Easy, Decadent Black Forest Trifle Recipe Perfect for Your Christmas Celebration

After a few challenging months filled with hospital visits and appointments for my daughter, the festive spirit finally feels within reach. With my other daughter home from university, it’s time to embrace the joy of Christmas. What better way to kick off the season than with a rich, indulgent dessert that brings everyone together? This Black Forest Trifle is exactly that—a simple yet luxurious treat that combines chocolate, cherries, and cream in a way that feels like a celebration in every spoonful.

Why Choose a Black Forest Trifle for Christmas?

The Black Forest Trifle offers the perfect balance of flavours and textures for the festive season. It’s a dessert that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen. The combination of chocolate, cherries, and whipped cream is a classic that never goes out of style, and the trifle format makes it easy to serve a crowd.

This dessert also carries a comforting, nostalgic vibe. Using a store-bought Yule log as the base adds convenience while keeping the festive spirit alive. The layers of chocolate custard, cherries, and cream create a beautiful presentation that’s sure to impress your guests. This Black Forest Trifle is ideal for anyone who wants a show-stopping dessert without spending hours baking from scratch. Using ready-made components like the Yule log and custard saves time, while the assembly process is straightforward and forgiving.

Bringing the Family Together with Dessert

After months of worry and hospital visits, sharing this dessert with family feels like a small victory. The trifle’s rich chocolate and fruity layers offer comfort and joy, perfect for reconnecting and celebrating togetherness.

This recipe invites everyone to relax and enjoy the moment, reminding us that sometimes the simplest pleasures—like a shared dessert—can make the festive period truly special.

Black Forest Trifle - The Recipe

• Store-bought chocolate Yule log

• Ready-made custard (one tin)

• Dark chocolate (about 100g for melting)

• Jar of black cherries (drained, but keep some syrup)

• Double cream (for whipping)

• Icing sugar (to sweeten the cream)

  
  

These ingredients are easy to find and don’t require any special preparation, making this recipe accessible for anyone wanting to add a touch of indulgence to their Christmas table.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Trifle

Start by melting the dark chocolate gently over a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave. Stir until smooth. Then, mix the melted chocolate into the ready-made custard. This creates a rich, creamy chocolate custard that forms the heart of the trifle.

Slice the Yule log into thick pieces and arrange them at the bottom of your trifle bowl or individual serving glasses. Pour over some of the cherry syrup and allow to soak into the cake slices to add moisture and sweetness..

Scatter some of the drained black cherries over the Yule log slices.

Gently pour half of the chocolate custard over the cherries and Yule log base, making sure it covers the fruit evenly.

Whip the double cream with a tablespoon or two of icing sugar until soft peaks form. Spread half of the whipped cream over the chocolate custard.

Scatter over more of the cherries, Add the second half of the chocolate custard and smooth this out to the edges of the bowl.

Spread or pipe the last half of the whipped cream over the custard layer. For a festive touch, you can sprinkle some chocolate shavings or a few whole cherries on top.

7. Chill Before Serving

Let the trifle chill in the fridge for at least two hours. This allows the flavours to meld and the layers to set, making it easier to serve and enjoy.

Tips for a Perfect Black Forest Trifle

• Use good quality dark chocolate for melting. It makes a noticeable difference in the custard’s flavor.

• Don’t skip chilling time. The trifle tastes best when the layers have had time to soak and blend.

• Adjust sweetness by tasting the custard and cream before assembling. Add more icing sugar if you prefer a sweeter dessert.

• Serve in clear glass bowls or glasses to showcase the beautiful layers.

• Make it ahead. This dessert can be prepared a day in advance, making your Christmas day less stressful.