Mile-High Black Forest Cake Recipe

This Mile-High Black Forest Cake Recipe is a showstopper celebration cake, lovingly stacked with chocolate cake layers, billowing whipped cream, and lush cherry filling. Each slice is a lavish blend of moist chocolate, velvety cream, and juicy cherries, kissed with a hint of Kirsch and crowned with glossy chocolate glaze. If you’ve ever dreamed of baking a cake that’s guaranteed to wow both eyes and taste buds, this is the one you’ll want as your signature dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Mile-High Black Forest Cake Recipe lies in its handful of classic ingredients, blended to perfection. Each component is essential for the distinct flavor, dreamy texture, and dramatic look that makes this cake unforgettable.

• Granulated Sugar: Adds essential sweetness and tenderness to the cake layers.
• Light Brown Sugar: Deepens the flavor and keeps each bite deliciously moist.
• All-Purpose Flour: The backbone for sturdy yet soft cake layers that rise beautifully.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Gives a rich, chocolatey punch that makes this cake irresistible.
• Baking Soda & Baking Powder: Team up to help the cake rise tall and stay light.
• Espresso Powder (optional): Boosts the chocolate flavor for an even deeper taste.
• Salt: Enhances all the other flavors—don’t skip it!
• Eggs + Egg Yolk: Provide structure, richness, and a golden hue.
• Sour Cream: Keeps the cake incredibly moist and gives a slight tang for balance.
• Whole Milk: Ensures a tender crumb and smooth batter.
• Canola Oil: Makes for extra-moist cake, even after chilling.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the chocolate’s deep flavor.
• Freshly Brewed Coffee: Deepens the chocolatey notes and results in a tender crumb.
• Fresh or Frozen Cherries: The signature fruit, bringing a sweet-tart, juicy burst.
• Kirsch Liqueur: Traditional cherry brandy that adds depth to the filling and glaze.
• Sugar (for cherry filling): Balances the tartness of the cherries.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the cherry filling.
• Heavy Cream: Whips up into cloud-like frosting for the cake.
• Confectioners’ Sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream without graininess.
• Mini Chocolate Chips & Dark Chocolate (for decoration): A playful garnish for extra decadence.
• Fresh Cherries (for topping): Give the finished cake that wow-factor pop of color.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate: Makes a shiny, luscious glaze to finish things off in style.
• Heavy Whipping Cream (for glaze): Ensures a perfectly smooth, glossy finish.

How to Make Mile-High Black Forest Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Preheat

Set yourself up for success by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing two 9-inch round cake pans. This ensures nothing sticks and your Mile-High Black Forest Cake Recipe releases like a dream.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, toss in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, espresso powder, and salt. Mix gently to combine—all your cake’s richness starts here!

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

Whisk the eggs, yolk, sour cream, milk, canola oil, and vanilla in a separate bowl until silky smooth. This step guarantees a beautifully tender, moist crumb every time.

Step 4: Combine and Add Coffee

With the mixer on low, gradually add your wet ingredients to the dry, then slowly pour in that steamy cup of coffee. Your batter will look thin, but that’s exactly what creates those ultra-moist, fudgy layers.

Step 5: Bake

Divide the luscious batter between your pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. When a toothpick emerges clean from the center, your cakes are ready. Allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack to finish cooling completely.

Step 6: Make the Cherry Filling

Combine cherries, Kirsch, sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan and let them bubble away, stirring constantly until thick. This jammy, boozy filling takes the Mile-High Black Forest Cake Recipe to another level.

Step 7: Whip the Cream

With a sturdy whisk or mixer, beat the heavy cream while gradually adding confectioners’ sugar and vanilla. Whip until gloriously stiff peaks form—this is the crowning glory of your cake.

Step 8: Prepare the Chocolate Glaze

Melt finely chopped chocolate with hot cream (and espresso powder if you like), then stir in Kirsch. You’ll end up with a silky glaze that will drip temptingly over your cake’s edges.

Step 9: Slice, Layer, and Assemble

Carefully slice each cake layer in half to make four even rounds. Layer cake, whipped cream, and cherry filling, repeating until you reach the sky-high summit. Coat everything in whipped cream, then let your glaze drip down decadently. Chill for at least 20 minutes to set.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, sprinkle with chocolate chips, fresh cherries, and chocolate shavings. Stand back and admire your towering, irresistible masterpiece!

How to Serve Mile-High Black Forest Cake Recipe

Garnishes

For a true bakery-worthy look, sprinkle the top with dark chocolate shavings, a handful of mini chocolate chips, and a crown of fresh cherries. The final touch—the signature of a proper Mile-High Black Forest Cake Recipe—brings irresistible sparkle and a delightful finishing taste.

Side Dishes

This cake is so rich and celebratory that it takes center stage, but if you’d like to serve something alongside, consider a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a small bowl of fresh, unsweetened cherries. Even a cup of robust coffee pairs perfectly, echoing the cake’s cocoa notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Try assembling the cake in individual mason jars for a fun, picnic-ready spin—layer cake, cream, and cherry filling for portable decadence. Or, serve as mini-cakes if you want impressive single portions for a party or special dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Mile-High Black Forest Cake Recipe in the refrigerator, covered loosely with plastic wrap or in an airtight cake carrier. The cake will stay delicious and moist for up to three days, and the flavors might even deepen overnight.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. The cake will keep beautifully for up to two months—just remember to thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

If you like your cake gently warmed, pop a slice in the microwave for just 10-15 seconds. This softens the chocolate layers without melting the whipped cream, bringing the Mile-High Black Forest Cake Recipe back to irresistible life.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought cherry pie filling instead of making my own?

Absolutely! While homemade cherry filling gives an authentic flavor and more control over texture, a good-quality pie filling is a fine shortcut if you’re short on time.

Can I make the cake layers ahead?

Yes, you can bake the chocolate cake layers a day or two ahead. Once completely cool, wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature, or freeze for longer storage before assembling your Mile-High Black Forest Cake Recipe.

What if I don’t have Kirsch?

No problem! You can substitute another cherry liqueur, brandy, or even skip the alcohol—just use a splash of cherry juice or water to help the filling thicken and shine.

How do I get those perfect chocolate shavings on top?

Use a vegetable peeler on a bar of good-quality dark chocolate, drawing it down the edge to create delicate curls. Scatter them over just before serving for the prettiest effect.

Is this cake gluten-free?

As written, the recipe calls for all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can try swapping in your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend for a delicious alternative.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a cake that’s both a labor of love and a showpiece for any celebration, you simply must try this Mile-High Black Forest Cake Recipe. Every layer is worth savoring—and sharing. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new party legend!

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