If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as stunning as it is delicious, this Strawberry Swirled White Chocolate Cake is the perfect choice! This cake combines the sweetness of white chocolate with the tart, fruity flavor of fresh strawberries, all swirled together in a soft, moist cake. The beautiful marbled effect and rich flavor make this cake ideal for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion where you want to impress.
Call to Action: Keep reading to discover how to make this gorgeous and flavorful Strawberry Swirled White Chocolate Cake, with easy-to-follow instructions, tips, and presentation ideas to wow your guests!
What is a Strawberry Swirled White Chocolate Cake?
A Strawberry Swirled White Chocolate Cake is a moist, fluffy cake with a rich white chocolate base and a fresh strawberry swirl that creates a beautiful marbled effect. The cake is often finished with a layer of white chocolate ganache or whipped cream frosting, making it an indulgent yet elegant dessert. The sweet white chocolate perfectly balances the tartness of the strawberries, creating a dessert that’s both rich and refreshing.
Ingredients List for Strawberry Swirled White Chocolate Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Strawberry Swirled White Chocolate Cake:
For the White Chocolate Cake:
- All-purpose flour – 2 ¼ cups
- Baking powder – 2 ½ teaspoons
- Salt – ¼ teaspoon
- Unsalted butter – ½ cup (1 stick), softened
- Granulated sugar – 1 ½ cups
- Eggs – 4 large
- Vanilla extract – 2 teaspoons
- Whole milk – 1 cup
- White chocolate – 6 oz, melted and cooled
For the Strawberry Swirl:
- Fresh strawberries – 1 ½ cups, hulled and chopped
- Granulated sugar – 2 tablespoons
- Cornstarch – 1 tablespoon (to thicken the strawberry sauce)
For the White Chocolate Ganache (Optional Topping):
- White chocolate chips – 1 cup
- Heavy cream – ½ cup
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh strawberries – sliced, for garnish
- White chocolate shavings – for garnish
Substitutions and Variations
This Strawberry Swirled White Chocolate Cake is versatile and can be adapted to suit different tastes or dietary needs:
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter and milk, and substitute the white chocolate with a dairy-free version.
- Lemon Twist: Add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the cake batter for a refreshing citrus flavor that pairs beautifully with the strawberries.
- Berry Medley: Replace or combine strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a mixed berry swirl.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: For extra richness, frost the cake with a cream cheese frosting instead of ganache for a tangy complement to the sweet white chocolate.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

How to Make Strawberry Swirled White Chocolate Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these easy steps to bake a stunning Strawberry Swirled White Chocolate Cake!
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Swirl
- Cook the Strawberries:
In a small saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries break down and the mixture thickens into a sauce (about 5-7 minutes). - Blend the Strawberry Sauce:
Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender to puree until smooth. Set aside to cool while you prepare the cake batter.
Step 2: Prepare the White Chocolate Cake
- Preheat the Oven:
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 release. - Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. - Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. - Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. - Melt the White Chocolate:
Melt the white chocolate in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. Let it cool slightly before adding it to the batter. - Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk:
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter. - Stir in the Melted White Chocolate:
Gently fold the cooled white chocolate into the batter until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Swirl in the Strawberry Sauce
- Layer the Batter and Sauce:
Divide the cake batter evenly between the prepared pans. Drop spoonfuls of the strawberry sauce over the top of the cake batter in each pan. - Create the Swirl:
Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the strawberry sauce into the cake batter, creating a marbled effect. Be careful not to over-swirl, as you want distinct swirls of strawberry throughout the cake.
Step 4: Bake the Cakes
- Bake the Cakes:
Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. - Cool the Cakes:
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before assembling.
Step 5: Prepare the White Chocolate Ganache (Optional)
- Heat the Cream:
In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not let it boil. - Melt the White Chocolate:
Place the white chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 2-3 minutes to melt. Stir until the ganache is smooth and glossy. Let the ganache cool slightly before pouring it over the cake.
Step 6: Assemble the Cake
- Layer the Cake:
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. If desired, spread a thin layer of the remaining strawberry sauce (or extra white chocolate ganache) over the top. - Add the Second Cake Layer:
Place the second cake layer on top, pressing down gently to secure. - Pour the Ganache:
Pour the slightly cooled white chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides for a beautiful finish. Alternatively, frost the cake with whipped cream or cream cheese frosting.
Step 7: Garnish the Cake
- Add Fresh Strawberries:
Decorate the top of the cake with sliced fresh strawberries for a bright and colorful garnish. - Add White Chocolate Shavings:
For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle white chocolate shavings or curls over the ganache.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To make sure your Strawberry Swirled White Chocolate Cake turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes:
- Overmixing the Batter:
Overmixing can cause the cake to become dense and tough. Mix the ingredients just until they’re combined for a light and fluffy texture. - Not Cooling the Cakes Completely:
Make sure the cakes are fully cooled before assembling. If the cakes are still warm, the ganache or frosting could melt and slide off. - Over-Swirling the Strawberry Sauce:
Be gentle when swirling the strawberry sauce into the batter. Over-swirl, and you’ll lose the beautiful marbled effect.
Serving and Presentation Tips
This Strawberry Swirled White Chocolate Cake is a stunning dessert, but with a few additional presentation ideas, you can make it even more impressive:
How to Serve Strawberry Swirled White Chocolate Cake
- Slice and Serve Cold or at Room Temperature:
This cake is delicious when served slightly chilled, but it’s also perfect at room temperature. Allow the cake to sit out for 15-20 minutes if it’s been refrigerated. - Serve with Ice Cream or Whipped Cream:
For a more indulgent experience, serve each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
Presentation Ideas for Strawberry Swirled White Chocolate Cake
- Drizzle with Extra Strawberry Sauce:
For a striking presentation, drizzle extra strawberry sauce over the top of the cake or on the plate before serving. - Top with Whole Strawberries:
Decorate the top of the cake with whole strawberries or halved strawberries for a fresh, natural look
.
- Use Edible Flowers:
Garnish the cake with a few edible flowers, such as pansies or violets, to create a stunning, restaurant-worthy presentation.
Strawberry Swirled White Chocolate Cake Recipe Tips
- Make It Ahead:
You can bake the cake layers a day ahead and store them tightly wrapped at room temperature. Assemble the cake with ganache or frosting the day you plan to serve it. - Storage:
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. - Freezing the Cake Layers:
The unfrosted cake layers can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before assembling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make Strawberry Swirled White Chocolate Cake in advance?
Yes! You can bake the cake layers ahead of time and store them tightly wrapped at room temperature. Assemble and frost the cake the day of serving for best results.
2. Can I freeze Strawberry Swirled White Chocolate Cake?
You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months. After baking and cooling, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before assembling and frosting.
3. Can I use store-bought strawberry jam instead of fresh strawberries?
Yes, you can use strawberry jam if you’re short on time. Warm it slightly and swirl it into the cake batter as directed.
4. How can I prevent the white chocolate from seizing?
When melting white chocolate, be sure to melt it slowly over low heat. You can also add a small amount of vegetable oil or shortening to the white chocolate to keep it smooth.
5. How long will the cake stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container, the cake will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Conclusion
The Strawberry Swirled White Chocolate Cake is a perfect dessert for any special occasion, with its moist cake layers, rich white chocolate, and sweet, fruity strawberry swirl. The marbled effect makes it not only delicious but visually stunning, and it’s sure to impress anyone who tries it. Whether you’re making it for a birthday, holiday, or just because, this cake is guaranteed to be a hit. Ready to get baking? Try this beautiful cake today!
PrintStrawberry Swirled White Chocolate Cake Recipe
Strawberry Swirled White Chocolate Cake is a decadent and elegant dessert featuring a moist white chocolate cake with swirls of fresh strawberry sauce throughout. The combination of creamy white chocolate and sweet strawberries creates a stunning cake, perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or whenever you want to impress. This cake is easy to make and brings a delightful mix of flavors that everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the White Chocolate Cake:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup whole milk
- ½ cup white chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
For the Strawberry Swirl:
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
For the White Chocolate Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup white chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, and line the bottoms with parchment paper. - Make the Strawberry Swirl:
In a small saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries break down and form a sauce (about 5-7 minutes). If desired, stir in cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly. - Make the White Chocolate Cake:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and melted white chocolate. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined. - Layer the Cake and Strawberry Swirl:
Divide the cake batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Spoon dollops of the strawberry sauce onto the batter in each pan. Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the sauce into the batter, creating a marbled effect. - Bake the Cake:
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. - Make the White Chocolate Frosting:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and melted white chocolate, mixing on low speed until combined. Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt, then beat on high speed until the frosting is light and fluffy. - Assemble the Cake:
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting over the top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake. Optionally, drizzle leftover strawberry sauce on top for decoration. - Serve:
Slice and enjoy your Strawberry Swirled White Chocolate Cake. Garnish with fresh strawberries for an extra touch.
Notes
- If fresh strawberries aren’t available, frozen strawberries can be used for the swirl.
- For a more intense white chocolate flavor, add white chocolate shavings on top of the frosted cake.
- The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 50g
- Sodium: 230mg
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