Name: White Forest Cake Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for whipped cream); 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped; ½ cup white chocolate shavings; ¼ cup cherry syrup or juice; Fresh cherries and white chocolate shavings for garnish

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This White Forest Cake is pure celebration in every slice, swirling together luscious layers of fluffy vanilla cake, billowy clouds of fresh whipped cream, sweet bursts of cherries, and delicate white chocolate shavings. It’s the showstopper dessert that brings people together for birthdays, brunches, or just a sweet escape from the everyday. With its stunning presentation and combination of flavors that range from rich and creamy to fruity and refreshing, this cake is a true labor of love – but one you’ll want to make again and again. If you’re ready to wow your taste buds and your guests, let’s dive into the details of this delightful classic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for White Forest Cake is like collecting treasures for a masterpiece—each one plays an essential role in texture, taste, or eye-catching color. Every element, from buttery cake layers to juicy cherries and the snowy drift of white chocolate, brings its own magic to the table.

All-purpose flour: The foundation of our cake, providing the structure for those tall, fluffy layers.
Baking powder: Helps the cake rise into a light, airy texture—absolutely key for gentle layering.
Salt: Just a touch balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
Unsalted butter (softened): For rich, melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and unmistakable homemade goodness.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the cake achieve its golden, tender crumb.
Large eggs: These bind everything together, adding moisture and a beautiful richness.
Vanilla extract: For deep flavor in both the cake and the whipped cream—don’t skip it!
Whole milk: Brings moisture and a soft crumb—go full-fat for best results.
Heavy cream: The secret behind our dreamy, cloud-like whipped cream layers.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream so it spreads beautifully.
Maraschino cherries (drained and chopped): Offer bright bursts of color and tang; you can swap in fresh cherries if you’d like.
White chocolate shavings: Bring delicate, creamy sweetness and that spectacular “snowy” finish.
Cherry syrup or juice: Infuses each layer with cherry flavor and keeps them moist and tender.
Fresh cherries & white chocolate shavings (for garnish): Make the final presentation truly irresistible!

How to Make White Forest Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Pans and Preheat the Oven

Begin your journey with the foundations: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and take a minute to really grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This not only ensures your White Forest Cake slides out easily but creates that classic cake-shop edge, so every layer comes out looking perfect.

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Blending your dry ingredients first means they’ll distribute evenly in your batter—no sneaky lumps or uneven rising, just smooth, golden results.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy; this usually takes 3-4 minutes. It should look pale in color and almost irresistible already! This step locks in air, giving your cake its signature delicate crumb.

Step 4: Beat in Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. The batter will become thicker and silkier with each addition. Don’t forget the vanilla extract—your kitchen will smell heavenly at this point!

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

With your mixer on low, add the dry ingredients in thirds, alternating with the whole milk. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing gently until combined. This keeps your cake light and helps avoid over-mixing, which can make things dense.

Step 6: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Whip the Cream

While the cakes cool, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and another splash of vanilla extract in a chilled bowl. Beat until stiff peaks form—the whipped cream should hold its shape but remain silky and light.

Step 8: Slice and Brush with Cherry Syrup

Once cool, carefully slice each cake layer in half to create four layers in total. Gently brush each layer with cherry syrup or juice—this keeps your White Forest Cake ultra-moist and delivers those pops of bold cherry flavor.

Step 9: Assemble the Cake

Place your first cake layer on a serving plate, spreading an even layer of whipped cream on top. Sprinkle with chopped maraschino cherries and a handful of white chocolate shavings. Continue stacking and layering: cake, syrup, cream, cherries, and shavings, finishing with the top layer.

Step 10: Decorate and Chill

Cover the entire cake in the remaining whipped cream. Swirl it playfully, then shower the top and sides with more white chocolate shavings and, of course, extra fresh cherries. Pop the cake into the fridge to chill for at least an hour before slicing—this helps everything set for clean, beautiful slices.

How to Serve White Forest Cake

Garnishes

For the ultimate finish, crown your White Forest Cake with a scattering of snowy white chocolate shavings and plenty of fresh cherries on top. If you’re feeling extra creative, use whole cherries with their stems for a retro-kitschy vibe, or pipe little rosettes of whipped cream as a finishing flourish. The color contrast and scatter of cherries make every slice look like a party!

Side Dishes

While this cake is a star on its own, consider pairing it with a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream, a bowl of macerated fresh berries, or a cup of strong coffee to balance the sweetness. For brunch occasions, offer it alongside a simple fruit salad or gently roasted pears to keep things fresh and fancy.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your White Forest Cake as elegant individual trifles: cube the baked cake layers, then layer them with whipped cream, cherries, and chocolate in parfait glasses. Or, go rustic by turning it into a sheet cake for easy slicing at large gatherings. Add edible flowers, gold leaf, or drizzle cherry syrup in playful patterns for a cake that stands out from the crowd.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover White Forest Cake should be stored in the refrigerator, covered in plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It will stay wonderfully fresh and moist for up to 3 days, making it perfect for snacking or a sweet treat with coffee the next morning.

Freezing

This cake freezes surprisingly well! Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or pack them into airtight containers. The texture and flavor hold up in the freezer for up to one month—just thaw in the fridge overnight when cravings strike.

Reheating

While this cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, if you want to gently soften a slice, set it at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before eating. There’s no need to microwave, as whipped cream toppings don’t respond well to heat, and you might lose that dreamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?

Absolutely! Fresh cherries give a naturally tart and juicy flavor to your White Forest Cake. Just pit and chop them, and toss with a little sugar if you’d like to balance the tartness. Your cherry flavor will be a bit more subtle but deliciously natural.

Is it possible to make the cake layers in advance?

Definitely. You can bake the cakes a day ahead, let them cool completely, and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Store them at room temperature overnight, then assemble with fresh whipped cream and cherries when you’re ready.

What’s the best way to get perfect white chocolate shavings?

Use a vegetable peeler and a block of white chocolate for beautiful ribbons. If you prefer smaller shavings, use the fine side of a box grater. Chill the chocolate first—it will flake instead of melting in your hands.

How do I keep my whipped cream from deflating?

Start with a chilled bowl and beaters, use heavy cream, and whip to stiff peaks. If you want extra stability, you can add a spoonful of instant pudding mix or powdered milk. The whipped cream will hold up beautifully between the layers of your White Forest Cake.

Can I make a gluten-free version of this cake?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Just be sure to check all other ingredients for traces of gluten if you’re baking for someone with allergies. The results are still pillowy and scrumptious.

Final Thoughts

White Forest Cake is pure dessert joy—a dazzling centerpiece and a labor of love that’s always worth it. Grab your ingredients, invite a few friends, and dive into slicing, layering, and savoring every creamy, cherry-studded bite. You’ll be amazed how quickly it disappears!

White Forest Cake Recipe

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4.5 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 10 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the heavenly delight of a White Forest Cake, a decadent layered cake filled with whipped cream, cherries, and white chocolate shavings. Perfect for any celebration or special occasion!

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for whipped cream)
1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
½ cup white chocolate shavings
¼ cup cherry syrup or juice
Fresh cherries and white chocolate shavings for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in vanilla extract.
Combine Wet and Dry: Alternately add flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour, mixing just until combined.
Bake: Divide batter between pans and bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cakes cool.
Whip Cream: Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
Assemble Cake: Slice each cake layer in half horizontally. Brush with cherry syrup, spread whipped cream, cherries, and white chocolate shavings between layers. Stack layers and cover cake with whipped cream. Decorate with cherries and white chocolate. Chill before serving.