This Marry Berry Black Forest Trifle is a rich and indulgent dessert, which includes mascarpone and cherry compote. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 20 minutes plus chilling time.
Marry Berry Black Forest Trifle Ingredients
- 250g (9oz) mascarpone
- 4 tbsp icing sugar
- 300ml (½ pint) pouring double cream
- 400g (14oz) cherry compote
- 25 chocolate bourbon biscuits
- 8 tbsp kirsch
- 25g (1oz) plain chocolate, grated
You will need a 1.4-litre (2½-pint) trifle dish.
How To Make Marry Berry Black Forest Trifle
- Make the cream mixture: Beat the mascarpone and icing sugar in a bowl to loosen. Add the cream and whisk gently until soft peaks form—do not over-whip.
- Layer the base: Spoon half of the cherry compote into the bottom of the trifle dish. Add half the bourbon biscuits in a single layer, pressing down slightly.
- Add kirsch and cream: Drizzle half the kirsch over the biscuits, then spread half the cream mixture on top.
- Repeat the layers: Add the remaining compote, followed by the rest of the biscuits, more kirsch, and finish with the remaining cream.
- Finish and chill: Sprinkle the grated chocolate over the top. Chill in the fridge for 2–4 hours before serving.

Recipe Tips
- Can I make this without alcohol?
Yes, simply skip the kirsch or use cherry juice as a substitute. - Can I use a different biscuit?
Yes, chocolate digestives or chocolate chip cookies can work well too. - How soft should the biscuits be?
They should be soaked but still have a little texture—not completely mushy. - Can I use whipped cream instead of mascarpone?
Yes, but the mascarpone helps stabilize the cream for better layering.
What To Serve With Black Forest Trifle
This trifle is delicious on its own but pairs nicely with:
- Fresh cherries
- Chocolate shavings or curls
- A splash of extra cream
- Coffee or espresso drinks
How To Store Black Forest Trifle
Refrigerate:
Keep covered in the fridge and enjoy within 24 hours for best texture.
Freeze:
Not suitable for freezing due to the mascarpone and cream.
Black Forest Trifle Nutrition Facts
- Calories: ~420 per serving
- Fat: 28g
- Carbs: 34g
- Sugar: 22g
- Protein: 5g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I make this trifle the night before?
Yes, just assemble and chill up to 6 hours ahead.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of kirsch?
Yes, use cherry juice or syrup instead.
Do I need a trifle dish?
A glass bowl works well so you can see the beautiful layers.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Absolutely—just use a larger dish and adjust the ingredients accordingly.
Marry Berry Black Forest Trifle
Description
A rich and creamy layered trifle made with cherry compote, chocolate biscuits, mascarpone, and cream.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat mascarpone and icing sugar. Gently whisk in cream until soft peaks.
- Layer half the compote, biscuits, kirsch, and cream in a trifle dish.
- Repeat layers and top with grated chocolate.
- Chill for 2–4 hours before serving.
Notes
- Not suitable for freezing.
- Use cherry juice for an alcohol-free version.
