White Chocolate Layer Cake Recipe

Introduction

White chocolate lovers rejoice! This white chocolate layer cake is a dream come true for anyone with a sweet tooth. With its moist and tender layers of cake, decadent white chocolate frosting, and a sprinkle of white chocolate shavings on top, this cake is sure to impress at any special occasion or celebration.

Ingredients

For the cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk
• 6 ounces white chocolate, melted and cooled

For the frosting:

• 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 ounces white chocolate, melted and cooled

Steps

Step 1: Preparing the Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.

2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.

5. Gently fold in the melted white chocolate until evenly incorporated into the batter.

6. Divide the batter equally among the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.

7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.

8. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Step 2: Making the Frosting

1. In a heatproof bowl, melt the white chocolate in the microwave or over a double boiler. Let it cool to room temperature.

2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth and fluffy.

3. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.

4. Pour in the heavy cream and vanilla extract, and continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.

5. Finally, add the cooled melted white chocolate and beat until well combined and creamy.

Step 3: Assembling the Cake

1. Place one layer of the cooled cake on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting evenly over the top.

2. Add the second layer of cake on top and repeat the process, spreading frosting over it.

3. Finally, place the third layer of cake on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.

4. For a decorative touch, you can pipe additional frosting around the edges of the cake using a piping bag and a star tip.

5. Garnish the cake with white chocolate shavings or curls for an extra touch of elegance.

Variations

If you want to add some extra flavor to your white chocolate layer cake, consider these variations:

• Strawberry White Chocolate Cake: Add a layer of fresh strawberry slices between each cake layer for a burst of fruity goodness.
• Raspberry White Chocolate Cake: Substitute raspberry puree for a portion of the milk in the cake batter and frosting, and garnish with fresh raspberries.
• Mint White Chocolate Cake: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the cake batter and frosting for a refreshing twist.

Tips

• Make sure to properly measure your ingredients for accurate results.
• Allow the melted white chocolate to cool before adding it to the cake batter and frosting. This prevents it from melting the butter and causing the batter to become greasy.
• For best results, use high-quality white chocolate for optimal flavor and texture.
• If you don’t have three 9-inch cake pans, you can use two pans and divide the batter accordingly. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.
• To make the cake layers even, use a serrated knife to level off the tops before frosting.
• Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving.

Conclusion

This white chocolate layer cake is a showstopper dessert that is sure to impress your family and friends. Its rich and creamy white chocolate flavor, combined with moist and fluffy cake layers, make it a perfect choice for any special occasion or celebration. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try out one of the delicious variations, this cake will leave everyone wanting more. So go ahead and indulge in a slice of this heavenly white chocolate delight!

FAQs

1. Can I use white chocolate chips instead of bars?

Yes, you can use white chocolate chips in this recipe. However, be sure to choose high-quality chips that contain real cocoa butter for the best flavor and texture.

2. Can I freeze the cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake layers before frosting. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and assembling the cake.

3. Can I use a different type of frosting?

While the white chocolate frosting complements the cake beautifully, you can certainly use a different frosting if you prefer. Cream cheese frosting or buttercream frosting would be delicious alternatives.

4. Can I make cupcakes instead of a layer cake?

Absolutely! Just divide the batter among lined cupcake tins and adjust the baking time accordingly. Start checking for doneness after about 15-20 minutes.

5. Can I use this recipe for a gluten-free cake?

This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can try using a gluten-free flour blend instead. Just note that the texture and taste of the cake may be slightly different.