Description
This Black Forest Trifle is an easy, elegant, and decadent dessert featuring layers of chocolate cake, cherry pie filling, rich chocolate pudding, mini chocolate chips, and fluffy whipped topping. Perfect for gatherings, it combines classic Black Forest flavors with a simple no-bake assembly that delivers a stunning presentation and delicious taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Cake
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients to prepare it according to box instructions)
Filling and Toppings
- 1 ½ cups mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 (21 oz) cans cherry pie filling
- 2 (3.9 oz) boxes instant chocolate pudding mix
- 4 cups cold milk
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
- Optional: Extra mini chocolate chips or chocolate shavings for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the chocolate cake: Follow the instructions on the chocolate cake mix box to bake the cake in a 9×13 inch pan. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely to room temperature.
- Cut the cake into cubes: Once cooled, cut the cake into 1 to 2-inch cubes, making them bite-sized and easy to layer in the trifle bowl.
- Make the chocolate pudding: In a bowl, whisk the instant chocolate pudding mix with 4 cups of cold milk until the mixture thickens. Refrigerate the pudding until you are ready to assemble the trifle to ensure it sets properly.
- Layer the trifle: In a large trifle bowl, create layers starting with the cake cubes, followed by a layer of cherry pie filling, then a layer of chocolate pudding, sprinkle some mini chocolate chips, and top with a layer of whipped topping. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous topping of whipped cream.
- Garnish and chill: Decorate the top layer with extra mini chocolate chips or chocolate shavings for added texture and presentation. Refrigerate the assembled trifle for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to chill before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before cutting to avoid crumbling.
- For best results, chill the pudding thoroughly to achieve a firm texture in the trifle.
- You can substitute the cherry pie filling with fresh cherries or another fruit if desired.
- This dessert can be assembled a day ahead and kept refrigerated for convenience.
- Use a clear glass trifle bowl to showcase the beautiful layers of the dessert.
