Black Forest Trifle

Black Forest Trifle is a delicious and indulgent dessert that layers rich chocolate sponge cake, sweet cherries, velvety vanilla custard, and creamy mascarpone whipped cream. Each bite delivers a perfect combination of flavors and textures, with the deep, fruity sweetness of cherries balanced by the decadent layers of chocolate and custard. It’s a show-stopping dessert perfect for any occasion, offering a delightful visual appeal and a treat for the taste buds.

Prep time15 minutes
Chill time30 minutes
Servings4
DifficultyEasy

Black Forest Trifle Recipe

Ingredients

Chocolate sponge cake, 300g
Canned cherries (drained), 400g
Cherry pie filling or jam, 200g
Vanilla custard or pudding, 500ml
Whipped cream, 500ml
Mascarpone or cream cheese, 200g
Cocoa powder, 2 tbsp
Chocolate shavings, 50g
Kirsch (optional), 2 tbsp
Powdered sugar, 2 tbsp

Instructions

Crumble or cut the chocolate sponge into bite-sized pieces.
If using, sprinkle kirsch lightly over the cake pieces.
Layer a third of the cake pieces in the bottom of a large glass bowl or individual glasses.
Spoon a layer of cherries and cherry filling over the cake.
Add a layer of vanilla custard to cover the cherries.
Mix whipped cream with mascarpone and powdered sugar until smooth, then spread a layer over the custard.
Repeat layers once more ending with the whipped cream mixture on top.
Dust the top with cocoa powder and sprinkle chocolate shavings.
Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to meld the flavors.

Health Benefits:

While this dessert is undeniably indulgent, there are some benefits you can enjoy in moderation. Cherries are packed with antioxidants, which may help reduce inflammation and promote heart health. Dark chocolate, when used in moderation, can offer benefits like improving heart health and boosting mood. The whipped cream and mascarpone provide a creamy texture and contribute calcium and protein, though it’s best to enjoy this treat occasionally as part of a balanced diet.