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Black Forest Trifle

Elegant layered dessert combining chocolate cake, fresh cherries, and whipped cream in a stunning trifle presentation.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours
Servings: 10 servings
Course: Dessert, Special Occasion
Cuisine: European, German
Calories: 285
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chocolate Cake
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.25 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 0.33 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tbsp white vinegar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Whipped Cream
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 0.25 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Assembly
  • 2 cups fresh or canned cherries pitted
  • 0.25 cup cherry juice or syrup
  • 2 tbsp kirsch optional
  • dark chocolate shavings for garnish

Equipment

  • Trifle bowl
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • 9-inch cake pan

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Create well in center of dry ingredients and add warm water, oil, vinegar, and vanilla.
  4. Stir mixture until just combined, pour into prepared pan and bake 28-30 minutes.
  5. Cool cake completely, then cut into 1-inch cubes.
  6. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
  7. Layer half the cake cubes in trifle bowl, drizzle with cherry juice.
  8. Add half the cherries and half the whipped cream, then repeat layers.
  9. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours, garnish with chocolate shavings before serving.

Notes

For best results, allow trifle to chill overnight. Can be made up to 3 days ahead. Store covered in refrigerator.