Homemade White Forest Cake with Cherries and Whipped Cream

If you love stunning cakes that taste as delightful as they look, then White Forest Cake is the one to try. I recently baked this for a birthday celebration, and it instantly became the centerpiece of the party. With layers of soft vanilla sponge, whipped cream, and juicy cherries, it’s light and indulgent all at once.

Every bite melt in your mouth, combining fluffy cake, airy cream and sweet tart cherries. This cake is perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or just a weekend baking project to impress your friends and family. If you love exploring different cakes, you might also enjoy White Chocolate Raspberry Cake for a fruity, creamy variation that complements the elegance of this dessert.

Why You’ll Love White Forest Cake

What I enjoy most about this cake is how visually appealing it is. Whether it’s displayed at a party or a small family gathering, it instantly grabs attention. The contrasting colors of white sponge, red cherries, and the cream topping create a sophisticated look, making it feel like a bakery-level dessert.

I love making this cake because it’s not only delicious but also rewarding. It gives you that sense of accomplishment when friends and family admire both its taste and appearance. If you’ve tried White Chocolate Honeycomb Cake or other fruit-based layer cakes before, you’ll find this version both familiar and exciting. Every slice gives a perfect balance of flavors that is satisfying and memorable.

Ingredients for White Forest Cake

For the Cake:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 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

For the Cherry Filling:

• 2 cups fresh or canned cherries (pitted)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker syrup)

For the Whipped Cream Frosting:

• 3 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Decoration:

• Fresh cherries
• White chocolate shavings

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper. Proper preparation ensures the cakes release easily after baking and keeps them intact for layering. Taking a few extra minutes to do this properly prevents frustration and guarantees even layers.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl. whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting them together ensures even distribution and a lighter, fluffier sponge. It also helps eliminate any lumps that could affect the texture of the cake.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar together until fluffy and pale. This step incorporates air into the batter, which helps the cake rise beautifully and gives it a tender crumb. The aroma of butter and sugar blending together is one of the best parts of baking.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. The batter should be smooth, glossy, and slightly thick. Properly mixing the eggs ensures that the sponge has the right structure while remaining soft and light.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients alternately with milk, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake dense. The batter should flow smoothly but remain slightly thick, this is key for soft and fluffy cake layers.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Proper cooling prevents the whipped cream from melting when assembling the cake.

Step 7: Prepare the Cherry Filling

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cherries, sugar and lemon juice. Cook until the cherries release their juices. For a thicker syrup, stir in cornstarch dissolved in a little water and cook until thickened. Allow it to cool completely. The cherry filling adds a vibrant color and slightly tart contrast to the sweet cream.

Step 8: Whip the Cream

In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Keep the cream cold until ready to use to ensure a stable frosting that holds its shape while decorating.

Step 9: Assemble the Cake

Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of whipped cream and then a generous amount of cherry filling. Add the second cake layer on top and cover the entire cake with whipped cream. Smooth the sides and top using a spatula. This layered assembly ensures every slice has the perfect combination of sponge, cream, and cherries.

Step 10: Decorate

Top with fresh cherries and white chocolate shavings. For extra elegance, pipe whipped cream along the edges. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld. The decoration makes the cake not just tasty but also visually impressive.

Tips for the Best White Forest Cake

• Use fresh, ripe cherries for maximum flavor.
• Allow cake layers to cool completely before frosting.
• Chill the whipped cream to maintain stability.
• For more depth, lightly brush each layer with cherry syrup.
• Slice carefully with a serrated knife for clean edges.
• Prepare decorations in advance for a polished finish.

FAQs

Q: Can I use canned cherries instead of fresh?
Yes, just drain and lightly cook them to create a syrupy filling.

Q: Can this cake be made ahead of time?
Yes, assemble a day ahead and store in the fridge.

Q: Can I make a dairy-free version?
Yes, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and butter with a plant-based alternative.

Q: How long does it stay fresh?
Properly stored in the fridge, it remains fresh for up to 2 days.

Final Thoughts

White Forest Cake is a show-stopping dessert that’s light, fruity, and elegant. Its soft vanilla sponge, fresh cherries, and airy whipped cream make it perfect for birthdays, parties, or any special occasion. Baking this cake for a gathering not only fills the table with a beautiful centerpiece but also creates delicious memories for everyone who enjoys it.