Description
Dark chocolate and cherry layers merge in this spooky Halloween black forest trifle, creating a wickedly delicious dessert that blends classic German cake flavors with festive seasonal charm. Rich chocolate cake crumbles, whipped cream, and cherry compote come together for a frighteningly good treat you’ll crave long after Halloween night.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces / 432 grams) chocolate cake mix
- 1 can (21 ounces / 595 grams) cherry pie filling
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) heavy cream
Garnish Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (75 grams) chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup (40 grams) Halloween-themed candy
Flavoring Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven according to the chocolate cake mix package directions and prepare the cake following the specified instructions.
- Allow the freshly baked cake to cool completely at room temperature, approximately 45-60 minutes.
- Transform the cooled cake into uniform, bite-sized cubes using a sharp knife.
- Whip heavy cream in a chilled mixing bowl, gradually incorporating powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture forms sturdy, glossy peaks.
- Select a large trifle dish or individual serving glasses and create the first foundation layer with evenly distributed cake cubes.
- Generously spread a vibrant layer of cherry pie filling directly over the cake cubes, ensuring even coverage.
- Delicately spoon a substantial layer of whipped cream atop the cherry filling, creating a smooth, elegant surface.
- Continue layering cake, cherries, and whipped cream until the container reaches its maximum capacity, culminating with a luxurious whipped cream topping.
- Enhance the presentation by sprinkling chocolate shavings or miniature chocolate chips across the final cream layer.
- Embellish with playful Halloween-themed candies to create a festive, spooky aesthetic.
- Refrigerate the assembled trifle for a minimum of 2 hours, allowing the flavors to harmonize and the dessert to set firmly before serving.
Notes
- Make cake from scratch if preferred, ensuring a richer chocolate flavor and more authentic texture compared to boxed mix.
- Drain cherry pie filling slightly to prevent excess liquid making cake soggy, creating cleaner and more structured layers.
- Try different chocolate cake variations like dark chocolate or adding espresso powder for deeper, more complex flavor profile.
- Create gluten-free version by using almond flour or gluten-free cake mix, making dessert accessible for those with dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 377 kcal
- Sugar: 42 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg