Strawberry Swirled White Chocolate Cake Recipe

Looking for a dessert that combines the rich, creamy flavor of white chocolate with the bright, fresh taste of strawberries? This Strawberry Swirled White Chocolate Cake is the perfect choice! With a moist and tender white chocolate cake base and swirls of fresh strawberry puree throughout, this cake is as beautiful as it is delicious. Topped with a luscious white chocolate frosting and fresh strawberries, this cake is sure to impress at any occasion, whether it’s a birthday, dinner party, or just a special treat for yourself. Keep reading for the full recipe and tips on how to make this stunning dessert!

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What is a Strawberry Swirled White Chocolate Cake?

A Strawberry Swirled White Chocolate Cake is a rich, buttery cake made with melted white chocolate and vanilla, featuring gorgeous swirls of strawberry puree or jam. The cake is moist and tender, with the white chocolate adding a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with the tartness of the strawberries. It’s finished with a creamy white chocolate frosting and fresh strawberry slices on top for an extra touch of elegance and flavor. This cake is perfect for anyone who loves a balance of rich, creamy textures and fruity freshness.

Ingredients List for Strawberry Swirled White Chocolate Cake

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious cake. Most of these ingredients are pantry staples, with the addition of fresh strawberries and white chocolate to elevate the flavors.

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4 oz white chocolate, melted and cooled
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup strawberry puree or strawberry jam (for the swirl)

For the White Chocolate Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 oz white chocolate, melted and cooled
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Decoration:

• Fresh strawberries (sliced or whole)
• White chocolate shavings (optional)
• Strawberry puree or jam for drizzling (optional)

Substitutions and Variations

• Flour Alternatives: You can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make the cake gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute plant-based milk, dairy-free butter, and dairy-free white chocolate to make the cake and frosting dairy-free.
• Strawberry Jam: If fresh strawberries aren’t in season, you can use strawberry jam or store-bought strawberry puree to swirl into the batter.
• Other Berries: Swap strawberries for raspberries, blackberries, or blueberries for a different flavor combination.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this beautiful Strawberry Swirled White Chocolate Cake.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal. You can also use a 9x13-inch pan if you prefer a single-layer cake.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Step 3: Beat the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the batter, ensuring a soft and tender cake.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and the cooled, melted white chocolate, mixing until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three additions, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Create the Strawberry Swirl

In a separate small bowl, prepare your strawberry puree (or jam). If you’re using fresh strawberries, puree them in a blender until smooth. For jam, you can slightly warm it to make it easier to swirl.

Step 7: Layer and Swirl the Batter

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Drop spoonfuls of strawberry puree on top of the batter in each pan. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the strawberry puree into the cake batter, creating a marbled effect. Be careful not to overmix, or the swirl will blend into the batter too much.

Step 8: Bake the Cake

Bake the cakes for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you’re using a 9x13-inch pan, the baking time may be closer to 35-40 minutes. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Step 9: Make the White Chocolate Frosting

While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and melted white chocolate, mixing on low speed until well combined. Add the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of cream or milk, then beat on high speed for 2-3 minutes until the frosting is light, fluffy, and smooth. If the frosting is too thick, add another tablespoon of cream to reach your desired consistency.

Step 10: Frost the Cake

Once the cake layers are completely cool, level them with a serrated knife if needed. Place one layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of white chocolate frosting on top. Add the second layer of cake and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing it out with a spatula.

Step 11: Decorate the Cake

For a beautiful finish, top the cake with fresh strawberry slices or whole strawberries. You can also drizzle extra strawberry puree or jam over the top for an added touch of elegance. Optional: sprinkle white chocolate shavings on top for a decadent look.

Step 12: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the cake for about 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set before serving. Once the frosting is firm, slice and enjoy!

How to Make a Strawberry Swirled White Chocolate Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the Batter: Beat together the butter, sugar, eggs, white chocolate, and milk. Add dry ingredients, and don’t overmix.
2. Swirl in the Strawberries: Layer the batter and swirl in fresh strawberry puree or jam.
3. Bake and Cool: Bake the cake layers and let them cool completely before frosting.
4. Make the Frosting: Beat together butter, powdered sugar, and white chocolate for a creamy, rich frosting.
5. Assemble and Frost: Layer and frost the cake, and decorate with fresh strawberries.
6. Serve: Slice and serve your cake after a short chilling time to set the frosting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the Batter: Mixing the batter too much can result in a dense, tough cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Not Cooling the Cake Completely: Be sure to cool the cake layers completely before frosting. Frosting a warm cake will cause the frosting to melt and slide off.
• Skipping the Swirl: Be gentle when swirling the strawberry puree into the batter—overmixing will make the swirl disappear.

Serving and Presentation Tips

This Strawberry Swirled White Chocolate Cake is as stunning to look at as it is delicious. Here are some serving and presentation ideas to make your cake stand out.

How to Serve Strawberry Swirled White Chocolate Cake:

• With Extra Strawberries: Serve each slice with a few extra fresh strawberry slices on the side for a fresh, fruity garnish.
• With Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream pairs beautifully with the cake’s rich, creamy texture.
• Drizzled with Chocolate: For extra indulgence, drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over each slice before serving.

Presentation Ideas for Strawberry Swirled White Chocolate Cake:

• Strawberry Garnish: Arrange whole or sliced strawberries around the top of the cake for a simple yet elegant presentation.
• Chocolate Shavings: Use a vegetable peeler to create white chocolate shavings or curls to sprinkle over the top of the cake for a decorative finish.
• Swirl Top: Drizzle a little extra strawberry puree over the top of the frosted cake and gently swirl it with a knife for a beautiful marbled effect.

Strawberry Swirled White Chocolate Cake Recipe Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs, butter, and milk are at room temperature before starting. This ensures a smooth batter and helps the cake rise evenly.
• Fresh or Frozen Berries: If using frozen strawberries, thaw them completely before pureeing. Drain any excess liquid to avoid making the batter too wet.
• Chill for Neater Slices: If you want cleaner, neater cake slices, refrigerate the cake for about 30 minutes before slicing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cake layers up to two days in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature. Frost and assemble the cake on the day you plan to serve it.

2. Can I use other fruits instead of strawberries?

Absolutely! Raspberries, blackberries, or blueberries would work just as well in this cake. You can puree them just like the strawberries for the swirl.

3. Can I freeze the cake?

Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cake layers. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container before freezing. Thaw the cake in the fridge overnight before frosting and serving.

4. How do I prevent the cake from drying out?

Make sure to measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off. Overbaking can also dry out the cake, so keep an eye on it and start checking for doneness at the 30-minute mark.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Swirled White Chocolate Cake is a delightful combination of fruity, creamy, and chocolatey flavors that’s perfect for any occasion. The swirls of fresh strawberry puree, combined with the richness of white chocolate, create a cake that’s not only delicious but visually stunning. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or just want to treat yourself, this cake is sure to impress. So grab your ingredients and get baking—your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you!

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