Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a cake pan by greasing it well. Mix your chocolate cake batter according to your favorite recipe or box instructions. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once done, let the cake cool completely in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack.

Once the chocolate cake has cooled, use a sharp knife to cut it into bite-sized cubes, about 1-inch pieces. This will allow for easy layering in your Black Forest Trifle. Arrange them on a plate, letting them sit for a few minutes; this helps them dry out slightly, which will enhance the trifle's texture.

In a large mixing bowl, add heavy cream, powdered sugar, and a splash of vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, whisk on medium speed until soft peaks form, approximately 3–5 minutes. Be careful not to over-whip; you want the cream light and fluffy for the trifle layers. Set aside the whipped cream for assembling.

If using fresh cherries, wash and pit them, then slice. If using jarred cherry preserves, simply stir to combine and loosen the mixture. If desired, add a splash of Kirsch to enhance the flavor.

In a trifle dish or large glass bowl, start with a layer of chocolate cake cubes at the bottom. Follow this with a generous layer of whipped cream, then add a layer of cherries. Repeat these layers, alternating between cake, cream, and cherries, until you’ve used all ingredients. Aim to finish with a fluffy layer of whipped cream on top for an elegant finish.

Cover the assembled Black Forest Trifle with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Allow it to chill for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best. This chilling period helps the flavors meld beautifully.

Before serving, remove the trifle from the refrigerator. Sprinkle chocolate shavings on top and adorn with additional cherries for an eye-catching presentation. Serve chilled, and enjoy every delightful spoonful!