Description
Delight in these Mini Black Forest Trifles, a luscious dessert that layers moist chocolate cake, rich chocolate pudding, sweet cherry preserves, and fluffy whipped cream. Individually portioned in small glasses, these trifles are perfect for entertaining or a special treat, capturing the classic flavors of the traditional Black Forest cake in an easy-to-assemble, no-bake parfait style.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- Cooking spray, for greasing
- 1 (13.25-oz.) box chocolate cake mix, plus ingredients called for on box
- 3 Tbsp. kirsch cherry liqueur, divided (optional)
Pudding
- 1 (3-oz.) box instant chocolate pudding
- 2 cups milk
Whipped Cream
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup (30 g) confectioners’ sugar
Other
- 1 (13-oz.) jar cherry preserves
- Chocolate shavings, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Cake: Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350°F. Grease a 13″ x 9″ baking pan with cooking spray. In a large bowl, prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions, then pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake Cake: Bake until a toothpick or tester inserted into the center comes out clean, about 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from oven and let the cake cool for 10 minutes.
- Soak Cake: Poke holes all over the cake surface using a fork. Brush 2 tablespoons of kirsch cherry liqueur evenly over the top of the warm cake, if using. Allow the cake to cool completely.
- Cut Cake: Once cooled, cut about half of the cake into 1/2-inch pieces. Reserve the remaining half for another use.
- Prepare Pudding: In a medium bowl, whisk the instant chocolate pudding mix with 2 cups of milk until it begins to thicken. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Whip Cream: Using a handheld mixer on medium-high speed, beat the heavy cream and confectioners’ sugar until medium peaks form, resulting in thick and fluffy whipped cream.
- Mix Cherry Preserves: In a small bowl, combine the cherry preserves with the remaining 1 tablespoon of kirsch liqueur, if using, and stir to combine.
- Assemble Trifles: In small individual glasses or jars, add 4 to 5 pieces of cake to cover the bottom. Layer with a spoonful of whipped cream, followed by the cherry preserves mixture, then a layer of chocolate pudding. Repeat the layers once more, finishing with a final dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkling of chocolate shavings on top.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled trifles until ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Notes
- Kirsch cherry liqueur adds authentic flavor but can be omitted for a non-alcoholic version.
- For easier assembly, prepare cake and pudding ahead of time and refrigerate separately.
- Use freshly grated or store-bought chocolate shavings as garnish for an elegant presentation.
- These trifles are best served within 24-48 hours for optimal freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 small glass (about 150 grams)
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
