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

If you love the classic dessert vibe of Black Forest cake but want something a little easier to pull together for a crowd, then you’re going to adore this Black Forest Trifle with Cherries and Chocolate Recipe. It’s like all the best parts of that rich, cherry-chocolate combo layered up in a gorgeous, show-stopping trifle, perfect for parties or cozy nights in. Trust me, once you try it, this will quickly become your go-to dessert for impressing friends without stress.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No Baking Needed: You’ll find that this recipe comes together fast without heating up the kitchen.
Decadent Layers: Each bite has creamy custard, boozy cherries, luscious chocolate, and soft sponge — pure heaven!
Perfect for Entertaining: It looks stunning in a clear bowl and serves a crowd, making it your star party dessert.
Flexible Ingredients: You can easily swap components based on what you have or personal preferences.

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, easy Black Forest dessert, cherry chocolate trifle, no-bake holiday dessert, layered black forest treat

Ingredients You’ll Need

What really makes this Black Forest Trifle with Cherries and Chocolate Recipe sing are the quality ingredients layered for maximum flavor impact. Using fresh cherries alongside cherry jam and kirsch adds a complex cherry punch, and the dark chocolate brings that rich, bittersweet balance we all crave. Here’s a little shopping advice so you’re set for success.

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, easy Black Forest dessert, cherry chocolate trifle, no-bake holiday dessert, layered black forest treat

Dark Chocolate: Choose a good-quality dark chocolate with at least 60-70% cocoa for bold flavor and smooth melting.
Custard: Ready-made custard works perfectly — save yourself time without sacrificing creaminess.
Double Cream: For fluffiness in your whipped cream, go for fresh, cold double cream to get that perfect peak.
Icing Sugar: It sweetens your cream lightly so the dessert isn’t too overpowering.
Chocolate Swiss Roll or Sponge: This bounces the different textures together and soaks up all those juicy kirsch-soaked cherry juices.
Kirsch: The cherry brandy adds depth and warmth – and yes, it’s what makes a trifle feel fancy!
Fresh Cherries: Use ripe, juicy cherries; soaking them in kirsch overnight really amps up the flavor.
Cherry Jam or Conserve: Adds sweetness and a jammy texture to complement the fresh fruit.
Brownie Bites: Little chocolate brownie pieces add a fun, fudgy twist—trust me, you don’t want to skip these.
Grated Chocolate: For garnish, it adds that final elegant touch and extra chocolate punch.

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 to make this Black Forest Trifle with Cherries and Chocolate Recipe my own depending on the season or occasion. Feel free to play around with what’s in your pantry or fridge — you’ll find tons of room to make it truly yours!

Alcohol-Free Version: When serving kids or avoiding alcohol, just swap kirsch with cherry juice or a splash of cherry syrup — the flavor stays bright and festive.
Berry Swap: In summer, I sometimes switch cherries out for fresh berries like raspberries or blackberries; it adds a lovely tart twist.
Chocolate Variations: Use milk or white chocolate in layers for a sweeter, creamier effect — but I personally stick to dark chocolate for the boldness.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free sponge or brownie bites to accommodate dietary needs without losing texture.

How to Make Black Forest Trifle with Cherries and Chocolate Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cherries and Chocolate

Start by soaking 400 grams of fresh cherries in 200 ml of kirsch — I like to do this the night before so they soak up all that lovely boozy flavor. Meanwhile, chop 150 grams of dark chocolate into small pieces and gently melt it over a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Whip the Cream and Assemble Custard

Whip 600 ml of double cream with 2 tablespoons of icing sugar until soft peaks form. I find that chilling your bowl and beaters before whipping makes this much easier. Then, get your 500 ml of ready-made custard ready — if it’s too thick, loosen it with a splash of milk for easier layering.

Step 3: Layer the Trifle Components

Now for the fun part: start layering your trifle in a large clear bowl (or individual glasses if you prefer). Begin with a layer of chopped chocolate sponge or swiss roll that you’ve soaked lightly with the kirsch left from the cherries. Next, spoon over a generous layer of custard, followed by a scattering of the kirsch-soaked cherries and a drizzle of cherry jam or conserve.

Sprinkle some brownie bites over the top, then add a layer of whipped cream. Repeat the layers until you use up each ingredient, finishing with whipped cream on top and a sprinkle of grated chocolate for that wow factor.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Cover the trifle and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving — this gives all the flavors a chance to marry and the textures to soften perfectly. When I first tried this, I was amazed at how the flavors deepened with time, so don’t rush it!

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

Chill Your Tools: I always chill my mixing bowl and beaters for whipped cream to get the fluffiest texture faster.
Use a Clear Bowl: The layers look stunning when you can see them, which also helps when serving as guests can choose their favorite layers.
Don’t Over-Soak the Sponge: A little kirsch goes a long way—too much can make your layers soggy and messy.
Layer Order Matters: Putting wetter layers like cherries and jam between sponges helps keep everything balanced and prevents sogginess.

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, easy Black Forest dessert, cherry chocolate trifle, no-bake holiday dessert, layered black forest treat

Garnishes

I usually finish off my trifle with extra grated dark chocolate and a few fresh cherries on top — it adds a beautiful pop of color and an inviting hint of the flavors within. Sometimes, I even add a sprig of fresh mint for a lovely contrast that’s as pretty as it is tasty.

Side Dishes

This trifle really stands on its own as a dessert, but if you want to keep the party going, I like pairing it with light, fruity wines or coffee. For meals, something simple like grilled chicken or a fresh green salad pairs nicely without overshadowing the dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this trifle in mini glass jars for individual portions — it’s adorable and super convenient for guests. You could also layer it in a tall trifle bowl then scoop out servings for a dramatic presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover trifle keeps beautifully covered in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors actually deepen, but be aware the sponge may soak up more liquid and become softer — still delicious, just more pudding-like.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing the full trifle as the cream and sponge don’t always thaw well. However, you can freeze leftover brownie bites or chocolate sponge separately ahead of time to keep them fresh.

Reheating

This dessert is always best served cold, so no reheating needed here. Just remove from the fridge about 10-15 minutes before serving to take the chill off slightly.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! If using frozen cherries, make sure to thaw and drain them well before soaking in kirsch to avoid excess moisture watering down your trifle layers.
What’s the best way to soak the sponge in this recipe?

Use a spoon or brush to gently drizzle kirsch over the sponge layers without saturating them; a little goes a long way to add that authentic Black Forest flavor.
Can I make this trifle vegan or dairy-free?

Yes, swap the double cream and custard for coconut cream and vegan custard alternatives, plus make sure your sponge or brownies are dairy-free. It won’t be classic Black Forest but still delicious and rich.
How long does the Black Forest Trifle keep in the fridge?

It’s best eaten within 2 days for optimal texture and flavor, as the sponge can get quite soft over time but the taste only improves!

Final Thoughts

This Black Forest Trifle with Cherries and Chocolate Recipe has become a beloved staple in my kitchen whenever I want to serve something that feels both nostalgic and effortlessly impressive. It captures all the magic of a Black Forest cake but with so much less fuss — plus, the layers mean every spoonful is a perfect mix of creamy, fruity, and chocolaty delight. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I enjoy sharing it with friends and family. Give it a go, and I promise it’ll wow your taste buds and your guests!