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–+ servings
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Christmas Black Forest Trifle

A festive, no-bake holiday dessert that layers chocolate cake or brownies with cherries, whipped cream, and chocolate pudding for a show-stopping Christmas treat. Perfect for make-ahead holiday entertaining and easily customizable for halal or boozy versions.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Chill Time 4 hours
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Chocolate Cake Base
  • 1 whole store-bought chocolate cake or brownies cut into 1-inch cubes
Cherry Layer
  • 2 cups cherries (canned, frozen, or fresh) drained if canned or frozen; pitted if fresh
  • 1/2 cup cherry juice or reserved canning syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp cherry liqueur (kirsch or amaretto) - optional omit for alcohol-free or halal version
Whipped Cream Layer
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream cold
  • 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
Chocolate Pudding Layer (Optional)
  • 1 package chocolate instant pudding mix or homemade chocolate custard
  • 2 cups cold milk or dairy-free alternative
Garnish
  • dark chocolate shavings or curls for topping
  • maraschino cherries for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • Trifle Dish (3-quart)
  • - Mixing bowls
  • electric mixer,
  • - Spatula

Method
 

  1. Cut the chocolate cake or brownies into 1-inch cubes. Set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, combine cherry juice (or reserved canning syrup), vanilla extract, and cherry liqueur (if using). Mix well and set aside.
  3. If using instant pudding, prepare it according to package directions using cold milk. Chill until set.
  4. In a large chilled bowl, beat heavy cream with confectioners' sugar until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
  5. In a trifle dish, create the first layer: spread one-third of the cake cubes evenly. Drizzle with one-third of the cherry syrup mixture.
  6. Spoon one-third of the cherries over the cake layer. If using pudding, spread a third of it over the cherries.
  7. Spread one-third of the whipped cream over the pudding (or cherries). Smooth to edges.
  8. Repeat the layering process two more times: cake + syrup, cherries, pudding (if using), and whipped cream.
  9. Finish with a final dollop of whipped cream on top. Sprinkle generously with chocolate shavings and add whole cherries if desired.
  10. Cover lightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
  11. Serve chilled. Use a large spoon to scoop through all layers for the best presentation.

Nutrition

Calories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 4gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 2gSugar: 32gVitamin A: 420IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 1.8mg

Notes

Make-Ahead Tip: This trifle tastes even better the next day as flavors meld. Perfect for stress-free holiday hosting.
Dietary Notes: For a halal version, omit alcohol and use alcohol-free vanilla and gelatin-free stabilizers. For dairy-free, use coconut cream and plant-based milk.
Variations: Add espresso to the syrup for a mocha twist, or use peppermint extract and crushed candy canes for a festive spin.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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