Mile-High Black Forest Cake Recipe

If you love indulgent desserts that boast layers of rich chocolate, tart cherries, and fluffy whipped cream, then you are absolutely going to adore this Mile-High Black Forest Cake Recipe. This show-stopping cake isn’t just any dessert; it’s a towering masterpiece that combines deep cocoa flavors with the bright, juicy punch of cherries, all wrapped up in cloud-like cream. Each bite is a celebration of texture and taste that will have you and your guests coming back for more. Trust me, this is one recipe you’ll want to keep close for every special occasion or whenever you want to treat yourself to a slice of pure heaven.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting ready to create this Mile-High Black Forest Cake Recipe is easier than you might think because it relies on straightforward ingredients that each play a vital role in delivering the perfect balance of flavor, moisture, and texture.

• Granulated sugar: The classic sweetener that brings a clean, crisp sweetness to the cake batter.
• Light brown sugar: Adds a hint of molasses richness, deepening the overall flavor.
• All-purpose flour: The foundation providing structure to the cake layers.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers that intense chocolate flavor essential for any Black Forest cake.
• Baking soda and baking powder: These leavening agents ensure your cake rises beautifully into that impressive mile-high height.
• Espresso powder (optional): Enhances the chocolate’s richness without overpowering the flavor.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
• Eggs and egg yolk: Give the cake its structure and added moisture.
• Sour cream: Introduces moistness and slight tang for a tender crumb.
• Whole milk: Adds creaminess and helps to dissolve the cocoa evenly.
• Canola oil: Keeps the cake wonderfully moist and soft.
• Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and rounds out the cake’s flavor profile.
• Freshly brewed hot coffee: Intensifies the chocolate and adds a subtle depth.
• Fresh or frozen cherries: The heart of the Black Forest cake, bursting with juicy, tart flavor.
• Kirsch liqueur: A classic cherry brandy that adds an authentic touch and aromatic bite.
• Sugar and cornstarch (for cherry filling): Sweetens and thickens the cherry layer perfectly.
• Heavy cream, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla: Whipped to perfection for a light, fluffy topping and frosting.
• Mini chocolate chips and grated dark chocolate: Optional decorations that add texture and chocolatey fun.
• Semi-sweet chocolate and espresso for glaze: Creates a luscious, glossy finish that ties the whole cake together.

How to Make Mile-High Black Forest Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Cake Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s at the perfect temperature when your batter is ready to go in. Generously spray two 9-inch round baking pans with non-stick spray to guarantee the cake layers come out clean without fuss.

Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients

In a mixer bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, espresso powder, and salt. Mixing these ingredients on a low speed gently blends the flavors and ensures even distribution, which is crucial for a perfectly uniform crumb and flavor.

Step 3: Combining the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolk, sour cream, milk, canola oil, and vanilla extract. This mixture adds richness and moisture to your cake, making the texture satisfyingly soft and tender.

Step 4: Bringing Wet and Dry Together

Slowly add the wet ingredients into the dry mixture while beating on low speed. The slow incorporation prevents overmixing, which keeps your cake fluffy. Then carefully add the hot coffee and continue mixing until everything is fully combined, which deepens the chocolate flavor and adjusts the batter to a silky smooth consistency.

Step 5: Baking the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when the cake is done. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a rack for complete cooling; this helps maintain the cake’s beautiful structure.

Step 6: Making the Cherry Filling

While the cake cools, create the cherry filling by simmering cherries, Kirsch liqueur, sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir constantly for about 6 minutes until thickened, then let it cook a couple more minutes before removing from heat and letting it cool. This luscious, fruity layer will cut through the richness of the cake and cream beautifully.

Step 7: Whipping the Cream

In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream on medium-low speed, gradually adding confectioners’ sugar. Mix in the vanilla extract and whip on high until you reach stiff peaks. This whipped cream topping will be light and airy, perfectly complementing the dense chocolate layers and tangy cherry filling.

Step 8: Creating the Chocolate Glaze

Chop the semi-sweet chocolate finely and place it in a heatproof bowl. Heat the cream until boiling, whisk in espresso powder, then pour over the chocolate. Let it sit for a minute before whisking to a shiny smooth ganache. Add Kirsch if you wish for that delightful cherry brandy note in the glaze. Cool slightly so it’s pourable but not too runny.

Step 9: Assembling the Cake Layers

Slice each cake horizontally to create four even layers. This step transforms your two cake rounds into a towering treat, allowing for more layers of delicious filling and whipped cream to be savored in every bite.

Step 10: Layering the Cake

Place the first cake layer on your serving stand. Spread half a cup of whipped cream, followed by a third cup of cherry filling. Repeat this with the next two layers, building that gorgeous height and flavor in between. Finally, place the last cake layer on top to cap off your masterpiece.

Step 11: Frosting and Glazing

Use the remaining whipped cream to frost the top and sides of the cake smoothly. Then, gently pour the prepared chocolate glaze over the cake, letting it cascade enticingly down the edges. Sprinkle the top with mini chocolate chips and grated dark chocolate for that festive finishing touch.

Step 12: Chilling Before Serving

Pop the cake in the fridge for about 20 minutes. This chilling step helps everything set beautifully, making slicing easier and flavors even more cohesive for the most delectable Mile-High Black Forest Cake experience.

How to Serve Mile-High Black Forest Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Complement your cake with fresh cherries on top or a sprinkle of grated dark chocolate. Not only do these garnishes make for stunning presentation, but they also add bursts of extra flavor and texture that elevate every slice.

Side Dishes

This rich cake pairs beautifully with a simple scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of extra whipped cream. Fresh berries also brighten the plate and provide a lovely contrast to the chocolate-cherry symphony.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dramatic effect, serve slices on elegant dessert plates with a drizzle of Kirsch-spiked cherry sauce on the side. Alternatively, create mini layered parfaits in clear glasses using leftover cake crumbs, cherry filling, and whipped cream for a charming individual dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The whipped cream and cherry filling stay fresh for about 3 days, making it easy to enjoy this treat over multiple days without any loss in flavor or texture.

Freezing

While the assembled cake is best fresh, you can freeze the individual cake layers before assembly. Wrap them tightly in plastic and then foil, freezing for up to 2 months. Thaw layers overnight in the fridge and assemble the cake just before serving for best results.

Reheating

For the best experience, serve the cake cold or at room temperature. Reheating is not recommended due to the whipped cream and cherry filling. However, you can warm any leftover cherry filling for use as a topping on ice cream or pancakes.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen cherries work perfectly in the filling and offer convenience when fresh cherries are out of season. Just be sure to thaw and drain them slightly before cooking to avoid excess liquid.

Is Kirsch liqueur necessary for this recipe?

Kirsch adds an authentic touch and a subtle cherry brandy flavor that makes the cake special. However, if you prefer not to use alcohol, you can omit it or substitute with cherry juice for a similar fruity note.

Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes! The cake can be baked, filled, and assembled a day before your event. Just cover and refrigerate it to allow the flavors to meld beautifully overnight.

What if I don’t have espresso powder?

Espresso powder enhances the chocolate but is optional. You can skip it without sacrificing too much flavor, or substitute with a tablespoon of strong brewed coffee for a similar effect.

How do I get clean, even layers when slicing the cake?

Use a long serrated knife and a gentle back-and-forth sawing motion. It helps to chill the cake slightly in the fridge before slicing to firm it up and avoid crumbly edges.

Final Thoughts

This Mile-High Black Forest Cake Recipe is truly a celebration on a plate that brings together luscious layers of chocolate, cherries, and cream in a way that feels both classic and elevated. It’s fun to make and even more delightful to eat, perfect for impressing friends, family, or just treating yourself. Go ahead and give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how such simple ingredients come together to create something unforgettable!

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