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This Black Forest Trifle is a festive dessert that brings together layers of moist chocolate cake, silky cream, tart cherries, and smooth vanilla pudding. It’s perfect for Christmas celebrations and impresses guests with its elegant appearance and irresistible flavor combinations. This recipe balances sweetness and tang with a delightful texture contrast that makes each bite special.
I first made this for a family holiday dinner and it quickly became our most requested dessert. The way the cherries soak into the chocolate cake and cream always gets raves.
Ingredients
- Chocolate cake mix or homemade chocolate cake: the cake provides a rich and sturdy base choose a quality brand or bake a moist cake using good cocoa powder for the best flavor
- Heavy cream: essential for whipping into soft peaks creating light and fluffy texture opt for fresh cream with at least 30 percent fat
- Powdered sugar: dissolves smoothly in the cream ensures sweetness without graininess
- Vanilla extract: adds warmth and depth look for pure vanilla extract rather than imitation for best aroma
- Fresh or canned cherries: the fruit component that balances the sweetness fresh are best in season otherwise canned work well but reserve the juice
- Cherry juice: this liquid infuses the cake with extra cherry flavor and moisture
- Vanilla pudding: provides creaminess and a contrasting texture homemade pudding brands from French supermarkets or classic mix packets work well
- Dark chocolate shavings: add richness and a subtle bitter note use good quality dark chocolate to enhance flavor
- Cocoa powder: optional garnish that visually finishes the dish with a festive touch
Instructions
- Savourer le cake au chocolat:
- Prepare your chocolate cake either by baking from a mix or your preferred recipe. Once fully cooled, gently crumble it into large bite sized pieces. This ensures the cake layer retains some texture without becoming too mushy.
- Monter la crème fouettée:
- Pour the heavy cream into a large chilled bowl. Beat with a hand mixer or whisk until soft peaks begin to form. Slowly add powdered sugar and vanilla extract while continuing to whip until smooth and thick but still soft. This creates the lightest cream layer that melts in your mouth.
- Préparer les cerises:
- If using canned cherries, drain them well but keep some of the juice separately. For fresh cherries, pit and slice them if needed. Keeping whole or halved cherries depending on size helps create beautiful visible layers.
- Assembler le trifle:
- In a large clear glass bowl or individual verrines, start layering. First add a layer of chocolate cake pieces, then drizzle some cherry juice over to moisten. Add a layer of cherries followed by a layer of vanilla pudding. Top with a generous amount of whipped cream making sure each layer is distinct. Repeat the sequence respecting the order and finish with whipped cream.
- Réserver au frais:
- Cover your trifle with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least two hours. This resting time allows flavors to meld and textures to soften slightly, making the dessert even more delightful.
Dark chocolate shavings are one of my favorite touches adding sophistication and a hint of bitterness that balances the sweet cream and fruit. I remember my first Christmas making this with my family and how we all eagerly gathered around the table, savoring each spoonful with delight.
Storage tips
Store leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to three days. The trifle tends to absorb moisture, so keep it well sealed to maintain texture.
Ingredient substitutions
You can swap canned cherries with fresh frozen ones if out of season. For a dairy free version, use coconut cream whipped with a little powdered sugar.
Serving suggestions
Serve chilled with a sprinkle of extra dark chocolate or a dusting of cocoa powder. It pairs wonderfully with a glass of sparkling wine or a rich coffee.
Chill the trifle well before serving to let flavors meld. Enjoy the elegant layers and contrasting flavors with family and friends.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Comment préparer les couches du trifle ?
Alternez des morceaux de gâteau au chocolat, un peu de jus de cerises, les cerises elles-mêmes, du pudding à la vanille et enfin la crème fouettée.
- → Peut-on utiliser des cerises fraîches ?
Oui, il suffit de dénoyauter les cerises fraîches et de conserver un peu de leur jus pour arroser les couches.
- → Combien de temps faut-il pour que le dessert soit prêt ?
Après préparation, laissez reposer au frais au minimum deux heures pour que les saveurs se mélangent bien.
- → Puis-je faire moi-même le gâteau au chocolat ?
Absolument, un gâteau moelleux fait maison fonctionne parfaitement pour ce dessert.
- → Quel type de crème utiliser pour la chantilly ?
La crème liquide entière est idéale pour monter une crème fouettée ferme et aérienne.