A Chocolate Cherry Trifle is a timeless, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s simple to prepare. Layers of moist chocolate cake, rich chocolate pudding, light whipped cream, and sweet cherry pie filling combine for a show-stopping treat perfect for family gatherings and parties.
This dessert—often called a Black Forest Trifle—looks elegant but is remarkably easy to assemble. Use a boxed or homemade chocolate cake, instant chocolate pudding, whipped cream, and cherry pie filling to build layers in a large trifle bowl or individual cups.
Ingredient Notes
You only need a few straightforward ingredients, which makes this trifle quick to put together while still tasting indulgent.
- Chocolate cake – homemade or boxed, baked in a 9×13 (13×9) pan.
- Instant chocolate pudding – use prepared pudding made with whole milk for best texture.
- Cherry pie filling – canned is convenient, or use homemade pie filling if preferred.
- Whipped cream – freshly whipped heavy cream sweetened with sugar and vanilla gives the best flavor and texture; Cool Whip can be used as a shortcut.
How to Make a Chocolate Cherry Trifle
Step 1 – Bake and Cube the Cake
Bake a chocolate cake in a 9×13 pan following package or recipe instructions. Allow it to cool completely, then cut or break it into roughly 1-inch cubes. These pieces form the base of each layer and will soak up the cherry sauce for extra flavor.
Step 2 – Make Whipped Cream and Pudding
Whip 2 cups heavy cream with 1/3 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla until soft peaks form. Prepare two 3.9-ounce packages of instant chocolate pudding using 4 cups whole milk according to package directions. Avoid using almond or other non-dairy milks—instant pudding may not set properly with them.
Step 3 – Assemble the Trifle
For individual servings, divide the cake into the number of cups or jars you plan to use (6–10 is common). Place half of the cake cubes in the bottom of each dish or in a large trifle bowl when making one big dessert.
Step 4 – Add Pudding and Cherries
Spread a layer of chocolate pudding over the cake, taking it to the edges to create a defined layer. Top the pudding with a layer of cherry pie filling. If you prefer, make your own cherry filling, but canned works well and saves time.
Step 5 – Layer Whipped Cream
Add a layer of whipped cream, spreading it to the edges for a neat appearance. Repeat the sequence of cake, pudding, cherries, and whipped cream at least once more to build height and flavor in the trifle.
Finishing Touches
Top the final layer with a few extra cherries and chocolate shavings for a polished look. Chill the trifle in the refrigerator until ready to serve so the flavors meld and the layers set.
Expert Tips
- Devil’s Food Cake or any light chocolate cake complements the pudding and cherries nicely.
- Freshly whipped cream lightly sweetened with sugar and vanilla has a superior flavor and texture, but Cool Whip is a convenient alternative.
- For an attractive presentation, make sure each layer reaches the dish’s sides so no gaps appear between layers.
- This trifle is versatile for holidays and special occasions—Christmas, birthdays, potlucks, showers, and summer gatherings all work well.
Make Ahead
Yes—you can assemble the trifle the night before and refrigerate it. It often tastes even better after the flavors have melded. For the best presentation, consider adding the final whipped cream topping just before serving.
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Chocolate Cherry Trifle Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 box Devil’s Food Cake (or any chocolate cake baked in a 9×13 pan)
- 4 cups whole milk
- 2 (3.9 oz) packages Jell-O Dark Chocolate Instant Pudding (or regular chocolate pudding)
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream, sweetened with 1/3 cup sugar and 1 tsp vanilla (or 24 oz Cool Whip)
- 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling (use more if you like extra cherries)
- Chocolate shavings for garnish
Equipment
- Trifle dish or individual cups/jars
Instructions
- Bake cake in a 9×13 pan per package directions. Cool completely and cut into 1-inch cubes.
- Whip heavy cream with sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
- Prepare instant chocolate pudding using whole milk according to package directions.
- For individual servings, place half the cake cubes in each cup or jar. For a large trifle, place half the cake in the bottom of the trifle dish.
- Spread a layer of pudding over the cake, then add a layer of cherry pie filling.
- Spread a layer of whipped cream to the edges.
- Repeat layers at least once more. Top with cherries and chocolate shavings. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Devil’s Food Cake provides a light, airy texture but any chocolate cake works.
- Freshly whipped cream tastes best, though store-bought whipped topping can be used for convenience.
- Ensure layers reach the sides of the dish for a clean presentation.
- This trifle can be assembled a day ahead; add the final whipped topping just before serving for best appearance.
Nutritional information is approximate and will vary based on brands and serving sizes.
This Chocolate Cherry Trifle is bright, festive, and perfect year-round—especially for holiday gatherings where its color and flavor make a beautiful centerpiece dessert. Enjoy!