Mile-High Black Forest Cake Recipe
Indulge in the decadent delight of a Mile-High Black Forest Cake, a luscious combination of rich chocolate cake layers, tart cherry filling, fluffy whipped cream, and a glossy chocolate glaze. This show-stopping dessert is a perfect way to impress guests or treat yourself to a special treat.
- Author: Lily
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 9-inch cake (12-16 servings) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 1 cup (199g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (213g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1 3/4 cups (210g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (85g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
- 1 cup (227g) sour cream, room temperature
- 1/4 cup (57ml) whole milk, room temperature
- 1/2 cup (113ml) canola oil
- 1 tablespoon (14ml) vanilla extract
- 1 cup (227ml) freshly brewed coffee, hot
Cherry Filling:
- 3 cups (480g) fresh or frozen cherries
- 3 tablespoons (42ml) Kirsch liqueur
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
For the Whipped Cream Topping:
- 4 cups (680ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (114g) confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (85g) mini chocolate chips, for decoration (optional)
- 4 ounces dark chocolate, grated, for decoration (optional)
- 1/2 cup (80g) fresh cherries, for decoration (optional)
For the Chocolate Glaze:
- 1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
- 2/3 cup (152ml) heavy whipping cream
- 2 teaspoons Kirsch (optional)
- For the Chocolate Cake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round baking pans with non-stick spray and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, espresso powder, and salt. Mix on low speed until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, yolk, sour cream, milk, oil, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed. Slowly pour in the hot coffee and continue mixing until fully combined. The batter will be thin. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the Cherry Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine cherries, Kirsch, sugar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens (about 6 minutes). Reduce the heat to low and cook for 2 more minutes. Transfer to a bowl and let cool completely.
- For the Whipped Cream Topping: In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream with a mixer on medium speed. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla. Increase to medium-high speed and whip until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
- For the Chocolate Glaze: Place the chopped chocolate in a small heatproof bowl. Heat the cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it begins to boil. Stir in the espresso powder (if using). Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let sit for 1 minute. Whisk until smooth, then stir in the Kirsch (if using). Let cool for 5 minutes.
- Assembly: Slice each cake layer in half horizontally to create 4 even layers. Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread 1/2 cup of whipped cream on top, followed by 1/3 cup of cherry filling. Repeat the layering process with the remaining cake layers, finishing with the last layer on top. Spread the remaining whipped cream over the top and sides of the cake. Drizzle the chocolate glaze over the cake, letting it drip down the sides. Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips if desired. Refrigerate the cake for at least 20 minutes to set. Before serving, garnish with fresh cherries and chocolate shavings.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute cherry juice for Kirsch in the cherry filling.
- Ensure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
- Decorate with additional cherries, chocolate curls, or edible flowers for a stunning presentation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/16 of cake)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: Black Forest Cake, Chocolate Cake, Cherry Filling, Whipped Cream, Chocolate Glaze, Dessert Recipe