Strawberry Swirled White Chocolate Cake Recipe

Looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s both elegant and delicious? This Strawberry Swirled White Chocolate Cake combines the sweetness of white chocolate with the freshness of strawberries, creating a cake that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Imagine a moist white chocolate cake with swirls of strawberry puree throughout, topped with a creamy white chocolate frosting and more swirls of strawberries. This cake is perfect for birthdays, special celebrations, or just because you deserve a treat! Let’s dive into the recipe for this impressive dessert.

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What is a Strawberry Swirled White Chocolate Cake?

A Strawberry Swirled White Chocolate Cake is a rich and moist cake made with melted white chocolate and swirled with fresh strawberry puree. The cake itself is a delicate white chocolate-flavored base, and the swirled strawberry adds both visual appeal and bursts of fruity flavor in every bite. Topped with a smooth white chocolate frosting and a strawberry drizzle, this cake is the perfect balance of sweet and fruity. It’s an elegant yet approachable dessert that’s great for any occasion.

Ingredients List for Strawberry Swirled White Chocolate Cake

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Strawberry Swirled White Chocolate Cake:

For the Cake:

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs (at room temperature)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¾ cup whole milk
• 1 cup white chocolate chips (melted and slightly cooled)
• ½ cup strawberry puree (made from fresh or frozen strawberries)

For the White Chocolate Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 3 ½ cups powdered sugar (sifted)
• ½ cup white chocolate chips (melted and slightly cooled)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2-4 tablespoons heavy cream (for desired consistency)

For the Strawberry Drizzle (Optional):

• ½ cup strawberry puree
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Substitutions and Variations

Here are a few substitutions and variations to customize your Strawberry Swirled White Chocolate Cake:

• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make the cake gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute dairy-free butter and use almond or coconut milk instead of whole milk. Use dairy-free white chocolate for both the cake and frosting.
• Lemon Twist: Add 2 teaspoons of lemon zest to the batter for a bright, citrusy twist that pairs beautifully with strawberries.
• Chocolate Swirl: For a chocolate version, use dark or milk chocolate instead of white chocolate in both the cake and frosting, and swirl in raspberry puree instead of strawberry.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s break down how to create this stunning Strawberry Swirled White Chocolate Cake step by step.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Cake Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Melt the White Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler, melt the white chocolate chips. Stir until smooth and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the cake batter.

Step 3: Make the Strawberry Puree

To make the strawberry puree, blend fresh or thawed frozen strawberries in a blender or food processor until smooth. For a smoother texture, strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds. Set aside ½ cup of puree for swirling into the cake batter.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Step 5: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step helps incorporate air into the mixture, giving the cake a light and tender crumb.

Step 6: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 7: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk

With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk in two parts, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 8: Fold in the Melted White Chocolate

Gently fold the cooled, melted white chocolate into the batter. Make sure it is evenly distributed throughout the batter without overmixing.

Step 9: Swirl in the Strawberry Puree

Pour half of the batter into the prepared cake pans. Add spoonfuls of strawberry puree on top, then pour the remaining batter over the puree. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the puree through the batter, creating a marbled effect. Be careful not to over-swirl, as you want distinct ribbons of strawberry throughout the cake.

Step 10: Bake the Cakes

Bake the cakes in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Make the White Chocolate Frosting: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 11: Beat the Butter

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy and smooth, about 2 minutes.

Step 12: Add the Melted White Chocolate

Gradually beat in the melted white chocolate until fully combined and smooth.

Step 13: Add the Powdered Sugar and Vanilla

Slowly add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream, then increase the speed to medium-high and beat for 2-3 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add more heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

Assembling the Strawberry Swirled White Chocolate Cake

Step 14: Frost the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one cake layer on a cake stand or serving plate. Spread a thick layer of white chocolate frosting over the top. Place the second cake layer on top, then frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting. Use an offset spatula to smooth the frosting for a polished look.

Step 15: Add the Strawberry Drizzle (Optional)

For extra flair, you can make a strawberry drizzle by combining the remaining strawberry puree with 2 tablespoons of sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat until the mixture thickens slightly, then allow it to cool. Drizzle the strawberry sauce over the frosted cake for a beautiful finish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Cooling the White Chocolate Enough: Make sure the melted white chocolate is slightly cooled before folding it into the batter or frosting. If it’s too hot, it can cause the batter or frosting to split.
• Over-swirling the Strawberry Puree: When swirling the strawberry puree into the cake batter, be careful not to over-swirl. You want distinct ribbons of strawberry, not a fully pink cake.
• Not Cooling the Cakes Before Frosting: Always ensure the cake layers are completely cool before frosting, or the frosting will melt and become messy.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Your Strawberry Swirled White Chocolate Cake is now ready to serve! Here’s how to present it beautifully and wow your guests.

How to Serve Strawberry Swirled White Chocolate Cake

• Temperature: Serve this cake at room temperature for the best texture. If the cake has been refrigerated, allow it to sit out for 20-30 minutes before serving.
• Portion Size: This cake is rich, so small slices go a long way. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
• Accompaniments: Pair with a glass of chilled white wine or a cup of tea for a light, refreshing accompaniment.

Presentation Ideas for Strawberry Swirled White Chocolate Cake

• Fresh Strawberries: Garnish the top of the cake with halved fresh strawberries for a simple yet elegant look.
• White Chocolate Shavings: Sprinkle white chocolate shavings or curls over the top of the cake for an extra touch of indulgence.
• Floral Decoration: Decorate the cake with edible flowers like pansies or roses to enhance its visual appeal for special occasions.

Strawberry Swirled White Chocolate Cake Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can make the cake layers a day in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature. Frost and assemble the cake the next day for easier preparation.
• Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring the cake to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
• Freezing: You can freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use store-bought strawberry jam instead of making strawberry puree?
A: Yes, you can use store-bought strawberry jam, but try to use a high-quality or homemade jam for the best flavor. Warm the jam slightly to make it easier to swirl into the batter.

Q: Can I use white chocolate bars instead of white chocolate chips?
A: Absolutely! Just chop the white chocolate bars into small pieces and melt them as you would with white chocolate chips.

Q: Why is my cake dry?
A: A dry cake can result from overbaking or using too much flour. Be sure to measure your ingredients correctly and check the cake for doneness a few minutes before the suggested baking time.

Q: How do I keep the strawberries from sinking in the cake?
A: The strawberry puree should naturally swirl through the cake without sinking. However, if you’re using fresh strawberries as chunks, toss them in a little flour before adding them to the batter to prevent sinking.

Conclusion

There you have it—an absolutely stunning and delicious Strawberry Swirled White Chocolate Cake that’s perfect for any occasion. With its delicate white chocolate flavor and bright strawberry swirls, this cake is sure to be a hit at birthdays, parties, or even casual gatherings. The combination of rich white chocolate and fruity strawberries makes for a refreshing and indulgent dessert that’s impossible to resist. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy every bite of this dreamy cake!

Happy baking! 🍓🍰

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