Name: White Chocolate Cherry Cake for Christmas & Winter Parties
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 ounces White baking chocolate (113.5g), chopped; 2 ½ cups Cake flour (285g); 2 ½ teaspoons Baking powder (10g); ½ teaspoon Salt (3g); 1 ½ sticks unsalted butter, slightly softened (170g); 1 ½ cups White sugar (300g); 2 large eggs, room temperature; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (8g); 1 ⅓ cup milk (314g); One 16 oz Jar Maraschino Cherries (for batter, filling, and decoration); 3 sticks unsalted butter, softened (339g); 8 ounces white baking chocolate (227g), chopped; 5 cups powdered sugar (575g); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (4g); 4 tablespoons milk or cream (42g); ½ teaspoon salt (3g), optional; Additional white chocolate bar for curls; 3 maraschino cherries for topping

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If you’re searching for a dessert that dazzles with rich flavors and festive charm, this White Chocolate Cherry Cake for Christmas & Winter Parties is an absolute showstopper. Imagine soft, moist layers infused with luscious white chocolate and little bursts of maraschino cherry juice, all wrapped up in a dreamy white chocolate buttercream frosting. This cake is more than just a pretty face on your holiday table; it’s a delightful combination of creamy sweetness and subtle fruitiness that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re baking for family gatherings or holiday festivities, this cake brings the perfect balance of elegance and homey comfort in every bite.

White Chocolate Cherry Cake for Christmas & Winter Parties - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the ingredient list intimidate you because each component here plays a starring role in creating that moist texture and layered flavor profile you’ll love. These simple, essential ingredients combine to give you the soft crumb, the perfect balance of sweet and tart, and a frosting that’s silky smooth with a whisper of white chocolate indulgence.

White baking chocolate: The heart of this cake’s flavor—use quality bars for a smooth melt and rich taste.
Cake flour: Provides the delicate structure and tenderness needed for a light, fluffy crumb.
Baking powder: Ensures your cake layers rise beautifully for that perfect airy texture.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance flavors.
Unsalted butter: Softened to add moisture and richness without overpowering other flavors.
White sugar: Sweetens the batter while contributing to tenderness.
Eggs: Add structure and help bind everything together.
Vanilla extract: A warm, fragrant note that complements white chocolate wonderfully.
Milk: Adds moisture and helps dissolve the sugar, making the batter silky smooth.
Maraschino cherries: The star fruit element, adding bright pops of color, sweetness, and their famous cherry juice for soaking layers.
Powdered sugar: Essential for that perfectly fluffy, sweet buttercream.

How to Make White Chocolate Cherry Cake for Christmas & Winter Parties

Step 1: Preparing Your Pans and Cherry Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F and greasing three 8×2 inch cake pans, then lightly flouring them. To ensure your layers come out cleanly, place a circle of wax or parchment paper at the bottom of each pan—this little trick works wonders. Next, chop 22 maraschino cherries finely, blotting off excess syrup with a paper towel to prevent soggy pockets in the batter. Reserve extra cherries and their juice for the layering steps; they add juicy bursts that brighten the cake beautifully.

Step 2: Melting White Chocolate into Milk

Heat your milk gently; it should be warm, not boiling. Add finely chopped white baking chocolate and let it sit a few minutes to soften. Stir until smooth and glossy, then let cool. This mixture will infuse your batter with silky white chocolate flavor, creating the moist, tender crumb you’re after.

Step 3: Mixing the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and saltiness, which gives your cake a consistent lift and flavor throughout.

Step 4: Creaming Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat softened butter on medium speed until smooth. Gradually add the white sugar and continue mixing for around 4 to 5 minutes until the mixture lightens in color and becomes fluffy. This step introduces air, helping your cake rise while creating a tender texture.

Step 5: Incorporating Eggs and Vanilla

Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition until fully incorporated. This technique ensures your batter stays smooth and emulsified. Follow with the vanilla extract to deepen the cake’s flavor subtly.

Step 6: Combining Dry Ingredients and White Chocolate Milk

Add the dry flour mixture and white chocolate milk alternately into the wet ingredients, starting and ending with the flour. Be careful not to overmix here; gently fold until just combined to keep the batter light. Finally, fold in your chopped maraschino cherries to distribute their sweetness and texture evenly.

Step 7: Baking Your Cake Layers

Divide your batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 22-25 minutes. Use the toothpick test to check doneness; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before turning them out onto a rack. The result? Moist, fragrant layers ready to be transformed into a holiday masterpiece.

Step 8: Making the White Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

Chop white chocolate finely and place it in a microwave-safe bowl with milk or cream. Microwave in short bursts, stirring gently until melted but not overheated. Beat softened butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar. Stir in the white chocolate mixture and vanilla, beating until creamy and light. If needed, add an extra tablespoon of milk to reach the perfect spreading consistency. This frosting balances sweetness with the gentle white chocolate flavor you crave.

Step 9: Assembling and Decorating Your Cake

Start by placing the first cake layer on your stand or plate. Brush it lightly with reserved cherry juice using a pastry brush—this keeps layers moist and adds that signature cherry boost. Spread a layer of frosting and scatter sliced maraschino cherries on top. Repeat with the next layers, finishing with a crumb coat to lock in crumbs and chilling briefly before the final frosting. Finish by decorating with homemade white chocolate curls and whole cherries for that wow factor.

How to Serve White Chocolate Cherry Cake for Christmas & Winter Parties

Garnishes

For a stunning presentation, adorn the cake with delicate white chocolate curls and a trio of glossy maraschino cherries arranged artfully on top. These little touches not only add texture and visual appeal but also invite your guests into the flavors of the cake. Fresh mint leaves can also add a subtle pop of green to complement the festive vibe.

Side Dishes

Pair your White Chocolate Cherry Cake for Christmas & Winter Parties with simple sides like a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or lightly whipped cream. A cup of hot coffee or spiced tea also balances the sweetness perfectly and enhances the cozy holiday mood.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this cake on a vintage cake stand for an elegant touch or slice it into cupcakes if you prefer individual servings—either way, it’s guaranteed to be a centerpiece. You can also drizzle some melted dark chocolate or sprinkle crushed pistachios on top to add color contrast and another textural dimension that surprises and delights.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and moisture. Wrapped well, the cake will stay delicious for up to 4 days, making it ideal if you want to prep ahead of your festivities.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake layers before frosting by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a sealed freezer bag. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then assemble. The frosting, however, is best made fresh for optimal texture.

Reheating

Cake is best served at room temperature, especially with a buttercream frosting. If refrigerated, remove the cake about 30 minutes before serving to let it soften. Avoid microwaving slices as it can melt the frosting unevenly.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

While frozen cherries can be a substitute, maraschino cherries provide a unique sweetness and juice that’s essential to achieving the classic flavor and moisture of this cake. Using frozen cherries may alter the texture and sweetness.

What if I don’t have cake flour? Can I substitute it?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour by removing 2 tablespoons per cup of flour and replacing it with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Sift them together well to mimic cake flour’s lighter texture, which is important for a tender crumb.

How do I make the white chocolate curls for decoration?

Simply use a vegetable peeler to scrape thin curls from a chilled white chocolate bar. Chill the curls briefly in the freezer to firm them before placing them on the cake so they hold their shape beautifully.

Can I bake this recipe as cupcakes?

Absolutely! The batter makes about 6 cups and works wonderfully for cupcakes. Adjust baking time to about 18–20 minutes and check doneness with a toothpick.

Is it possible to make this cake dairy-free?

This recipe relies heavily on butter and milk for its texture and flavor, so substituting dairy-free alternatives may require experimentation. Using plant-based butters and milk might work, but results could vary significantly from the original.

Final Thoughts

This White Chocolate Cherry Cake for Christmas & Winter Parties is truly a holiday treasure that combines classic flavors with a luscious, festive flair. Baking it yourself is such a rewarding experience because every element—from the cherry juice brushed layers to the silky white chocolate buttercream—feels like a special gift. So next time you want to impress your friends or family with a dessert that’s worthy of celebration, give this recipe a try. It’s sure to become a beloved favorite for many joyful seasons ahead.