Description

This Mile-High Black Forest Cake is a showstopping dessert that combines rich chocolate layers with tart cherries and fluffy whipped cream. Perfect for special occasions, this classic German-inspired cake delivers impressive height and balanced flavors of deep chocolate, bright cherries, and sweet cream.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
1½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
2 cans (14.5 oz each) tart cherries in syrup
3 cups heavy whipping cream
¼ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dark chocolate for shaving

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Sift together dry ingredients in a large bowl.
Whisk wet ingredients in another bowl, then gradually add to dry ingredients. Stir in boiling water.
Divide batter between three prepared 8-inch pans. Bake 30-35 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.
Cool cakes completely. Drain cherries, reserving ½ cup syrup.
Whip cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
Assemble cake by layering cake, cherry syrup, whipped cream, and cherries. Repeat for all layers.
Frost entire cake with whipped cream and decorate with chocolate shavings and cherries.

Notes

Use high-quality cocoa powder for best chocolate flavor
Chill mixing bowl and beaters before whipping cream
For authentic flavor, use Morello cherries if available
Create chocolate shavings with a vegetable peeler
Best served same day but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 520 Kcal
Sugar: 42g
Sodium: 380mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 65g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: black forest cake, chocolate cherry cake, German cake recipe, mile high cake, layered chocolate cake, whipped cream cake, special occasion dessert