chocolate Sponge or Devil’s Food Cake
2 cans (15 oz each) Dark Sweet Cherries (pitted)
1/2 cup Kirsch (Cherry Brandy) or Cherry Juice
3 cups Heavy Whipping Cream
1/2 cup Powdered Sugar
1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
1/2 cup Dark Chocolate Shavings
Fresh Cherries with stems (for decoration)
Instructions
- Prepare your chocolate cake and allow it to cool completely before cutting into 1-inch cubes
- Combine the pitted cherries with the Kirsch or cherry juice and let them macerate for at least 15 minutes
- Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form
- Layer cake cubes in a trifle dish, drizzle with cherry liquid, add a layer of cherries, and then layer of whipped cream. Repeat until all ingredients are used
- Finish with a top layer of whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and fresh cherries. Chill for at least 4 hours before serving
Notes
Use a clear glass bowl for visual appeal.
Keep the whipped cream very cold before beating.
The trifle tastes better the second day after flavors meld.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Layering
- Cuisine: German