Discover the delightful charm of the White Forest Cake Recipe, a luscious celebration cake that blends light, fluffy layers of vanilla-spiked sponge with sweet cherries, silky whipped cream, and elegant white chocolate shavings. This classic dessert is perfect for any festive occasion or a special treat, showcasing a beautiful balance of creamy, fruity, and delicate textures that will leave everyone wanting more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple yet essential, the ingredients for this White Forest Cake Recipe work harmoniously to create the perfect structure, flavor, and visual appeal. Each component plays a key role in delivering that moist, tender crumb, creamy frosting, and the charming pop of cherries that make this cake unforgettable.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): The foundation for the cake’s soft and airy texture.
- Baking powder (2 1/2 teaspoons): Helps the cake rise beautifully without heaviness.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Adds richness and tenderness to the crumb.
- Granulated sugar (2 cups): Sweetens the cake and assists in creating a light structure.
- Large eggs (4): Bind the batter while contributing to moisture and lift.
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Brings a warm, inviting aroma and depth of flavor.
- Whole milk (1 cup): Offers moisture and helps keep the cake tender.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds a subtle tang and richness for extra moistness.
- Pitted cherries (1 can, 14.5 oz, drained & halved): Provide bursts of juicy sweetness and color.
- Cherry syrup or kirsch (1/4 cup, optional): Infuses cherry layers with an intense, boozy fruitiness.
- Heavy whipping cream (2 cups): Whipped to fluffy perfection for luscious frosting.
- Powdered sugar (1/3 cup): Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the whipped cream’s smooth flavor.
- White chocolate shavings (1/2 cup): Add elegant, creamy accents on top.
How to Make White Forest Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Preheat
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and carefully greasing and flouring three 8-inch round cake pans. This ensures your beautiful cake layers slide out easily and maintain their shape during baking.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Doing this upfront guarantees even distribution of leavening and seasoning throughout the batter, so your cake rises perfectly and tastes balanced.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is critical for creating a tender crumb and helps trap air for a pillowy texture.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate air and fully combine. Stir in the vanilla extract for that warm, sweet fragrance that will fill your kitchen.
Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry and Wet Ingredients
Mix the milk and sour cream in a separate container. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture and milk mixture to the batter alternately, starting and finishing with the dry ingredients. This careful assembling keeps the batter smooth and prevents overmixing while maintaining moisture.
Step 6: Bake the Cake Layers
Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared pans and bake for 25 to 28 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 7: Whip the Cream
While the cakes cool, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This airy cream will be the luscious frosting that ties the cake layers together.
Step 8: Assemble and Decorate
If using cherry syrup or kirsch, brush it lightly on the tops of the cooled cake layers to infuse extra flavor. Then start layering: cake, whipped cream, cherries, repeating until stacked. Finish frosting the sides and top with the remaining whipped cream. Garnish with more cherries and a generous sprinkling of white chocolate shavings for a stunning final touch. Chill the assembled cake for at least one hour before serving.
How to Serve White Forest Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Garnish your White Forest Cake Recipe with fresh cherries for a juicy burst and white chocolate shavings to bring in a creamy note. This combination adds texture and elegance that will impress your guests.
Side Dishes
This cake is wonderfully complemented by a cup of rich coffee or a glass of chilled sparkling wine. Light fruit salads or vanilla ice cream also pair well, balancing out the creamy and fruity flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the cake on a decorative cake stand with edible flowers scattered around for a whimsical touch. You could also cut the cake into smaller individual portions and serve each with a fresh cherry on top for a charming presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover White Forest Cake Recipe tightly covered in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and moist for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy its delicate flavors later without sacrificing quality.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake for up to one month. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving to preserve the cake’s texture and flavor.
Reheating
This cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so avoid reheating. If desired, simply let the slice sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before serving, which softens the whipped cream and enhances the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh or frozen cherries work beautifully when in season and add a vibrant, natural sweetness that enhances the overall taste of the White Forest Cake Recipe.
Is kirsch necessary for the cherry flavor?
Kirsch is optional but adds a lovely depth and richness to the cherry layers. If you prefer, cherry syrup or even cherry juice works well as a non-alcoholic alternative.
How do I prevent my whipped cream from deflating?
Use cold heavy cream and chill your mixing bowl before whipping. Beat cream to stiff peaks but avoid over-whipping. Adding powdered sugar stabilizes it and keeps it fluffy longer.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix that includes xanthan gum. Just be sure to check your baking powder is gluten-free as well.
How long do I need to chill the cake before serving?
Chilling for at least one hour allows the flavors to meld and the whipped cream to set, making slicing easier and enhancing the overall taste experience.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that combines fluffy vanilla layers, juicy cherries, and silky whipped cream, this White Forest Cake Recipe is your perfect match. It’s truly a joy to bake and an absolute delight to share with friends and family. Give it a try and watch it become your new favorite celebration cake.
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White Forest Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic European dessert, White Forest Cake is a luscious layered cake featuring moist vanilla sponge, whipped cream frosting, and juicy cherries. This elegant cake combines soft, fluffy cake layers with tart cherries and rich white chocolate shavings to create a perfect celebration treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cake Layers
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Cherry Filling
- 1 can (14.5 oz) pitted cherries, drained and halved
- 1/4 cup cherry syrup or kirsch (optional)
Whipped Cream Frosting
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnish
- 1/2 cup white chocolate shavings
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans to ensure the cakes will release easily after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside for later combination with wet ingredients.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3–5 minutes. This incorporates air and creates a tender cake crumb.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time into the butter mixture, beating well after each to ensure full incorporation. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Milk and Sour Cream: In a separate small bowl or measuring cup, mix together the whole milk and sour cream until smooth.
- Incorporate Dry and Wet Ingredients: Alternately add the flour mixture and the milk-sour cream mixture into the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix gently to combine without overmixing, maintaining a tender texture.
- Divide and Bake: Evenly divide the cake batter among the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Layers: Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely, which prevents sogginess when frosting.
- Whip Cream: While the cakes cool, beat the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form, creating a stable and fluffy whipped cream for frosting.
- Prepare Cake Layers: If using cherry syrup or kirsch, gently brush the tops of each cooled cake layer to infuse extra cherry flavor and moisture.
- Assemble Cake: Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous amount of whipped cream over the layer, then top with halved cherries. Repeat this layering process with remaining cake layers, whipped cream, and cherries.
- Frost and Garnish: Use the remaining whipped cream to frost the top and sides of the assembled cake. Decorate the top with more cherries and sprinkle with white chocolate shavings for an elegant finish.
- Chill: Refrigerate the completed cake for at least 1 hour before serving. This chilling step allows the flavors to meld and the whipped cream to set firmly.
Notes
- For a more intense cherry flavor, soak the cherries in kirsch or cherry syrup before assembling.
- You can use fresh or frozen cherries when they are in season as a substitute for canned cherries for a fresher taste.
- Ensure the cake layers are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the whipped cream from melting.
- If kirsch or cherry syrup is unavailable, brushing with a simple cherry juice or leaving the cake layers plain will still yield a delicious result.
