This Christmas Black Forest Trifle is the ultimate showstopper dessert, a towering masterpiece of rich chocolate, tart cherries, and luscious cream. Layers of cherry-soaked chocolate Swiss roll, decadent chocolate custard, brownie bites, and fluffy whipped cream come together to create a stunning and indulgent treat that’s perfect for the holiday season.
Inspired by the classic German Black Forest cake, this no-bake trifle is incredibly easy to assemble yet looks spectacular on any dessert table. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have your guests marveling at its beautiful layers and even better flavor.
Ingredients
Chocolate Custard
- 5.29 oz (150g) dark chocolate, chopped
- 16.91 fl oz (500ml) ready-made custard
Whipped Cream
- 20.29 fl oz (600ml) double cream
- 2 tbsp icing sugar
Chocolate Cherry Swiss Roll
- 1 large jumbo chocolate Swiss roll
- 4–5 tbsp cherry juice or syrup (from the canned cherries)
Everything Else
- 14.11 oz (400g) cherries in syrup or cherry pie filling
- 7.05 oz (200g) fresh cherries
- 7.05 oz (200g) cherry jam or conserve
- 1 tub brownie bites
- 0.88 oz (25g) grated chocolate, for garnish
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Prepare the chocolate custard
In a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (or in the microwave), gently melt the chopped dark chocolate. Once smooth, remove from the heat.
Pour the ready-made custard into a large bowl and whisk in the melted chocolate until you have a rich, smooth chocolate custard. Cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming and set aside to cool completely.
Step 2: Make the whipped cream
In a separate large bowl, pour in the cold double cream and icing sugar. Using an electric mixer, whip until soft, billowy peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip. Set aside in the refrigerator until ready to assemble.
Step 3: Prepare the Swiss roll
Slice the jumbo chocolate Swiss roll into pieces about ¾-inch thick. You’ll use these to create the base and middle layers of your trifle.
Step 4: Assemble the first layer
Arrange half of the Swiss roll slices in a single layer at the bottom of a large glass trifle bowl, pressing them down slightly to fill any gaps. Brush the slices generously with 2–3 tablespoons of the cherry juice or syrup.
Step 5: Add the cherry and brownie layers
Spoon the cherry jam over the Swiss roll base. Top with half of the cherries in syrup (or pie filling) and half of the brownie bites.
Step 6: Layer the custard and cream
Carefully spoon half of the cooled chocolate custard over the cherry and brownie layer, spreading it to the edges of the bowl. Follow with a layer of about one-third of the whipped cream, smoothing it out evenly.
Step 7: Repeat the layers
Create a second layer by arranging the remaining Swiss roll slices on top of the cream. Brush them with the rest of the cherry juice. Top with the remaining cherries in syrup and brownie bites. Spoon the rest of the chocolate custard over the top.
Step 8: Garnish and chill
Finish the trifle by piping or spooning the remaining whipped cream over the top layer. Garnish with fresh cherries and a generous sprinkle of grated chocolate.
Cover and chill the trifle in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight. This allows the layers to set and the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Expert Tips for Success
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Use a glass bowl: A clear trifle bowl is best to show off the beautiful, distinct layers of your creation.
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Cool components fully: Ensure the chocolate custard is completely cooled before layering to prevent the cream from melting.
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Don’t over-soak: Brush the Swiss roll with just enough cherry syrup to add flavor and moisture without making it soggy.
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Chill is crucial: Chilling is essential for the trifle to set properly and for the flavors to deepen. Make it the day before for the best results.
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Save time with store-bought: Using ready-made custard, Swiss roll, and brownie bites makes this an impressive yet low-effort dessert.
Tasty Variations to Try
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Add a boozy kick: For an adults-only version, substitute the cherry juice with Kirsch (cherry liqueur) or brandy.
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Homemade elements: If you have the time, use a homemade chocolate cake or brownies instead of store-bought.
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Extra crunch: Add a layer of toasted flaked almonds or crushed chocolate biscuits between the custard and cream for added texture.
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Different fruit: While cherry is classic, a raspberry or mixed berry version would also be delicious.
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White chocolate version: Use white chocolate in the custard and garnish with white chocolate curls for a “White Forest” trifle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this trifle ahead of time?
Yes, this dessert is perfect for making ahead. It’s actually better when made the day before, as it gives the layers time to set and the flavors to mingle.
What can I use if I can’t find a jumbo Swiss roll?
You can use two regular-sized chocolate Swiss rolls, chocolate loaf cake, or even slices of leftover chocolate cake or brownies.
How long does the trifle last in the refrigerator?
The trifle will keep for up to 3 days in the fridge. However, it is best enjoyed within the first 48 hours as the layers will start to soften over time.
Can I use only fresh cherries?
You can, but you will miss the syrupy element. If using all fresh cherries, consider making a simple cherry compote by simmering pitted cherries with a little sugar and water.
What is double cream and is there a substitute?
Double cream has a high-fat content (around 48%) which makes it easy to whip. In the US, the closest substitute would be heavy whipping cream.
Christmas Black Forest Trifle
- Total Time: 275
- Yield: 10-12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A decadent, no-bake showstopper layered with chocolate Swiss roll, cherry-soaked brownie bites, luscious chocolate custard, and clouds of whipped cream. This trifle is as stunning as it is indulgent the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table.
Ingredients
Chocolate Custard
5.3 oz (150 g) dark chocolate, chopped
16.9 fl oz (500 ml) ready-made custard
Whipped Cream
20.3 fl oz (600 ml) double cream
2 tbsp icing sugar
Base Layers
1 large chocolate Swiss roll
4–5 tbsp cherry juice or syrup (from canned cherries)
Filling & Toppings
14 oz (400 g) cherries in syrup or cherry pie filling
7 oz (200 g) fresh cherries
7 oz (200 g) cherry jam or conserve
1 tub brownie bites
1 oz (25 g) grated dark chocolate, for garnish
Instructions
Prepare chocolate custard: Melt dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water (or microwave gently). Whisk melted chocolate into custard until smooth. Cover surface with plastic wrap and cool completely.
Whip the cream: Beat double cream and icing sugar to soft peaks. Refrigerate until needed.
Prepare Swiss roll: Slice into ¾-inch rounds for the base layers.
Build first layer: Arrange half the Swiss roll slices in the bottom of a large trifle dish. Brush generously with half the cherry syrup.
Add cherries & brownies: Spread half the cherry jam over the Swiss roll, then top with half the syrupy cherries and brownie bites.
Add custard & cream: Spoon half the chocolate custard over the layer, then spread one-third of whipped cream on top.
Repeat layers: Add remaining Swiss roll slices, brush with syrup, and top with remaining cherries, brownies, and custard.
Finish & chill: Spread or pipe remaining whipped cream on top. Garnish with fresh cherries and grated chocolate. Chill at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
Notes
Assemble in a clear glass trifle dish to show off the layers.
Cool chocolate custard fully before layering to prevent melting the cream.
Do not over-soak Swiss roll — just enough for flavor and moisture.
Trifle sets best when chilled overnight for deep, developed flavor.
Substitute heavy whipping cream for double cream if needed.
- Prep Time: 35
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake / Assembly
- Cuisine: German-Inspired / Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/12 recipe)
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 43 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
Keywords: black forest trifle, christmas chocolate trifle, layered holiday dessert, cherry chocolate trifle, no bake christmas dessert
