Black Forest Milkshake

This Black Forest Milkshake is a decadent, dessert-style drink inspired by the classic German cake, blending rich chocolate, sweet-tart cherry sauce, and creamy ice cream, with the option of a splash of rum or cherry brandy. Indulgent, smooth, and deeply flavoured, it’s the kind of milkshake that feels both nostalgic and grown-up.

Hey folks — I hope you’re all doing well.

As warmer days approach, I always find myself craving desserts that are rich yet refreshing, familiar yet a little playful. This one leans into comfort, elegance, and just enough indulgence to make it feel special. So, let’s dive into this Black Forest Milkshake.

Why You’ll Love This Black Forest Milkshake

• Decadent and rich. Chocolate and cherry come together in a classic, luxurious combination.
• Dessert-inspired. All the flavours of Black Forest cake, reimagined as a creamy drinkable dessert.
• Customisable. Enjoy it alcohol-free or with a splash of rum or cherry brandy.
• Perfect for summer. Indulgent yet cold and refreshing.

Flavour and Texture Profile

This Black Forest Milkshake is thick, creamy, and deeply chocolatey, with bursts of fruity acidity from the cherry sauce. The optional alcohol adds warmth and complexity without overpowering the dessert-like character. Each sip is smooth, rich, and perfectly balanced between sweet and tart.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Black Forest Milkshake

To make this milkshake, you’ll prepare a simple homemade cherry sauce and blend it with classic milkshake components.

• Cherries. Frozen pitted cherries work beautifully and provide concentrated flavour.
• Maple syrup. Adds gentle sweetness without overpowering the fruit.
• Cinnamon. A subtle warmth that complements both cherry and chocolate.
• Dark chocolate. Melts into the sauce for richness and depth.
• Milk. Adjusts consistency to your liking.
• Chocolate ice cream. Forms the creamy base; cherry or vanilla also work well.
• Rum or cherry brandy (optional). Adds an adult twist and classic Black Forest character.

How to Make Black Forest Milkshake

To make this decedent Black Forest Milkshake, start by preparing a simple cherry sauce on the stovetop. Simmer thawed cherries with a small amount of their juices, maple syrup, and cinnamon until the fruit softens and the mixture thickens slightly. Once off the heat, add the chopped dark chocolate and let it melt gently into the warm cherries, then blend the mixture until smooth and glossy. Allow the sauce to cool briefly before using, so it doesn’t melt the ice cream too quickly.

When ready to assemble the milkshake, combine the cherry sauce with chocolate ice cream and milk in a blender, adding rum or cherry brandy if you’re opting for the boozy version. Blend until thick, smooth, and creamy, adjusting the consistency with a splash of milk or an extra scoop of ice cream if needed. Pour into chilled glasses, finish with your favourite garnishes, and serve immediately while cold and indulgent.

More Chocolate Cherry Recipes

Are you looking for more fun recipes, like this Black Forest Milkshake? Be sure to check more recipes below:

• Black Forest Oatmeal
• Black Forest Crêpes
• Black Forest Cocktail – A Decadent Chocolate Cherry Cocktail

I’d love for you to try this Black Forest Milkshake. If you give this creamy decadent dessert a go, please share your results in the comments, message me on Instagram, or post your photos with the hashtag #havocinthekitchen. I look forward to seeing your creations and hearing your thoughts.

Cheers!

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Black Forest Milkshake

Recipe by Ben | Havocinthekitchen

5.0 from 1 vote

Course: Milkshakes, Boozy Desserts and Treats

Decadent Black Forest Milkshake inspired by the classic cake, made with chocolate, cherry sauce, ice cream, and a splash of rum or brandy.

Servings

2

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Sauce (cooking and chilling)

45

minutes

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

• Cherry Sauce:

• 3 cups frozen pitted cherries, thawed (about 420 g).

• 2 tbsp (30 ml) maple syrup

• ½ – 1 tsp. cinnamon

• 50 gr. dark or extra dark chocolate, roughly chopped

• Black Forest Milkshake:

• 1/2 to 1 cup (120-240 ml) milk

• about 450 g. (1.5 US pint or 2 cups)
  chocolate ice cream (cherry or vanilla flavours will also work)

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) cherry sauce – or more, to taste

• 2-3 tablespoons (30-45 ml) rum or cherry brandy

• extra ice cream, whipped cream, shaved dark chocolate, fresh cherries for garnish (optional)

Directions

• Thaw the cherries in advance, either in the refrigerated overnight or for 1 hour or so at room temperature. You can also use microwave, defrosting setting. Remove and set aside most of the released liquid.
• Place the cherries along with some liquid (about 2 tablespoons or so), maple syrup, and cinnamon. Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce the heat, cover, and let simmer for about 12-15 minutes, until the cherries are soft and the liquid has been thickened a bit.
• Turn off the heat. Add the chocolate and let it stay for a minute then stir to combine. Let the mixture cool for 20-30 minutes then, using a blender, pure.
• For the milkshakes, using a blender, combine the cherry sauce, ice cream, milk (start with 1/2 cup), and alcohol (if using) and blend until smooth. Try and adjust the flavour and consistency if desired (By adding more milk to thin it up, ice cream to thicken it up or the sauce for the added flavour.)
• Pour into glasses and garnish as desired (some suggestions include an extra scoop of ice cream, whipped cream, shaved chocolate, fresh cherries, mint leaves, etc.) Serve immediately. Enjoy!