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Black Forest Trifle


  • Author: Emily
  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 1012 servings 1x

Description

This Black Forest Trifle Recipe is a decadent, easy-to-make dessert that combines all the flavors of the classic Black Forest cake. With layers of rich chocolate custard, cherry-studded chocolate swiss roll, plump cherries, whipped cream, and brownie bites, this no-bake treat is perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or anytime you want to impress your guests. Finished with fresh cherries and grated chocolate, this trifle is a guaranteed showstopper!


Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Custard

  • 150g dark chocolate (chopped)
  • 500ml ready-made custard

Whipped Cream

  • 600ml double cream
  • 2 tbsp icing sugar

Swiss Roll Layer

  • 1 jumbo chocolate swiss roll
  • 45 tbsp kirsch (optional)

Everything Else

  • 400600g cherries in kirsch/syrup/cherry pie filling
  • 200g fresh cherries
  • 200g cherry jam or conserve
  • 1 tub of brownie bites
  • 25g grated chocolate

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Chocolate Custard

  1. Heat 500ml of ready-made custard in a saucepan over low heat.
  2. Add 150g of chopped dark chocolate and stir until melted and smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl and let cool completely.

Step 2: Whip the Cream

  1. Add 600ml double cream and 2 tbsp icing sugar to a large bowl.
  2. Whip until soft peaks form. Cover and refrigerate.

Step 3: Prepare the Swiss Roll

  1. Slice the jumbo swiss roll into 1–2cm thick slices.
  2. If using, drizzle 4–5 tbsp of kirsch over the slices and let them soak for 5 minutes.

Step 4: Assemble the Trifle

  1. First Layer: Arrange swiss roll slices along the base and sides of a trifle bowl.
  2. Second Layer: Pour half the chocolate custard over the swiss roll slices.
  3. Third Layer: Add half of the cherries (in syrup or kirsch) and half of the brownie bites.
  4. Fourth Layer: Spread half the whipped cream evenly.
  5. Fifth Layer: Add a thin layer of cherry jam or conserve.
  6. Repeat the layers, finishing with a thick layer of whipped cream.

Step 5: Garnish and Chill

  1. Decorate with fresh cherries and grated chocolate on top.
  2. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.

Notes

  • Make Ahead: The trifle can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
  • Alcohol-Free Option: Replace kirsch with cherry syrup or omit entirely.
  • Customizable: Substitute swiss roll with chocolate sponge, brownies, or ladyfingers.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: Chill Time 1 hour
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: No-Bake / Layering
  • Cuisine: German-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Calories: ~350
  • Sugar: 30g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g