White Chocolate Mocha Cake

Name: White Chocolate Mocha Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 ounces white baking chocolate; 2 1/2 cups cake flour; 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter; 1 1/2 cups white sugar; 2 large eggs; 1/3 cup milk; 12 ounces white chocolate (for ganache); 16 ounces cream cheese

Published: August 23, 2025

by Olivia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irresistible Flavor: The combination of white chocolate and espresso creates a rich and decadent taste that coffee lovers will adore.
Showstopper Dessert: Perfect for special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries, this cake is sure to wow your guests.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a layered cake or turn it into cupcakes for easy serving at parties.
Easy to Follow Instructions: With clear steps, even beginner bakers can create this impressive dessert without stress.
Customizable Recipe: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or add flavors like vanilla or almond to match your preferences.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delightful White Chocolate Mocha Cake, you’ll need some essential tools. Proper preparation makes the baking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixer
Three 8-inch round cake pans
Parchment paper or wax paper
Mixing bowls
Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

Mixer: Ensures that ingredients are mixed thoroughly for a light and fluffy cake texture.
Cake Pans: The right size pans help achieve even baking and perfect layer heights.
Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes it easy to remove the baked cakes from the pans.

Ingredients

White chocolate layers are brushed with espresso, filled with white chocolate ganache, and frosted with espresso cream cheese frosting in this incredible dessert!

Ingredients:
– 4 ounces white baking chocolate (113.5g)
– 2 1/2 cups cake flour (285g) See notes for substitution
– 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder (10g)
– 1/2 teaspoon salt (3g)
– 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, softened (170g) Should be soft enough to dent when pressed.
– 1 1/2 cups white sugar (300g)
– 2 large eggs, room temperature (if in a hurry you can warm the eggs in a bowl of hot (not boiling) water for 5 minutes)
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (8g)
– 1 1/3 cup milk (314g)
– 1 Tablespoon instant espresso or 1 Tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons instant coffee (4g)
– 1 Tablespoons granulated sugar (12g)
– 1/4 cup boiling water (60g)
– 12 oz. White Chocolate (We actually used 11 oz as that was the size of our bag of white chocolate chips and it still worked great.)
– 6 oz Heavy Cream
– 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened (226g)
– 16 oz packages cream cheese, softened (We used two 8 oz packages, full fat)
– 1 Tablespoon espresso granules dissolved in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (6g)
– 6 to 6 1/2 cups powdered sugar (690g-747g)

How to Make White Chocolate Mocha Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F. This ensures that your cakes bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Cake Pans

Grease and flour three 8×2 inch pans. For this recipe, you will need to add a circle of wax paper or parchment paper to the bottom of each pan to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Melt White Chocolate

Heat the milk in the microwave or on the stovetop; do not let it boil. Add the white chocolate cut into very small pieces. Let it sit for a couple of minutes to soften, then stir until melted and smooth. Allow this mixture to cool down before using.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Whisk together for about 30 seconds to blend them well; then set aside.

Step 5: Cream Butter and Sugar

In your mixer bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the sugar while beating on medium speed for about 4 to 5 minutes until light and fluffy.

Step 6: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition until fully incorporated. Then mix in the vanilla extract.

Step 7: Combine Mixtures

With your mixer on low speed, alternately add the flour mixture and the milk/chocolate mixture—start and end with flour. Mix until just combined; be careful not to over-mix.

Step 8: Bake Cakes

Pour batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake at 325 degrees F for about 22–25 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Let cakes cool in pans for about 10 minutes before turning them out onto wire racks.

This White Chocolate Mocha Cake is now ready! Enjoy every slice of this rich dessert perfect for any occasion!

How to Serve White Chocolate Mocha Cake

Serving your White Chocolate Mocha Cake can elevate its taste and presentation. Here are some delightful ideas to enjoy this decadent dessert.

For Coffee Lovers

Espresso Shot – Pair each slice with a shot of hot espresso for an extra caffeine kick.
Coffee Ice Cream – A scoop of coffee ice cream on the side enhances the mocha flavor.

With Fresh Fruits

Berries Medley – Serve with a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a fresh contrast.
Sliced Bananas – Add sliced bananas to provide a creamy texture that complements the cake.

Garnishing Options

Whipped Cream – Top each slice with homemade whipped cream for added richness.
Chocolate Shavings – Sprinkle chocolate shavings on top for an elegant touch.

How to Perfect White Chocolate Mocha Cake

To create the perfect White Chocolate Mocha Cake, follow these tips to ensure your dessert turns out beautifully every time.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
Do Not Overmix – Mix just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
Sift Dry Ingredients – Sifting helps eliminate lumps and ensures even distribution of baking powder and salt.
Check Oven Temperature – Use an oven thermometer to confirm accurate baking temperatures for consistent results.

Best Side Dishes for White Chocolate Mocha Cake

When serving White Chocolate Mocha Cake, consider these side dishes that complement its rich flavors perfectly.

Vanilla Ice Cream – A classic pairing that balances sweetness with creamy texture.
Caramel Sauce – Drizzle warm caramel over the cake for an indulgent treat.
Chocolate Fondue – Dip pieces of cake into warm chocolate for a fun interactive dessert experience.
Nutty Biscotti – Serve crunchy biscotti on the side for added texture and flavor contrast.
Coconut Macaroons – These chewy treats add a tropical twist alongside the mocha flavors.
Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad provides freshness and balances the richness of the cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a White Chocolate Mocha Cake can be a delightful experience, but some common mistakes might hinder your success.

Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using improper measurements can alter the cake’s texture and flavor. Always use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for precise results.
Skipping the room temperature ingredients: Ingredients such as butter and eggs should be at room temperature for better mixing and texture. Take them out ahead of time to avoid dense cake layers.
Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined to keep your cake light and fluffy.
Not checking doneness: Relying solely on baking time can be misleading. Use a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached.
Ignoring cooling time: Allow the cake layers to cool properly before frosting. This prevents melting your frosting and ensures better adherence.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Keep layers separated with parchment paper if stacked.

Freezing White Chocolate Mocha Cake

Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil.
Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating White Chocolate Mocha Cake

Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
Microwave: Heat a slice on medium power for 20-30 seconds, watching closely.
Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet on low heat, cover, and warm until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the White Chocolate Mocha Cake that might help clarify your baking journey.

Can I use white chocolate chips instead of baking chocolate?

Yes, white chocolate chips can be used in place of baking chocolate. Just ensure they are melted well before adding them to your batter.

How do I know when my White Chocolate Mocha Cake is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, your cake is done!

Can I customize this recipe?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, fruits, or substitute different flavored extracts to create your own twist on this classic recipe.

What should I serve with White Chocolate Mocha Cake?

This cake pairs wonderfully with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!

Final Thoughts

The White Chocolate Mocha Cake is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with various flavors or toppings to suit your taste. It’s an impressive dessert perfect for special occasions or cozy gatherings. Give it a try, and you’ll surely delight friends and family alike!

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