Black Forest Christmas Trifle (Printer-Friendly Version)

Layers of chocolate, cherries, whipped cream, and pudding create a stunning centerpiece for holiday gatherings.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cake Layer

01 - 1 box chocolate cake mix or 1 homemade chocolate cake (about 13 x 9 inches), baked and cooled

→ Whipped Cream

02 - 1 cup heavy cream
03 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar
04 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Fruit Layer

05 - 2 cups pitted cherries, canned or fresh, with juice or syrup
06 - 1/4 cup cherry juice, reserved from canned cherries or fresh

→ Pudding Layer

07 - 2 cups vanilla pudding, store-bought or homemade

→ Topping

08 - 1/2 cup dark chocolate shavings or grated chocolate
09 - 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, optional, for garnish

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Bake the chocolate cake according to the package directions or your preferred recipe. Allow the cake to cool completely.
02 - Once cooled, cut the cake into 1-inch cubes to ensure even layering.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form. Use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for best results.
04 - Drain the canned cherries, reserving 1/4 cup of their juice. If using fresh cherries, pit and halve them, mixing with the cherry juice in a small bowl.
05 - In a large trifle dish or clear glass bowl, place a layer of chocolate cake cubes on the bottom and gently press to create an even base.
06 - Spoon a layer of vanilla pudding evenly over the cake, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
07 - Spread a layer of cherries with some of their juice over the pudding, distributing them evenly.
08 - Dollop a generous layer of whipped cream over the cherries, smoothing it gently.
09 - Repeat the layering process—cake cubes, pudding, cherries, and whipped cream—until you reach the top of the dish, finishing with a layer of whipped cream.
10 - Sprinkle the surface with dark chocolate shavings and, if desired, a light dusting of cocoa powder. Garnish with a few cherries for presentation.
11 - Cover and refrigerate the trifle for at least 3 hours, or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and the layers to set.

# Additional Tips:

01 - For best layering results, ensure the cake is completely cooled and the whipped cream is freshly whipped before assembling.
02 - Allowing the trifle to chill overnight enhances flavor integration and ensures the whipped cream holds its form.
03 - Consider adding a splash of cherry liqueur to the cherries for an adult-friendly version.

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