Strawberry Swirled White Chocolate Cake Recipe

Looking for a cake that combines the creamy richness of white chocolate with the bright, tangy sweetness of strawberries? This Strawberry Swirled White Chocolate Cake is the perfect choice! With its moist white chocolate cake base and beautiful swirls of fresh strawberry puree running through each layer, this cake is not only delicious but visually stunning. Topped with a luscious white chocolate frosting and garnished with fresh strawberries, this cake is an excellent dessert for any special occasion or even just a sweet treat to enjoy at home.

What is a Strawberry Swirled White Chocolate Cake?

A Strawberry Swirled White Chocolate Cake is a moist, tender cake made with melted white chocolate folded into the batter. The strawberry swirls are created by folding in a homemade strawberry sauce or puree, giving the cake bursts of fruity flavor and vibrant color in each slice. This cake is typically topped with a creamy white chocolate frosting, and you can garnish it with fresh strawberries for added elegance. It’s a wonderful cake for spring and summer or any time you want a dessert that’s both rich and refreshing.

Ingredients List for Strawberry Swirled White Chocolate Cake

Here’s what you’ll need to make both the cake and the white chocolate frosting. The recipe includes instructions for making a fresh strawberry swirl sauce as well.

For the White Chocolate Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 oz white chocolate, melted and cooled
• 1 cup whole milk (room temperature)

For the Strawberry Swirl:

• 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen strawberries (hulled and chopped)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

For the White Chocolate Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 4 oz white chocolate, melted and cooled
• 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream or whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh strawberries
• White chocolate shavings or curls

Substitutions and Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free butter and milk alternatives (like almond milk) and dairy-free white chocolate.
• Fruit Variations: Swap strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or a mixed berry compote for a different fruity swirl.
• Add Citrus: Add some lemon zest to the batter for a citrusy note that complements the strawberries.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s break down the process of making this Strawberry Swirled White Chocolate Cake into manageable steps. Follow along, and you’ll have a delicious cake ready in no time!

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Swirl

1. Cook the strawberries: In a small saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries break down and the mixture becomes syrupy.
2. Thicken (optional): If the mixture is too thin, dissolve 1 teaspoon of cornstarch in a tablespoon of water, then stir it into the strawberry sauce. Let it simmer for another 1-2 minutes until thickened.
3. Cool: Remove the strawberry mixture from heat and let it cool to room temperature. Once cool, puree it in a blender or food processor if you prefer a smoother swirl.

Step 2: Prepare the White Chocolate Cake

1. Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
2. Melt the white chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, melt the white chocolate by microwaving it in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
3. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
4. Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
6. Incorporate white chocolate: Gradually pour in the cooled, melted white chocolate and mix until well combined.
7. Alternate dry ingredients and milk: With the mixer on low speed, alternate adding the flour mixture and milk to the batter, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix.

Step 3: Add the Strawberry Swirl and Bake

1. Layer the batter: Divide the cake batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans.
2. Swirl in the strawberries: Drop spoonfuls of the strawberry sauce onto the batter in each pan. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the strawberry sauce into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
3. Bake: Bake the cakes for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake, as white chocolate cake can dry out easily.
4. Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Step 4: Make the White Chocolate Frosting

1. Beat the butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy and smooth.
2. Add melted white chocolate: Gradually mix in the melted white chocolate until fully incorporated.
3. Add powdered sugar and vanilla: Add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed until fully combined. Then, add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
4. Adjust consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk until you reach your desired consistency. Beat the frosting for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.

How to Assemble the Strawberry Swirled White Chocolate Cake

Now that your cake layers and frosting are ready, it’s time to assemble the cake!

1. Level the cakes: If your cakes have domed tops, use a serrated knife to trim them off, creating flat layers for stacking.
2. Frost the first layer: Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a thick layer of white chocolate frosting over the top.
3. Add the second layer: Place the second cake layer on top of the frosted layer, pressing down gently to secure.
4. Frost the entire cake: Use an offset spatula to frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting. Smooth it out for a clean finish, or create swirls for a more textured look.
5. Garnish: Decorate the cake with fresh strawberries and white chocolate shavings or curls if desired.
6. Chill: Let the cake chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to set the frosting before slicing and serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can cause the cake to be dense or tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
2. Skipping cooling the strawberry swirl: Adding hot strawberry puree to the cake batter can cause the batter to separate. Make sure the strawberry mixture is completely cool before swirling it into the batter.
3. Not leveling the cake layers: Leveling the cake layers ensures a stable, even cake. If the layers are uneven, the cake can lean or collapse during frosting.
4. Melting white chocolate too quickly: Be careful when melting white chocolate, as it can burn easily. Use low heat and stir frequently.

Serving and Presentation Tips

This Strawberry Swirled White Chocolate Cake is a beautiful and delicious dessert that can be dressed up for special occasions or served simply for an elegant afternoon treat.

How to Serve Strawberry Swirled White Chocolate Cake

• Chilled: For the best texture and flavor, serve the cake slightly chilled. Let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving if it’s been in the fridge.
• With Fresh Fruit: Serve each slice with a few fresh strawberries or a dollop of whipped cream on the side.

Presentation Ideas for Strawberry Swirled White Chocolate Cake

• Fresh Strawberries: Garnish the top of the cake with whole or halved strawberries for a fresh, vibrant finish.
• White Chocolate Drizzle: Melt a little extra white chocolate and drizzle it over the top of the cake for an elegant touch.
• Edible Flowers: For an extra special touch, you can add a few edible flowers, like violets or pansies, to the cake for a stunning presentation.

Strawberry Swirled White Chocolate Cake Recipe Tips

• Use room temperature ingredients: For a smooth batter and even baking, ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature.
• Make the strawberry swirl ahead: You can make the strawberry sauce a day ahead to save time. Store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake.
• Freezing the cake: You can bake the cake layers in advance, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze them for up to a month. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before frosting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance, wrap them tightly, and store them at room temperature. Frost the cake the day you plan to serve it.

Q: How long will the cake last?
A: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Bring it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Q: Can I freeze the cake?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze the cake layers (before frosting) for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before assembling and frosting the cake.

Q: Can I use store-bought strawberry jam instead of making the strawberry swirl?
A: Yes! If you’re short on time, you can swirl in store-bought strawberry jam or preserves instead of making the fresh strawberry sauce.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Swirled White Chocolate Cake is a perfect blend of creamy, rich white chocolate and fresh, fruity strawberry flavor. The beautiful swirls of strawberry puree running through the moist cake layers make this dessert both a visual and culinary delight. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just as a sweet treat, this cake is sure to impress with its balance of flavors and stunning presentation. Happy baking!

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