Black Forest Trifle: Easy, No-Bake Holiday Showstopper
If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert to impress your guests this holiday season, the Black Forest Trifle is a perfect choice! This no-bake dessert combines layers of rich chocolate cake, creamy panna cotta, and tart cherries to create a stunning and flavorful treat. Whether it’s for Christmas, a special occasion, or just because, this trifle is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
For the Cake Layer:
1 pre-made chocolate cake (Black Forest or your favorite chocolate cake recipe)
For the Panna Cotta Layer:
2 cups heavy cream
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 packet unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup cold water
For the Cherry Layer:
2 cups pitted cherries (fresh or canned)
1/4 cup cherry syrup (optional, from canned cherries or cherry juice)
For Garnish:
1 cup whipped cream
Extra cherries (fresh or maraschino) for topping
Chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
Serves: 6-8
Step 1: Prepare the Panna Cotta
In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water and let it bloom for 5 minutes.
Heat the heavy cream and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Do not boil.
Remove from heat, stir in the bloomed gelatin, and mix until fully dissolved.
Add vanilla extract, let it cool slightly, then pour into a bowl and refrigerate until it starts to set (about 1-2 hours).
Step 2: Assemble the Trifle
Cake Layer: Cut the chocolate cake into small cubes and place a layer at the bottom of a glass trifle bowl.
Panna Cotta Layer: Add a layer of the creamy panna cotta over the cake.
Cherry Layer: Spoon cherries and drizzle cherry syrup evenly over the panna cotta.
Repeat the layers until you reach the top of the trifle bowl, finishing with a layer of cherries.
Step 3: Garnish
Pipe or spoon whipped cream over the top layer.
Add extra cherries and chocolate shavings for a festive touch.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the trifle for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled.
Baking Pro Tips
Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality chocolate cake and fresh cherries for the best flavor.
Time Saver: Use store-bought whipped cream and canned cherries if you’re short on time.
Layering Tip: Ensure each layer is even and visible for a visually stunning presentation.
Customization: Add a layer of chocolate mousse or sprinkle some crushed cookies between layers for added texture.
