Name: Black Forest Trifle with Cherries and Chocolate Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 150 g dark chocolate, chopped; 500 ml ready made custard; 600 ml double cream; 2 tbsp icing sugar; 4-5 tbsp Kirsch; 400 g fresh cherries soaked in kirsch (using 200 ml kirsch); 100 g fresh cherries; 300 g chocolate swiss roll or chocolate sponge; 200 g cherry jam or conserve; 150 g brownie bites; 10 g grated chocolate

If you’ve ever found yourself craving the luscious combination of cherries and chocolate but want something a little more show-stopping than just a cake or pie, then you’re in for a treat with this Black Forest Trifle with Cherries and Chocolate Recipe. I absolutely love this dessert because it layers all those rich flavors with creamy custard and fluffy whipped cream in a way that feels both elegant and comforting at the same time. Once you dive into this recipe, you’ll find that it’s surprisingly simple to put together but delivers wow-factor every single time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic Flavors with a Twist: It combines traditional Black Forest cake ingredients in a refreshingly easy trifle format.
Showstopper Presentation: Layered beautifully in a glass dish, it’s perfect for parties or special occasions.
Flexible and Forgiving: You can prep ahead and customize it to your personal taste, which makes entertaining a breeze.

A clear glass bowl holds a layered dessert with three visible layers: the bottom layer is dark brown and creamy chocolate pudding, the middle layer is light whipped cream with a soft texture, and the top layer is a thick layer of white whipped cream with a slightly bumpy surface. Bright red cherries with green stems are placed evenly on top, and fine brown chocolate shavings are scattered across the whipped cream. A gold spoon scoops a mix of chocolate and cream from the side. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with a smaller white bowl nearby containing a similar chocolate and cream mixture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Black Forest Trifle with Cherries and Chocolate, Black Forest Layered Dessert, Cherry Chocolate Trifle, Easy Black Forest Cake Alternative, Elegant Chocolate Fruit Dessert

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Black Forest Trifle sings its own note, coming together to create the perfect harmony of texture and flavor. When you shop, look for ripe fresh cherries and good-quality dark chocolate—the better the chocolate, the richer the final dessert.

Flat lay of chopped dark chocolate chunks, a small white bowl of ready-made custard, a small white bowl of double cream, a small white bowl with icing sugar powder, slices of chocolate swiss roll, a small white bowl of clear kirsch, fresh whole cherries, a small white bowl of rich cherry jam, bite-sized brownie pieces, and a small pile of grated dark chocolate, all arranged with perfect symmetry on simple white ceramic dishes and bowls, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Black Forest Trifle with Cherries and Chocolate, Black Forest Layered Dessert, Cherry Chocolate Trifle, Easy Black Forest Cake Alternative, Elegant Chocolate Fruit Dessert

Dark chocolate: Choose 70% cacao for a deep, bittersweet flavor that cuts through the creaminess.
Ready made custard: I like to use a thick, creamy custard for that silky layer—makes the trifle extra luxurious.
Double cream: This whips up beautifully for topping, giving you that light yet rich texture.
Icing sugar: Just a touch to sweeten your whipped cream without overpowering the other flavors.
Chocolate swiss roll or chocolate sponge: Acts as your cake base; choose something moist for best absorption of Kirsch.
Kirsch: This cherry brandy is key for that authentic Black Forest flavor, soak your cherries and sponge lightly for the best aroma.
Fresh cherries soaked in Kirsch: Infuses the trifle with juicy bursts of flavor and a subtle boozy warmth.
Fresh cherries: Add some un-soaked cherries for texture contrast and freshness.
Cherry jam or conserve: Adds a sweet-tart layer that complements both chocolate and cream.
Brownie bites: For texture contrast and chocolatey richness.
Grated chocolate: The perfect finishing touch for garnish and extra chocolate punch.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this Black Forest Trifle with Cherries and Chocolate Recipe is—it’s really a canvas for your creativity! Over the years, I’ve tweaked it depending on the season or occasion, and each version has been a hit.

Alcohol-Free Version: Swap the Kirsch for cherry or raspberry syrup if you’re making this for kids or those who prefer no alcohol—I tested this with my niece and it was just as delicious.
Vegan Variation: Using coconut cream instead of double cream and a dairy-free custard makes a delightful plant-based version.
Mixed Berry Delight: Adding blackberries or raspberries along with cherries adds a tart twist I sometimes do when those berries are in season.

How to Make Black Forest Trifle with Cherries and Chocolate Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cherries and Chocolate Base

Start by soaking 400 grams of fresh cherries in about 200 ml of Kirsch for at least an hour to let the flavors develop. Meanwhile, chop the dark chocolate into small pieces and melt it gently—double boiler style works best to avoid burning. This melted chocolate will be mixed into the custard for that rich, velvety layer. I discovered this trick when I wanted extra chocolatey goodness without weighing down the cream.

Step 2: Whip the Cream

Whip your double cream with the icing sugar until soft peaks form. You want it fluffy but not stiff—this keeps it light when you layer it in. I used to over-whip cream and end up with a butter-like texture, so keep an eye on it!

Step 3: Assemble Your Trifle

Slice the chocolate sponge or swiss roll into pieces and sprinkle generously with Kirsch to soak. In a large glass trifle bowl (or individual glasses for individual servings), start layering a portion of the soaked sponge, a spoonful of cherry jam, some soaked cherries, brownie bites, then a layer of the chocolate custard. Repeat the layers until you run out of ingredients, finishing with a layer of whipped cream on top. Scatter fresh cherries and grated chocolate over the cream for a gorgeous finish.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Cover the trifle with cling film and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. I actually recommend overnight if you have the time—it lets all the flavors marry beautifully and the sponge soak up the custard and Kirsch completely. When you’re ready, uncover and serve chilled. Trust me, the wait is so worth it!

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Pro Tips for Making Black Forest Trifle with Cherries and Chocolate Recipe

Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring your custard and cream to room temp before assembling so nothing clumps and layers smoothly.
Kirsch Moderation: Don’t soak your sponge too heavily; a little goes a long way to infuse flavor without making it soggy.
Layering Order: Vary texture by layering brownies between softer sponge layers to keep each bite interesting.
Fresh Over Frozen: Use fresh cherries whenever possible for their vibrant color and tart-sweet punch—frozen cherries tend to be mushy.

How to Serve Black Forest Trifle with Cherries and Chocolate Recipe

The dessert is shown in a clear glass bowl with a tall stem, placed on a white marbled surface. At the bottom, there is a thick layer of round chocolate rolls, dark brown and soft-looking. Above that, there is a smooth light brown chocolate layer. The middle layer is white and creamy, topped by a dark red cherry jam layer with visible cherry pieces. A thick, dark chocolate layer sits above the jam, and the top layer is a generous amount of white whipped cream decorated with whole bright red cherries and lightly sprinkled with chocolate shavings. The background is soft and out of focus with a hint of green foliage. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Black Forest Trifle with Cherries and Chocolate, Black Forest Layered Dessert, Cherry Chocolate Trifle, Easy Black Forest Cake Alternative, Elegant Chocolate Fruit Dessert

Garnishes

For the garnishes, I love topping my trifle with extra fresh cherries and a generous sprinkle of grated dark chocolate—it adds that little something special. Sometimes I add a few chocolate curls or even a sprig of fresh mint if I want a pop of color and freshness.

Side Dishes

This trifle is a dessert designed to shine on its own, but when I serve it at dinner parties, I often pair it with light coffee or fruity dessert wines to complement without overpowering its flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

One of my favorite presentation tricks is to serve individual Black Forest Trifles in clear mason jars for picnics or casual gatherings. It looks beautiful and makes portion control easy. For a dinner party, I love a tall glass trifle bowl where you can really see all the colorful layers—it turns into the centerpiece of the table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I typically keep leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The trifle might soak up the Kirsch a bit more over time, so the sponge becomes even softer—but that’s part of its charm! Just use a sealed container or cling film to keep it fresh.

Freezing

In my experience, freezing doesn’t work well for this trifle because of the cream and fresh fruit layers—the texture tends to degrade once thawed. I recommend enjoying all of it fresh or refrigerated instead.

Reheating

This dessert is best served cold, so there’s no need to reheat. If you take it straight from the fridge, just let it sit out for 10-15 minutes to take the chill off before serving, which brings out the flavors beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries for the Black Forest Trifle with Cherries and Chocolate Recipe?

While frozen cherries can technically be used, I find that fresh cherries provide better texture and flavor. Frozen cherries often release more water when thawed, which could make the layers soggy. If you must use frozen, drain them well and consider reducing other liquid ingredients slightly.
Is it necessary to soak the sponge in Kirsch?

Soaking the sponge in Kirsch adds authentic flavor and moisture, but if you prefer a non-alcoholic option, you can substitute with cherry syrup or a flavored juice. Either way, the soaking step helps keep the sponge tender and flavorful.
Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, prepping your Black Forest Trifle with Cherries and Chocolate Recipe a day ahead lets the flavors meld beautifully. Just cover it well in the fridge, and it will be ready to impress your guests with minimal effort on the day of.
What’s the best way to serve this trifle?

Serving it chilled is key. Display it in a clear glass dish to show off the gorgeous layers. Garnish with fresh cherries and grated chocolate for that signature look. Let it come to just below room temperature for a few minutes before eating to maximize flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Black Forest Trifle with Cherries and Chocolate Recipe quickly became a favorite in my family because it’s both decadent and approachable. If you love the idea of a dessert that’s easy to make ahead, bursting with bold chocolate and cherry flavors, and something that looks like you put in way more effort than you actually did, this is it. I can’t wait for you to try it and hear how your loved ones swoon over each spoonful—trust me, it’s always a crowd-pleaser!