Dark Cherry Chocolate Layers: A Black Forest Trifle Recipe

Decadent layers of chocolate and cherries dance together in this irresistible black forest trifle recipe that promises pure dessert magic.

Rich chocolate cake crumbles intermingle with luscious whipped cream, creating a symphony of textures and flavors.

Each spoonful carries the classic German dessert’s soul, blending sweet cherries and dark chocolate into a heavenly treat.

The contrast between soft cake and silky cream makes this dessert a showstopper at any gathering.

Tart cherries cut through the richness, balancing every delightful bite.

Dark chocolate shavings sprinkled on top add a luxurious finishing touch that elevates this classic dessert.

Prepare to indulge in a dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Black Forest Trifle Steals The Show

• Indulge in a dessert that transforms classic Black Forest flavors into a stunning, show-stopping trifle that looks like a masterpiece.
• Minimal cooking skills required – just layer ingredients and watch your dessert come together without complicated techniques or professional baking experience.
• Perfectly designed to wow guests at dinner parties, potlucks, or family gatherings with its rich chocolate and cherry combinations that everyone loves.
• Flexible recipe allows swapping ingredients like different types of chocolate Swiss roll or adding personal touches to make it uniquely yours.

Ingredients For A Classic Chocolate Cherry Trifle

• Dark Chocolate: A rich and luxurious ingredient that creates a deep, smooth chocolate custard base.
• Double Cream: A thick, indulgent cream that provides a luscious and light texture to the trifle.
• Swiss Roll: A soft, spongy chocolate cake that forms the structural layers of the dessert.
• Cherries: Sweet and juicy fruit that adds a classic Black Forest flavor and vibrant color.
• Brownie Bites: Decadent chocolate pieces that enhance the chocolate intensity of the trifle.

• Icing Sugar, Cherry Jam: Ingredients that add sweetness and additional layers of flavor to the dessert.

• Kirsch, Custard: A liqueur and creamy base that deepens the traditional Black Forest cake flavor profile.

How To Layer And Assemble Black Forest Trifle

Step 1: Prepare Chocolate Custard

Create a silky chocolate custard by heating custard in a saucepan with dark chocolate.

Stir continuously over low heat until chocolate melts completely.

Cool the mixture in the refrigerator until chilled.

Step 2: Whip Dreamy Cream

Whip double cream with icing sugar until soft peaks form.

Be gentle to avoid overwhipping.

The goal is light, cloud-like cream that holds its shape beautifully.

Step 3: Prepare Swiss Roll Base

Slice chocolate Swiss roll into rounds approximately 1-2 cm thick.

Optional: Drizzle Kirsch liqueur over slices for extra flavor depth.

Step 4: Create First Layer Foundation

Line trifle bowl with Swiss roll slices, creating an artistic spiral around edges and covering bottom.

Pour half of chocolate custard evenly across Swiss roll base.

Step 5: Add First Fruit and Brownie Layer

• Canned cherries
• Brownie bites

Concentrate these ingredients toward center to maintain clean layer definition.

Step 6: First Cream and Jam Application

Spread half of whipped cream over cherry and brownie layer.

Drizzle cherry jam in elegant, random dollops across cream surface.

Step 7: Repeat Layering Magic

• Swiss roll slices
• Chocolate custard
• Cherries
• Brownie bites
• Whipped cream
• Cherry jam

Finish with final luxurious layer of whipped cream.

Step 8: Spectacular Finishing Touches

• Fresh cherries.
• Grated chocolate.
• Optional chocolate curls for extra elegance.

Tips For Building A Balanced, Beautiful Trifle

• Use high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content for deeper, richer flavor notes in your custard and grated topping.
• Pat cherries dry with paper towels before adding to prevent excess liquid from making Swiss roll slices mushy.
• Replace Kirsch with cherry juice or brandy extract for non-alcoholic version, maintaining authentic Black Forest taste profile.
• Chill trifle between layering stages to help each component set and maintain crisp, distinct visual presentation.
• Prepare trifle one day in advance to allow flavors to meld and develop more complex taste, with whipped cream and fresh cherries added just before serving.

Storage Guidance For Trifle Leftovers

• Store the Black Forest Trifle in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap. Keep it chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain its fresh taste and creamy texture.
• Wrap the trifle carefully in multiple layers of plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve the dessert's delicate layers.
• Avoid microwaving the entire trifle. Instead, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the cream and bring out the flavors.
• Scoop out single servings into separate containers for easy grab-and-go treats. This method helps prevent repeated temperature changes that could compromise the trifle's quality.

Pairing Ideas That Match This Rich Dessert

• Savor Kirsch Harmony: Pair this Black Forest Trifle with a small glass of authentic Kirsch cherry brandy to amplify the dessert's rich cherry and chocolate notes.
• Match Dessert Wine Magic: Select a sweet German Eiswein or a ruby port to complement the trifle's intense chocolate and fruity layers, creating a luxurious dessert experience.
• Elevate Coffee Companion: Serve alongside a shot of espresso or a smooth cappuccino to cut through the dessert's sweetness and enhance the deep chocolate undertones.
• Balance with Sparkling Refreshment: Enjoy a chilled glass of sparkling rosé or a light prosecco to cleanse the palate and provide a crisp contrast to the trifle's rich, decadent texture.

Easy Twists On The Black Forest Theme

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace Swiss roll with gluten-free chocolate sponge cake. Use almond flour brownies and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Version: Swap dairy custard with coconut milk custard. Use vegan chocolate, plant-based cream alternatives, and egg-free brownie bites. Select dairy-free dark chocolate for layers.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener in cream and custard. Choose sugar-free chocolate and use fresh cherries instead of jam. Reduce overall sweetness while maintaining rich flavor profile.
• Alcohol-Free Variation: Remove Kirsch completely. Enhance flavor with vanilla extract or cherry syrup. Keep all other ingredients consistent with original recipe, focusing on maintaining authentic Black Forest taste.

FAQs

• Can I make this trifle ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the Black Forest Trifle up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it refrigerated and add fresh cherries just before serving to maintain their color and texture.

• Is Kirsch essential for this recipe?

No, Kirsch is optional. If you prefer, you can skip it or substitute with cherry juice or syrup from the canned cherries for a similar flavor profile.

• What if I can't find Swiss roll or brownie bites?

You can replace Swiss roll with chocolate sponge cake or ladyfingers. For brownie bites, use chocolate chunks or extra chocolate cake pieces as an alternative.

• How do I prevent the layers from mixing?

Work carefully and use a spoon to spread each layer gently. Chill the trifle between layers to help them set and maintain distinct, beautiful stripes.

Black Forest Trifle Recipe

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4.9 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Black Forest Trifle beckons chocolate and cherry lovers with its irresistible layers of German-inspired dessert magic. Rich chocolate cake, luscious cherry compote, and silky whipped cream create a mesmerizing symphony of flavors you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 jumbo chocolate swiss roll
• 400–600 g cherries in kirsch/cherries in syrup/cherry pie filling
• 200 g fresh cherries
• 1 tub brownie bites

Cream and Chocolate Components:

• 600 milliliters (20.3 fluid ounces) double cream
• 500 milliliters (16.9 fluid ounces) ready made custard
• 150 g (5.3 ounces) dark chocolate (chopped)
• 25 g (0.9 ounces) grated chocolate

Flavor and Sweetening Ingredients:

• 200 g (7.1 ounces) cherry jam/conserve
• 2 tablespoons icing sugar
• 45 milliliters (1.5 fluid ounces) kirsch (optional)

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Instructions

1. Gently melt dark chocolate into the custard over low heat, stirring continuously until achieving a smooth consistency. Refrigerate to cool completely.
2. Whip double cream with icing sugar until soft, cloud-like peaks form, being cautious not to overwhip.
3. Slice chocolate Swiss roll into 1-2cm rounds. Optional: drizzle Kirsch over slices for enhanced flavor.
4. Arrange Swiss roll slices vertically along trifle bowl’s sides and base, creating an elegant spiral pattern. Pour half the chocolate custard evenly across the layer.
5. Distribute half the canned cherries centrally over custard, followed by brownie bites, ensuring precise placement within the layer.
6. Apply half the whipped cream, then artfully dot cherry jam across the surface.
7. Replicate previous layers: Swiss roll rounds, remaining custard, cherries, brownies, whipped cream, and jam. Conclude with a generous cream topping.
8. Garnish with fresh cherries and grated chocolate, optionally adding chocolate curls for an impressive presentation.

Notes

• Keep chocolate custard silky by heating gently and stirring constantly to prevent burning or seizing.
• Ensure whipped cream reaches soft peak stage for ideal texture, avoiding overwhipping which turns mixture grainy.
• Select fresh, high-quality dark cherries for more intense flavor and vibrant color in the dessert.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 670
• Sugar: 49 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 46 g
• Saturated Fat: 27 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg