The Best Black Forest Trifle Recipe: Layered Sweet Magic

Rich chocolate layers mingle delightfully in this black forest trifle that promises pure dessert magic.

Decadent cherries nestle between soft cake crumbs, creating a symphony of textures.

Silky whipped cream adds cloudlike elegance to each spoonful.

German baking traditions inspire this dreamy concoction that feels both nostalgic and modern.

Deep cocoa notes dance with bright fruit, making every bite a delectable adventure.

Chocolate lovers will swoon over this irresistible treat that combines classic flavors in a stunning presentation.

One taste, and you’ll understand why this dessert deserves a standing ovation.

Why People Pick Delia Smith Black Forest Trifle

• Indulge in Decadent Layers: Dive into a stunning dessert that combines rich brownie chunks, luscious cherries, creamy pudding, and velvety chocolate for a mouthwatering experience.
• Quick and Simple Assembly: Craft this impressive dessert with minimal cooking skills, using basic ingredients and straightforward steps that make creating a show-stopping treat super easy.
• Perfect Party Pleaser: Wow guests at potlucks, birthdays, or family gatherings with a dessert that looks professionally made but requires minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor impact.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping ingredients or adjusting quantities to suit dietary preferences or ingredient availability, making it a versatile crowd-pleasing dessert.

What You’ll Use For Delia Smith Black Forest Trifle

• Brownies: Rich, dense chocolate cake that forms the foundation of the trifle.

• Dark Chocolate, Chocolate Curls: Provides deep chocolate flavor and decorative garnish for the trifle.

• Fresh Cherries, Cherry Extract: Adds bright, sweet-tart flavor and classic Black Forest character to the dessert.
• Cherry Juice: Enhances the fruity essence and moisture of the trifle.

• Instant Pudding Mix, Milk: Creates a smooth, rich creamy base for layering.
• Whipped Topping: Adds light, airy texture and additional sweetness to the dessert.

How To Make Delia Smith Black Forest Trifle At Home

Step 1: Baking Brownie Base

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare a brownie mix according to package instructions or use your favorite homemade brownie recipe. Bake until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow the brownies to cool completely, then cut into bite-sized cubes.

Step 2: Preparing Chocolate Elements

Carefully chop high-quality dark or milk chocolate into delicate shards. Reserve a portion of chocolate pieces for an elegant garnish later. Ensure the chocolate is finely chopped for smooth texture and easy layering.

Step 3: Creating Cherry Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine pitted cherries with vanilla extract and a splash of cherry juice. Gently mix the ingredients to infuse flavor. Set aside a small portion of the cherry mixture for topping the final dessert.

Step 4: Crafting Creamy Pudding Layer

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together instant vanilla pudding mix with cold milk until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in whipped cream or whipped topping to create a light, airy texture that will complement the other ingredients.

Step 5: Assembling Delightful Layers

In a clear glass trifle dish or individual serving glasses, begin layering the dessert. Start with a base of brownie cubes, followed by a generous layer of cherry mixture. Sprinkle chocolate pieces and then add a layer of creamy pudding mixture. Repeat the layers twice for a stunning visual effect.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

Decorate the top of the trifle with the reserved cherry mixture. Sprinkle the set-aside chocolate curls or shavings over the surface for an elegant finish. The contrast of colors and textures will make the dessert visually appealing.

Step 7: Chilling and Serving

Refrigerate the Black Forest Trifle for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set. Before serving, you can add a final garnish of fresh cherries or additional chocolate shavings for extra decadence.

Tips To Get Delia Smith Black Forest Trifle Just Right

• Boost Brownie Texture: Use room-temperature ingredients for softer, more even-baked brownies that crumble perfectly in the trifle.
• Maximize Cherry Flavor: Add kirsch or cherry liqueur to intensify the authentic Black Forest dessert taste and bring depth to the fruit layer.
• Control Chocolate Quality: Select high-quality dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa for richer, more pronounced chocolate flavor in your curls and layers.
• Prevent Soggy Layers: Let each component cool completely before assembling to maintain distinct textures and prevent ingredients from becoming mushy.
• Elevate Presentation: Create chocolate curls using a vegetable peeler on a room-temperature chocolate bar for an elegant, professional-looking garnish.

Twist Ideas For Delia Smith Black Forest Trifle

• Gluten-Free Forest Delight: Replace brownie cubes with gluten-free brownie mix or almond flour brownies for celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Black Forest Option: Swap dairy pudding with coconut milk pudding, use dairy-free chocolate, and replace whipped topping with coconut cream.
• Low-Sugar Chocolate Cherry Treat: Substitute sugar-free brownie mix, use stevia-sweetened pudding, and replace regular cherries with no-sugar-added cherry compote.
• Keto-Friendly Chocolate Cherry Parfait: Use almond flour brownie base, sugar-free chocolate, create pudding with heavy cream and sugar substitute, and use low-carb cherries.

Tasty Pairings With Delia Smith Black Forest Trifle

• Indulge with German Riesling: Select a sweet Riesling from Germany's Mosel region to complement the rich chocolate and tart cherries, balancing the dessert's intense flavors.
• Pair with Kirsch Liqueur: Drizzle traditional Black Forest cherry brandy over each serving to enhance the authentic German dessert experience and add depth to the trifle.
• Serve with Espresso: Brew a strong, dark espresso to cut through the sweetness and provide a robust contrast to the creamy pudding and chocolate layers.
• Accompany with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Add a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream alongside the trifle to create a luxurious, cold counterpoint to the decadent dessert.

Storing Delia Smith Black Forest Trifle The Right Way

• Store the Black Forest Trifle in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap to prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap the trifle securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 weeks. Note that the texture might slightly change upon thawing.
• Move the frozen trifle to the refrigerator 6-8 hours before serving to ensure gradual and even defrosting.
• If enjoying directly from the refrigerator, let the trifle sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften the layers and enhance flavors.

Your FAQs On Delia Smith Black Forest Trifle

• What kind of chocolate works best for this recipe?

Dark or semi-sweet chocolate is ideal, as it complements the cherries and provides rich flavor without being overly sweet.

• Can I use fresh or frozen cherries?

Frozen cherries work perfectly and are actually recommended since they release more juice and blend well with the extract.

• Is this dessert kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The combination of brownies, chocolate, and sweet pudding makes it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

• How long can I prepare this dessert in advance?

You can assemble the trifle up to 24 hours before serving, which makes it great for parties and gatherings.

Black Forest Trifle Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Indulgent Black Forest Trifle layers rich chocolate cake, luscious cherries, and silky whipped cream in a mesmerizing dessert. Chocolate and cherry lovers will savor each spoonful of this classic German-inspired treat that delights senses with its perfect balance of flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 box (18-21 ounces / 510-595 grams) brownie mix
• 3 cups (720 milliliters) cherry pie filling
• 2 bars (1.55 ounces / 44 grams) milk chocolate

Pudding and Dairy Components:

• 2 packets (3.3 ounces / 94 grams) white chocolate pudding
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) cold 2% milk
• 1 tub (8 ounces / 227 grams) whipped topping

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) cranberry-cherry juice
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) almond extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare brownies until a toothpick comes out clean, allowing them to cool completely before cutting into small, uniform cubes.
2. Finely chop dark chocolate, reserving a portion for decorative garnish on the final layer.
3. Macerate fresh cherries with kirsch and cherry juice, separating a small portion for final topping.
4. Prepare chocolate pudding by whisking with cold milk until smooth, then gently incorporate whipped cream to create a light, airy texture.
5. Construct the first trifle layer by evenly distributing brownie cubes across the bottom of a clear glass serving dish.
6. Sprinkle macerated cherries over brownie layer, followed by a generous scattering of chopped chocolate.
7. Carefully spread half of the pudding mixture, ensuring even coverage across the entire surface.
8. Repeat layering process with remaining brownie cubes, cherries, chocolate, and pudding mixture.
9. Crown the trifle with reserved cherries and delicate chocolate curls for an elegant finish.
10. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and texture to set before serving chilled.

Notes

• Swap homemade brownies for store-bought to save time and simplify preparation.
• Use fresh or frozen cherries depending on seasonal availability, ensuring a vibrant fruity flavor.
• Reduce sugar content by selecting dark chocolate and using low-fat dairy options for a lighter dessert version.
• Create a gluten-free alternative by using almond flour or gluten-free brownie mix for the base layer.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 397
• Sugar: 36 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg