Go Back

Black Forest Trifle

This Black Forest Trifle is a showstopper dessert! Layers of moist chocolate cake, creamy pudding, sweet cherry pie filling, and light whipped topping come together for an unforgettable treat.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 12
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 15.25 ounces devil's food cake mix (prepared according to box directions)
  • 6.8 ounces instant chocolate pudding mix (2 3.4-oz boxes)
  • 4 cups cold milk
  • 42 ounces cherry pie filling (2 21-ounces each)
  • 16 ounces whipped topping (2 8-ounces each containers), thawed
Optional Garnish
  • 12 fresh cherries
  • chocolate shavings or grated chocolate

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Prepare the devil's food cake according to box directions. Ensure the cake is completely cooled before cutting it into 1-inch x 1-inch cubes.
  2. Prepare the chocolate pudding according to the package instructions using cold milk. Chill it in the refrigerator to set.
  3. In a trifle bowl (3.25 quarts -or- 104 ounces), create a single layer of 1-inch cake cubes at the bottom.
  4. Spoon 0.5 of the chocolate pudding over the cake cubes.
  5. Spread 0.75 of the cherry pie filling over the chocolate pudding.
  6. Add a layer of whipped topping over the cherry pie filling.
  7. Repeat the layers - cake cubes, remaining chocolate pudding, 0.75 of the cherry pie filling - until the dish is nearly full, ending with a layer of whipped topping on top.
  8. Loosely cover and refrigerate the trifle for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Just before serving, set the fresh cherries into the center of the whipped topping. You can also garnish the top with chocolate shavings or grated chocolate.

Notes

This trifle is best made ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld. Ensure all layers are evenly distributed for the best presentation and taste experience.