White Forest Cake Recipe

If you’re searching for a cake that combines elegance, lightness, and a burst of fruity sweetness, the White Forest Cake is the perfect treat to make your day. This delectable dessert layers moist white cake with luscious cherry filling and smooth white chocolate frosting, creating a delightfully balance of flavors and textures that is sure to impress both your taste buds and your guests. The White Forest Cake is an ideal centerpiece for any celebration or an indulgent weekend baking project that brings a touch of sophistication and comfort together in one bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple yet essential to bringing the White Forest Cake to life, each contributing its unique texture, flavor, or color to craft this irresistible treat. From the fluffy cake layers to the creamy frosting, everything works in harmony to create a memorable dessert.

• Cake flour (3 1/2 cups): Gives the cake a tender and delicate crumb perfect for layering.
• Baking powder (2 tsp) and baking soda (1 tsp): Work together to ensure the cake rises beautifully and stays light.
• Salt (1 tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Unsalted butter (3/4 cup for cake, 2 cups for frosting): Adds richness and a creamy texture without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Oil, such as canola or vegetable (1/4 cup): Keeps the cake moist and tender.
• White granulated sugar (1 1/2 cups for cake, 1/2 cup for cherry filling): Sweetens each element perfectly.
• Sour cream (3/4 cup): Adds tang and moisture to the batter for that soft crumb.
• Pure vanilla extract (1 tbsp for cake, 1 tsp for frosting): Brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
• Egg whites (5): Used to lighten the cake batter and give it lift.
• Buttermilk (1 cup): Combines tang and acidity to accentuate tenderness.
• Cherries (1 lb, fresh or frozen): The star of the cherry filling, bursting with vibrant, juicy flavor.
• Cornstarch (1 tbsp) & Water (1 tbsp): Help thicken the cherry filling to a perfect consistency.
• Almond extract (1/4 tsp): Adds a subtle nutty aroma to the cherry filling for added complexity.
• Cream cheese (8 oz): Works with butter to create a silky-smooth white chocolate frosting.
• White chocolate bars (8 oz, Lindt or similar): Melts into the frosting for a luscious, sweet finish.
• Powdered sugar (5 cups, sifted): The base of the frosting, providing sweetness and stability.

How to Make White Forest Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Pans and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Prepare three 8-inch cake pans by spraying them with nonstick spray, lining the bottoms with parchment paper circles, and spraying again to ensure your cakes release effortlessly after baking.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

Sift the cake flour into a medium bowl to avoid lumps, then add the baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these well sets up your cake for an even, fluffy rise and prevents any uneven pockets of leavening.

Step 3: Cream Butter, Oil, and Sugar

Using a mixer, beat the room temperature butter, oil, and sugar together on high speed for about two minutes until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy. This creaming step traps air, which helps create that irresistible light texture in your White Forest Cake.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Next, mix in the sour cream, vanilla extract, and egg whites into the creamed mixture on medium speed until combined. This mixture adds moisture, richness, and flavor that balances the cake perfectly.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk

Slowly add the sifted dry ingredients alternated with buttermilk to the batter on low speed to avoid overmixing. This technique ensures your cake remains tender while combining moisture and structure evenly.

Step 6: Divide Batter and Bake

Scrape down the bowl with a rubber spatula. Pour the batter evenly into the three prepared pans. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This step is crucial for perfectly even and moist cake layers.

Step 7: Cool the Cakes

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience here ensures the cakes firm up nicely for assembling your White Forest Cake without crumbling.

Step 8: Make the Cherry Filling

If you are using fresh cherries, pit them first. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, water, and almond extract. Cook until the cherries soften and the liquid thickens. Mash the cherries gently to create a chunky yet spreadable filling, then cool completely before using.

Step 9: Prepare the White Chocolate Frosting

Sift the powdered sugar into a large bowl. Melt white chocolate in 20-second intervals, stirring between, until creamy and smooth. Beat butter on high speed for two minutes until pale and fluffy, then add cream cheese and continue beating for one minute. Incorporate the melted white chocolate, powdered sugar in two batches, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and luscious.

Step 10: Assemble the White Forest Cake

Trim any domed tops from the cake layers to create flat surfaces. Begin with the first layer on your serving board, spread 3/4 cup of frosting on top, pipe a border of frosting around the edges, and then dollop half the cherry filling inside the border. Repeat with the second layer, and place the third layer upside down to show a flat top. Cover any cracks with frosting, chill briefly in the freezer to set, then apply a thin crumb coat. Chill again, then frost the cake fully and pipe decorative swirls if desired. Top with extra cherries for a stunning finish.

How to Serve White Forest Cake

Garnishes

Adding fresh cherries on top not only beautifies the White Forest Cake but also offers a juicy pop with each bite. Consider sprinkling white chocolate shavings or toasted almond flakes for extra texture and visual appeal that complements the frosting’s sweetness.

Side Dishes

Serve this cake alongside a cup of fragrant black tea or a glass of chilled champagne to highlight the delicate flavors. Light vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream also pairs beautifully, enhancing the creamy richness of the frosting.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive occasion, dust powdered sugar over the top and pipe elegant rosettes along the edges. You can showcase individual slices on dessert plates with a drizzle of cherry syrup or even place mini White Forest Cakes in pretty jars for guest favors or picnic treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your White Forest Cake covered tightly in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Stored properly, it will stay moist and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it an excellent choice for celebrations that span a few days.

Freezing

You can freeze the fully assembled White Forest Cake if wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to one month. To serve, thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight to retain its texture and flavor integrity.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature rather than reheated. If needed, bring slices to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor and softness.

FAQs

What makes the White Forest Cake different from a Black Forest Cake?

Unlike the traditional Black Forest Cake which uses dark chocolate and whipped cream, the White Forest Cake incorporates white chocolate frosting and sour cream for a lighter, creamier twist, complemented by a delicate cherry filling.

Can I use frozen cherries for the filling?

Absolutely! Frozen cherries work wonderfully in the cherry filling. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before cooking to avoid excess liquid.

Is it okay to substitute cream cheese in the frosting?

Yes, the cream cheese combined with butter creates a smooth, tangy frosting that balances sweetness wonderfully in the White Forest Cake, so it’s an essential element for texture and flavor.

Can I make the cake layers a day ahead?

You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them wrapped tightly at room temperature or in the refrigerator. This step can save you time when assembling.

What tips do you have for avoiding a crumbly cake?

Use room temperature ingredients, avoid overmixing the batter, and sugar is creamed properly with butter. Also, chilling the cake after crumb coating helps to set crumbs before the final frosting layer.

Final Thoughts

Making the White Forest Cake is like wrapping yourself in a cozy hug made out of cake, cherries, and white chocolate. It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings a fresh and elegant feel to any occasion. I truly encourage you to give this recipe a try—you’ll find baking and sharing this masterpiece to be as joyful as eating it.

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