Mile High Chocolate Cake Recipe – Moist & Decadent

If you’re looking for the perfect chocolate cake to wow your guests or indulge in a sweet treat, this Mile High Chocolate Cake Recipe is the answer. With its rich, moist layers and velvety frosting, it’s a showstopper for any occasion.

The Mile High Chocolate Cake Recipe starts with a blend of sifted cake flour, granulated sugar, and high-quality unsweetened chocolate, creating a base that’s both flavorful and tender.

The addition of sour cream ensures the cake is moist, while the brown sugar adds depth and richness. The homemade frosting, made with cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and a smooth, creamy flour paste, is the perfect finishing touch.

In this blog post, I’m going to guide you through making this towering delight from scratch.

You’ll find the recipe broken down into easy-to-follow steps, plus tips and tricks to make sure you get a cake that’s perfectly fluffy, decadent, and full of chocolatey goodness. Let’s dive in!

What Does Mile-High Chocolate Cake Taste Like?

Mile High Chocolate Cake Recipe is rich, indulgent, and incredibly moist. The layers of dense, fudgy cake are deeply chocolatey with a slight tang from the sour cream, balancing the sweetness.

The frosting is creamy, smooth, and velvety, with a perfect blend of cocoa and vanilla. Together, the cake and frosting create a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth experience, making it a true chocolate lover’s dream.

It’s a heavenly, sweet treat that’s both rich and satisfying.

How To Prepare Mile High Chocolate Cake Recipe?

Recipe Overview

Prep time: 30 minutes

Cook time: 35 minutes

Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Rest time: 30 minutes for cooling

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Yield: 12 servings

Equipment Needed

Before I get into the recipe, let’s gather everything you’ll need:

• 2 round 9-inch cake pans
• Electric mixer (stand or handheld)
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack
• Offset spatula (for frosting)
• Serrated knife (if leveling the cake)

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 3 1/2 cups sifted cake flour (not self-rising; sift before measuring)
• 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
• 6 ounces fine-quality unsweetened chocolate, chopped
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 1/3 cups whole milk
• 2 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
• 2 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/3 cups packed light brown sugar
• 2 2/3 cups sour cream

For the Frosting:

• 8 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/3 cups unsalted butter, softened
• 5 1/3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup whole milk (or more if needed)

How To Make The Mile High Chocolate Cake Recipe

1. For The Cake

1. Preheat the Oven & Prepare Pans: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.

2. Melt the Chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, melt the chopped unsweetened chocolate over a double boiler or in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.

3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the sifted cake flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

4. Cream Butter & Sugars: In a separate large bowl, beat together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.

5. Add Eggs & Milk: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually add the whole milk and mix until smooth.

6. Incorporate Chocolate: Mix in the melted chocolate until well combined.

7. Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the sour cream. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.

8. Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Smooth the tops and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

2. For the Frosting:

1. Cook Flour Mixture: In a small saucepan, whisk the all-purpose flour into the milk over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens and starts to boil. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.

2. Beat the Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.

3. Add Flour Mixture: Once the flour mixture is cool, add it to the butter mixture and beat until creamy and smooth. If the frosting is too thick, add milk, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.

3. Assemble the Cake:

1. Frost the Cake: Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top, then place the second cake layer on top. Frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.

2. Chill and Serve: Let the cake set for about 30 minutes to firm up the frosting before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your rich, decadent mile-high chocolate cake!

Decorating Ideas For Your Mile High Chocolate Cake Recipe

1. Chocolate Shavings & Shards: Garnish the top with finely shaved chocolate or large, jagged shards of chocolate for a rustic yet elegant look.

2. Fresh Berries: Add a pop of color with fresh raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries. The tartness balances the richness of the cake.

3. Whipped Cream Swirls: Pipe soft swirls of lightly sweetened whipped cream on top or around the base for a light contrast.

4. Edible Gold Leaf: For a touch of luxury, decorate with delicate pieces of edible gold leaf, adding a sophisticated shimmer.

5. Chocolate Ganache Drip: Pour a smooth chocolate ganache over the top of the cake and let it drip down the sides for a visually stunning and extra-chocolaty effect.

Expert Tips

1. Sift Dry Ingredients: Always sift your flour, cocoa, and leavening agents to ensure a light, airy cake texture.

2. Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for a smoother batter and even mixing.

3. Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to avoid a dense cake. Overmixing can lead to a tougher texture.

4. Cool Completely: Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

5. Frosting Consistency: Adjust the milk in the frosting gradually to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency that holds its shape.

How To Store Leftovers?

To store leftover Mile High Chocolate Cake Recipe, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Store it at room temperature for up to 2-3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness (up to a week). If refrigerated, let the cake come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

You can also freeze slices for up to 3 months—just wrap them securely in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.

Closing

This Mile High Chocolate Cake Recipe is everything you could want in a dessert—rich, decadent, and impossibly delicious.

With its moist layers, smooth chocolate frosting, and perfect balance of sweetness, it’s the ultimate treat for any occasion.

The recipe might take a bit of time and care, but the results are absolutely worth it. I hope you enjoy making (and eating) this delightful cake as much as I do.

Don’t forget to share it with family and friends—they’ll be asking for seconds! Happy baking!

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