White Forest Cake Recipe

If you’re searching for a cake that’s equal parts stunning and utterly delicious, look no further than this White Forest Cake. Light, moist vanilla cake layers are speckled with luscious sweet cherries, enveloped in clouds of whipped cream, and finished with silky white chocolate shavings. Each bite delivers a sweet-tart pop of cherry and a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s sure to win hearts at any celebration. This White Forest Cake is a showstopper dessert you’ll find yourself making any time you want to impress your loved ones (or just treat yourself!).

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for White Forest Cake are refreshingly straightforward, but each one shines. Every component brings something special, from the creaminess of butter to the brightness of cherries, collectively creating a masterpiece of flavor and texture.

• All-purpose flour: Provides a sturdy yet tender structure to help the cake hold its layers beautifully.
• Baking powder and baking soda: These essentials ensure your cake is light, airy, and perfectly risen every time.
• Salt: Just a whisper of salt sharpens all the other flavors to perfection.
• Unsalted butter (softened): Butter lends richness and a tender crumb to every slice.
• Granulated sugar: Infuses sweetness into the cake, balancing the tang of the cherries and the creaminess of the frosting.
• Egg whites: They give the cake its remarkable fluffiness and the beautiful, snowy white crumb.
• Vanilla extract: Provides that classic, comforting flavor that sings through every bite.
• Whole milk: Adds moisture and balances the cake’s texture for a soft, silky crumb.
• Sour cream: Don’t skip this ingredient—the subtle tang is a secret weapon for extra moisture and flavor depth.
• Canned sweet cherries (drained and halved): Studded throughout the cake, these bring sweet bursts of fruit to every forkful.
• Cherry juice (from the can): Infuses every layer with rich cherry flavor and keeps the cake super moist.
• Heavy whipping cream: When whipped, it becomes the dreamy, cloud-like frosting everyone loves.
• Powdered sugar: Keeps the whipped cream silky smooth and lightly sweet.
• Almond extract: A little goes a long way for a subtle nutty note that plays perfectly with cherries.
• White chocolate (shaved or grated for garnish): Provides an elegant finish and a sweet, creamy contrast.

How to Make White Forest Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pans and Preheat

Set the stage for success! Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper—this extra step makes sure your layers release beautifully and stay picture-perfect for assembling your White Forest Cake.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This blending ensures even distribution, helping your cake layers bake up light, fluffy, and flawless.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This takes a few minutes and introduces plenty of air, keeping your cake marvelously soft.

Step 4: Add Egg Whites and Vanilla

One at a time, beat in the egg whites until fully incorporated, followed by the vanilla extract. The egg whites are the secret to that delicate, white crumb—so take your time and let them work their magic.

Step 5: Mix in Sour Cream

Fold in the sour cream to add rich moisture and a hint of tang to your cake layers. This step helps ensure the cake stays tender after baking and keeps each bite irresistible.

Step 6: Alternate Dry Ingredients and Milk

With the mixer on low, alternate adding the dry ingredient mixture and the whole milk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. This gentle approach keeps your batter smooth, preventing overmixing and promoting even texture.

Step 7: Fold in Cherries and Cherry Juice

Now for the best part: gently fold in your drained, halved cherries and a tablespoon of cherry juice. This not only dots every layer with fruity sweetness but also imparts a subtle blush of color to your cake.

Step 8: Divide and Bake

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pans. Smooth the tops and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before turning them out onto a wire rack to cool completely—patience here pays off!

Step 9: Make the Whipped Cream Frosting

While your cakes cool, beat together the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and almond extract until stiff peaks form. This easy frosting is over-the-top luxurious, lending the signature White Forest Cake look and taste.

Step 10: Assemble and Decorate

Place the first cake layer on a serving plate and generously slather with whipped cream. Repeat with the next two layers, then frost the entire cake. Shower with white chocolate shavings and, if you like, a few extra cherries. Chill the assembled cake before serving so every slice holds its shape and looks bakery-worthy.

How to Serve White Forest Cake

Garnishes

A true White Forest Cake deserves to be dressed to impress! The classic finish is a flurry of white chocolate shavings and a handful of glistening cherries on top. The white chocolate wraps everything in sweet luxury, while the cherries pop with color and fruitiness. You can also add a light dusting of powdered sugar for an extra snowy touch.

Side Dishes

This elegant cake shines as the star attraction, but it also pairs beautifully with sides like a berry salad or a scoop of cherry sorbet for a fresh contrast. Offer coffee, black tea, or a sparkling rosé to balance the cake’s richness and complete your dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Let your personal flair shine! Try serving individual slices on plates dusted with cocoa powder, or cut the cake into mini cubes for a dessert platter. For a dramatic touch, top each slice with a swirl of whipped cream and a chocolate-dipped cherry. No matter how you present it, your White Forest Cake will look sensational.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you manage to have leftovers, store your White Forest Cake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to three days. The whipped cream keeps the cake moist, while the cherry flavors mellow and meld for an even more luscious bite the next day.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze the assembled, unfrosted cake layers tightly wrapped in plastic and foil for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then whip up fresh frosting and assemble right before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

While White Forest Cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, if you prefer, let a slice sit out for about 30 minutes before eating. Avoid microwaving, as this will melt the whipped cream and compromise the cake’s lovely consistency.

FAQs

What’s the difference between White Forest Cake and Black Forest Cake?

While both cakes celebrate cherries and cream, White Forest Cake swaps out the chocolate cake for lightly flavored vanilla layers and uses white chocolate for garnish. The result is a fruitier, more delicate dessert with an extra creamy finish.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned for this recipe?

Yes! If you have access to fresh, sweet cherries, they’ll work beautifully—just pit, halve, and toss them with a bit of sugar and cherry juice before folding into the batter. Remember to adjust the sweetness if needed, since canned cherries are often already sweetened.

How do I get really neat, thin chocolate shavings?

The easiest way is to use a block of white chocolate and a vegetable peeler. Chill the chocolate first, then shave off delicate curls right over the frosted cake. For a fancier look, use a microplane for a fine sprinkle.

Can I make White Forest Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and keep them tightly wrapped at room temperature. Assemble with fresh whipped cream the day you plan to serve for the lightest texture and most elegant presentation.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Sure! Substitute your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend for the all-purpose flour. Check that your baking powder and baking soda are gluten-free too, and you’ll have a lovely gluten-free White Forest Cake everyone can enjoy.

Final Thoughts

This White Forest Cake is more than a dessert—it’s a celebration on a plate, laden with clouds of whipped cream, bursts of cherry, and lacy curls of white chocolate. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a holiday, or just because, I know you’ll fall in love with this cake’s charm and flavor. I can’t wait for you to make your own White Forest Cake memories!

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