Description

Christmas Black Forest Trifle is a luxurious layered dessert featuring rich chocolate cake, velvety pudding, sweet cherries, and fluffy whipped cream. Easy to assemble and visually stunning, this festive trifle is the perfect make-ahead dessert for holiday parties, potlucks, and Christmas gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients to prepare)
2 (3.9 oz) boxes instant chocolate pudding
3 cups cold milk
1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling
1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
Chocolate shavings or curls (optional, for garnish)
Fresh or maraschino cherries (optional)

Instructions

Bake the Cake: Prepare the chocolate cake according to package directions. Let cool completely and cut into 1–2 inch cubes.
Prepare the Pudding: In a large bowl, whisk together pudding mixes and cold milk until smooth. Refrigerate for 5 minutes to thicken.
Assemble the Trifle: In a trifle dish or large glass bowl, layer cake cubes, pudding, cherry pie filling, and whipped topping. Repeat layers until the dish is full.
Finish the Top: Add a final layer of whipped topping, sprinkle with chocolate shavings, and top with cherries.
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to let flavors meld and layers set.

Notes

Make-ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate.
Presentation tip: Use a clear glass trifle bowl to showcase the layers.
Variation: Try brownies instead of cake for a fudgier texture.
Don’t skip chilling: It helps the pudding firm up and enhances flavor.
Storage: Keep covered and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Do not freeze.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert, Holiday, Christmas
Method: Layered, No-Bake Assembly
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 360
Sugar: 32g
Sodium: 310mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: Christmas Black Forest Trifle, Holiday Chocolate Dessert, Cherry Chocolate Trifle, Christmas Trifle Recipe, Easy Trifle Dessert, Make Ahead Holiday Dessert, Layered Trifle, Chocolate Cherry Dessert, Christmas Potluck Dessert, Holiday Party Recipes