Name: Black Forest Trifle with Cherries and Chocolate Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 150 g dark chocolate, chopped; 10 g grated chocolate; 500 ml ready-made custard; 600 ml double cream; 2 tbsp icing sugar; 400 g fresh cherries soaked in 200 ml Kirsch; 100 g fresh cherries (unsavored); 4-5 tbsp Kirsch for soaking swiss roll; 300 g chocolate swiss roll or chocolate sponge cake; 200 g cherry jam or conserve; 150 g brownie bites

There’s something utterly delightful about digging into a layered dessert that mixes rich chocolate, tart cherries, and creamy custard — and that’s exactly why my Black Forest Trifle with Cherries and Chocolate Recipe is a touchstone for anytime you want to impress without too much fuss. This trifle is like a party in your mouth, combining textures and flavors that will have you coming back for seconds. From the luscious double cream to the boozy kirsch-soaked cherries, every bite tells a story. Stick around because I’m sharing all my secrets to getting this fan-freaking-tastic dessert just right!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Layered Delight: Each layer brings a unique texture and flavor, from silky custard to chewy brownie bites.
Easy to Assemble: Using ready-made components like custard and sponge saves you time without sacrificing taste.
Boozy Bonus: The kirsch-soaked cherries add a subtle warmth that elevates this from ordinary to extraordinary.
Crowd Pleaser: This recipe serves about 10 and reliably gets rave reviews at family gatherings and parties.

A clear glass bowl holds a layered dessert with three visible layers: the bottom layer is dark brown and creamy chocolate pudding, the middle layer is light whipped cream with a soft texture, and the top layer is a thick layer of white whipped cream with a slightly bumpy surface. Bright red cherries with green stems are placed evenly on top, and fine brown chocolate shavings are scattered across the whipped cream. A gold spoon scoops a mix of chocolate and cream from the side. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with a smaller white bowl nearby containing a similar chocolate and cream mixture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Black Forest Trifle with Cherries and Chocolate, layered chocolate cherry dessert, easy Black Forest trifle recipe, rich cherry and chocolate trifles, indulgent berry and chocolate dessert

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this beautiful Black Forest Trifle, you’ll want ingredients that balance richness and fruitiness. Keep an eye out for good-quality chocolate and fresh cherries to really make the layers sing.

Flat lay of chopped dark chocolate chunks, a small white bowl of ready-made custard, a small white bowl of double cream, a small white bowl with icing sugar powder, slices of chocolate swiss roll, a small white bowl of clear kirsch, fresh whole cherries, a small white bowl of rich cherry jam, bite-sized brownie pieces, and a small pile of grated dark chocolate, all arranged with perfect symmetry on simple white ceramic dishes and bowls, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Black Forest Trifle with Cherries and Chocolate, layered chocolate cherry dessert, easy Black Forest trifle recipe, rich cherry and chocolate trifles, indulgent berry and chocolate dessert

Dark chocolate: Use good-quality dark chocolate for a sharp, intense flavor that contrasts perfectly with the cherries.
Custard: Ready-made custard speeds things up, but smooth and creamy is key for the best layers.
Double cream: Whipped to soft peaks, this makes the dessert luscious and light all at once.
Icing sugar: Sweetens the cream just right—don’t skip it!
Chocolate Swiss roll or sponge: Acts as the sponge base; soak it with kirsch for moisture and flavor.
Kirsch: This cherry brandy is what gives the trifle that classic boozy kick; soak your fruit and sponge well.
Fresh cherries soaked in kirsch: These burst with juicy, boozy goodness in every mouthful.
Fresh cherries: For topping and an extra fresh pop of fruit.
Cherry jam or conserve: Adds a sticky, sweet layer that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
Brownie bites: Small chunks of brownie bring chewiness and chocolate depth.
Grated chocolate: For garnish and that final wow-factor texture.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

The beauty of this Black Forest Trifle with Cherries and Chocolate Recipe is how flexible it is. I love to mix things up depending on the season or who I’m serving it to — don’t hesitate to make it your own!

Alcohol-Free Version: I swapped the kirsch for cherry juice or cherry syrup once for a family-friendly version, and honestly, it was still a big hit.
Nutty Addition: I like to toss a handful of toasted almonds or hazelnuts into one of the layers for an extra crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft custard and cream.
Vegan Twist: Using coconut cream and dairy-free custard options works surprisingly well if you want to keep the indulgence without dairy.
Seasonal Fruit Substitution: In summer, fresh raspberries or blackberries make an excellent substitute for cherries if you want a different fruity flavor.

How to Make Black Forest Trifle with Cherries and Chocolate Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients and Soak the Cherries

Start by washing and pitting your fresh cherries—if you don’t have a cherry pitter, a sturdy straw or even a chopstick can do the trick (I discovered this handy hack when patience ran thin!). Soak about 400g of cherries in 200ml of kirsch for at least an hour. This step is crucial because it infuses the fruit with that signature boozy cherry flavor that makes the trifle unforgettable. Meanwhile, get your chocolate chopped finely so it melts evenly later on.

Step 2: Melt the Dark Chocolate

Place your chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Melt it gently over a pan of simmering water (double boiler style), stirring occasionally until smooth. Be careful not to get any water into the chocolate or it can seize up—this is a mistake I once made and had to start over. Once melted, set it aside to cool slightly but don’t let it harden.

Step 3: Whip the Double Cream and Sweeten It

Whip your double cream with the icing sugar until you have soft peaks. You’ll want it just thick enough to hold a shape but still light and fluffy. This airy cream layer balances the rich chocolate and dense sponge perfectly. Be careful not to overwhip or it will become too stiff and lose that silky texture I love.

Step 4: Soak the Swiss Roll or Sponge with Kirsch

Slice your chocolate Swiss roll or sponge into chunks or slices, then sprinkle or brush the kirsch over it generously. Let it soak for a few minutes so it absorbs all that wonderful flavor without drying out. This is where the magic starts to happen, turning every bite juicy and indulgent.

Step 5: Build the Layers

Now for the fun part: assembling. Start by placing soaked sponge at the bottom of your trifle bowl or individual glasses. Next, spread a layer of your kirsch-soaked cherries and cherry jam to add sticky sweetness. Dollop some custard over the fruit, then add brownie bites for texture contrast. Repeat with the chocolate cream and finish with the whipped double cream. Sprinkle grated chocolate on top for that final flourish. Trust me, layering like this ensures every spoonful has a bit of everything!

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Cover and refrigerate your trifle for at least two hours, preferably longer. This chilling step lets the flavors meld together beautifully and softens the sponge for that melt-in-your-mouth experience. I usually make mine the day before — it only gets better as it sits!

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Pro Tips for Making Black Forest Trifle with Cherries and Chocolate Recipe

Use Fresh, Ripe Cherries: Their natural sweetness and texture make a huge difference compared to jarred fruit.
Don’t Rush the Soaking: Let the kirsch work its magic on the cherries and sponge for full flavor infusion.
Layer Patiently: Take your time building layers neatly; it makes the presentation and eating experience much more satisfying.
Avoid Overwhipping Cream: Stop at soft peaks to keep cream light and mixable; overwhipping leads to clumps.

How to Serve Black Forest Trifle with Cherries and Chocolate Recipe

The dessert is shown in a clear glass bowl with a tall stem, placed on a white marbled surface. At the bottom, there is a thick layer of round chocolate rolls, dark brown and soft-looking. Above that, there is a smooth light brown chocolate layer. The middle layer is white and creamy, topped by a dark red cherry jam layer with visible cherry pieces. A thick, dark chocolate layer sits above the jam, and the top layer is a generous amount of white whipped cream decorated with whole bright red cherries and lightly sprinkled with chocolate shavings. The background is soft and out of focus with a hint of green foliage. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Black Forest Trifle with Cherries and Chocolate, layered chocolate cherry dessert, easy Black Forest trifle recipe, rich cherry and chocolate trifles, indulgent berry and chocolate dessert

Garnishes

I love topping this trifle with extra fresh cherries, a sprinkle of grated dark chocolate, and sometimes even curls of chocolate shaving from a bar—adds that elegant gourmet touch. If you want to get playful, a few mint leaves add a bright pop of color and freshness.

Side Dishes

Since the trifle is quite rich, I usually pair it with a simple green salad with a light citrus dressing or serve it after a light main like grilled chicken or fish — balances the meal perfectly!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love serving individual trifles in clear glasses so everyone can admire the beautiful layers. Alternatively, using a large glass bowl creates a show-stopping centerpiece. You can even add edible flowers for a stunning, Instagram-worthy finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftovers covered tightly in the fridge and enjoy them within 2 days. The flavors deepen overnight, but after a couple of days, the sponge can start to get soggy, so sooner is better.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this trifle because the cream layer can separate and the texture of the sponge changes. It’s best eaten fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

Since this dessert is served cold, reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. Just take it out of the fridge 10-15 minutes before serving to soften the cream slightly for the best mouthfeel.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh for this Black Forest Trifle with Cherries and Chocolate Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen cherries if fresh aren’t available. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess water, which can make the trifle soggy. Soaking them in kirsch after thawing helps bring back some of that fresh fruit texture and flavor.
What can I substitute for kirsch if I don’t have any on hand?

If you don’t have kirsch, cherry brandy or even a splash of dark rum works well as a substitute. For a non-alcoholic option, cherry juice or a mix of cherry syrup diluted with water makes a great soaking liquid.
How far ahead can I prepare this Black Forest Trifle with Cherries and Chocolate Recipe?

Preparing the trifle up to a day in advance is ideal. It needs that time to chill and let the flavors meld, which is when it really shines. Just be sure to keep it covered and refrigerated.
Can I use homemade custard instead of ready-made?

Absolutely! Homemade custard is delicious and can add an extra layer of creaminess. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before layering to avoid melting the cream or sponge.

Final Thoughts

This Black Forest Trifle with Cherries and Chocolate Recipe has been one of my go-to desserts for years — whether for casual family dinners or festive celebrations. Its rich layers somehow feel both indulgent and uplifting at the same time. If you’re a fan of chocolate and cherries like I am, you’ll find that this recipe brings out the best of both in every spoonful. Give it a go next time you want a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Honestly, you’ll be so glad you did!