About this cake

This cake is light and soft. It has white chocolate in the cake and sweet buttercream on the outside. You can make it for a small party or a quiet tea. For another rich cake idea, try the gingerbread cake with caramelised white chocolate buttercream.

why make this recipe

You can make this cake when you want a mild sweet treat. It looks nice for a holiday or a gift. The cranberry orange compote gives a bright taste that pairs well with white chocolate and buttercream. If you like white chocolate and fruit, you may also like a white chocolate blueberry cheesecake.

how to make Fluffy White Chocolate Cake

This plan keeps steps clear and simple. Read all steps before you start. Have all tools and pans ready. If you follow the order here, you will get a soft cake that stays moist. For help with cake texture, you can also read a note on a best double chocolate cake for tips on baking times.

Ingredients

1 cup white chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk

For the buttercream:

1 cup butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For filling and top:

1/4 cup cranberry orange compote
Candied cranberries for decoration

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a heatproof bowl, melt the chopped white chocolate and the 1/2 cup butter together until smooth. Let it cool a bit.
In a bowl, beat the sugar and eggs until light and a bit fluffy. Stir in the cooled chocolate mix and 1 teaspoon vanilla.
In another bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add this dry mix to the wet mix slowly, going in parts. Add the milk in parts too. Mix only until you do not see dry flour.
Divide the batter into the two pans. Bake 25–30 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean. Let cakes cool in the pans 10 minutes, then move to wire racks to cool all the way.
For the buttercream, beat the 1 cup softened butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar a bit at a time and the 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat until light and creamy.
When the cakes are cool, put a layer of buttercream on one cake. Spoon the cranberry orange compote on the buttercream. Put the second cake on top.
Frost the top and sides with the rest of the buttercream. Pipe a small wreath on top and add candied cranberries for a simple look.

Some bakers also use cookies and small sweets for a side treat; see a short cookie idea like the chewy maple cinnamon cookies with white chocolate.

how to serve Fluffy White Chocolate Cake

Cut the cake with a sharp knife. Serve at room temp. One slice with tea or coffee makes a small treat. The compote gives a fresh bite with the sweet cake.

how to store Fluffy White Chocolate Cake

Cover the cake with a cake dome or wrap it tight with plastic wrap. Keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze slices in a sealed bag for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before you serve.

tips to make Fluffy White Chocolate Cake

Use room temp eggs and butter. They mix better.
Do not overmix the batter. Mix just until it comes together.
Melt white chocolate gently over low heat or in short bursts in the microwave.
Cool the cakes fully before you frost them. Warm cake will make the buttercream melt.
For a bright taste, use fresh orange zest in the compote if you can.
For more simple baking ideas, you can read a small guide on a chocolate banana cake double-frosted.

variation (if any)

Swap the cranberry orange compote for raspberry jam for a different tart note.
Add a little lemon zest to the batter for a light citrus hint.
Use white chocolate chips in the batter for small pockets of melt.

FAQs

Q: Can I use white chocolate chips instead of chopped white chocolate?
A: Yes. Chop chips smaller if you want a smooth melt.

Q: Can I make this in one pan?
A: You can. Bake longer and check with a toothpick.

Q: Can I make the cake a day ahead?
A: Yes. Make the cake and keep it wrapped in the fridge. Frost it the day you serve.

Q: Is the buttercream very sweet?
A: It is sweet but the compote cuts some of the sweetness.

Q: Can I use almond milk instead of milk?
A: Yes. Use the same amount.

Conclusion

This cake gives you a soft white chocolate cake with a bright fruit touch. It looks good and tastes light. For more white chocolate cake ideas and a full tested recipe, see White Chocolate Cake – Liv for Cake.