White chocolate cake

If you’re celebrating a special occasion, this layer cake makes a great centrepiece. It’s topped with silky white chocolate ganache and fresh raspberries

Prep:50 mins
Cook:35 mins
plus cooling and chilling

More effort

Nutrition per serving

kcal 501
fat 31g
saturates 19g
carbs 48g
sugars 0g
fibre 1g
protein 7g
salt 0.67g

Ingredients

300g butter, softened, plus extra for the tins
300g caster sugar
5 large eggs, beaten
1 tsp vanilla bean paste
1 tsp baking powder
300g self-raising flour
100g white chocolate, finely chopped
350g fresh raspberries, halved
450g white chocolate, finely chopped
200ml double cream
1 tbsp vanilla paste

Method

Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Butter three 18cm sandwich cake tins and line with baking parchment. Beat together the butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, baking powder and flour using a stand mixer or electric hand whisk until you have a fluffy mixture, about 5 mins. Fold in the white chocolate until it’s well distributed throughout.
Divide the mixture evenly between the tins and level out using a palette knife or the back of a spoon until smooth. Bake for 25-30 mins until a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean. Remove from the oven and leave the sponges to cool in the tins for 10 mins, then remove from the tins and transfer to a cooling rack, top side down, and leave to cool completely. If the sponges are not level use a serrated knife to cut away the peaks.
While the sponges are cooling, make the ganache. Put the white chocolate in a large bowl. Pour the cream into a saucepan over a medium heat and bring to a simmer. Immediately pour the cream over the chocolate and leave to stand for 4-5 mins until the chocolate has melted. Mix together to form a smooth ganache, ensuring all the chocolate has fully melted, then mix in the vanilla. Chill in the fridge for 30 mins, stirring occasionally so it doesn't completely harden, until spreadable and thick enough to coat the cake.
Once the sponges are cool and the ganache has set to a spreadable consistency, you can construct the cake. Place one sponge on a serving plate, spread over a thin layer of the chocolate ganache, then fill the middle with a third of the raspberries. Place another sponge on top and repeat with a layer of ganache and another third of raspberries. Put the final sponge on top and gently coat the whole cake with a thin layer of ganache. Leave in the fridge to set for at least 20 mins. To finish, spread over any remaining ganache and top with the remaining raspberries. Will keep chilled for up to three days in an airtight container.

Suggested recipes from this collection...

POST-ID:26858 array(27) { [0]=> object(WP_Term)#12738 (11) { ["term_id"]=> int(133) ["name"]=> string(11) "A cut above" ["slug"]=> string(11) "a-cut-above" ["term_group"]=> int(0) ["term_taxonomy_id"]=> int(133) ["taxonomy"]=> string(15) "bbc_collections" ["description"]=> string(145) "Take some care and attention when cooking with meat- whether slow-roasting a joint or flash frying a steak. Check out our favourite meat recipes." ["parent"]=> int(0) ["count"]=> int(78) ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" ["term_order"]=> string(1) "0" } [1]=> object(WP_Term)#12739 (11) { ["term_id"]=> int(1103) ["name"]=> string(13) "Afternoon Tea" ["slug"]=> string(13) "afternoon-tea" ["term_group"]=> int(0) ["term_taxonomy_id"]=> int(1103) ["taxonomy"]=> string(15) "bbc_collections" ["description"]=> string(0) "" ["parent"]=> int(0) ["count"]=> int(103) ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" ["term_order"]=> string(1) "0" } [2]=> object(WP_Term)#12740 (11) { ["term_id"]=> int(35) ["name"]=> string(21) "Afternoon tea recipes" ["slug"]=> string(21) "afternoon-tea-recipes" ["term_group"]=> int(0) ["term_taxonomy_id"]=> int(35) ["taxonomy"]=> string(15) "bbc_collections" ["description"]=> string(0) "" ["parent"]=> int(0) ["count"]=> int(88) ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" ["term_order"]=> string(1) "0" } [3]=> object(WP_Term)#12741 (11) { ["term_id"]=> int(118) ["name"]=> string(16) "All-time classic" ["slug"]=> string(16) "all-time-classic" ["term_group"]=> int(0) ["term_taxonomy_id"]=> int(118) ["taxonomy"]=> string(15) "bbc_collections" ["description"]=> string(72) "Our selection of cheesecake recipes that will surely sate your appetite." ["parent"]=> int(0) ["count"]=> int(76) ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" ["term_order"]=> string(1) "0" } [4]=> object(WP_Term)#12742 (11) { ["term_id"]=> int(371) ["name"]=> string(14) "Baking recipes" ["slug"]=> string(6) "baking" ["term_group"]=> int(0) ["term_taxonomy_id"]=> int(371) ["taxonomy"]=> string(15) "bbc_collections" ["description"]=> string(37) "All our favourite bakes in one place." ["parent"]=> int(0) ["count"]=> int(136) ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" ["term_order"]=> string(1) "0" } [5]=> object(WP_Term)#12743 (11) { ["term_id"]=> int(351) ["name"]=> string(12) "Bank Holiday" ["slug"]=> string(12) "bank-holiday" ["term_group"]=> int(0) ["term_taxonomy_id"]=> int(351) ["taxonomy"]=> string(15) "bbc_collections" ["description"]=> string(43) "Light and lazy dishes, for feeding a crowd." ["parent"]=> int(0) ["count"]=> int(40) ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" ["term_order"]=> string(1) "0" } [6]=> object(WP_Term)#12744 (11) { ["term_id"]=> int(55) ["name"]=> string(16) "Berry brilliant!" ["slug"]=> string(20) "blackcurrant-recipes" ["term_group"]=> int(0) ["term_taxonomy_id"]=> int(55) ["taxonomy"]=> string(15) "bbc_collections" ["description"]=> string(0) "" ["parent"]=> int(0) ["count"]=> int(10) ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" ["term_order"]=> string(1) "0" } [7]=> object(WP_Term)#12745 (11) { ["term_id"]=> int(901) ["name"]=> string(8) "Birthday" ["slug"]=> string(8) "birthday" ["term_group"]=> int(0) ["term_taxonomy_id"]=> int(901) ["taxonomy"]=> string(15) "bbc_collections" ["description"]=> string(0) "" ["parent"]=> int(0) ["count"]=> int(9) ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" ["term_order"]=> string(1) "0" } [8]=> object(WP_Term)#12746 (11) { ["term_id"]=> int(372) ["name"]=> string(13) "Birthday cake" ["slug"]=> string(13) "birthday-cake" ["term_group"]=> int(0) ["term_taxonomy_id"]=> int(372) ["taxonomy"]=> string(15) "bbc_collections" ["description"]=> string(59) "Celebrate a birthday by baking one of our stunning cakes..." ["parent"]=> int(0) ["count"]=> int(44) ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" ["term_order"]=> string(1) "0" } [9]=> object(WP_Term)#12747 (11) { ["term_id"]=> int(376) ["name"]=> string(9) "Cake sale" ["slug"]=> string(9) "cake-sale" ["term_group"]=> int(0) ["term_taxonomy_id"]=> int(376) ["taxonomy"]=> string(15) "bbc_collections" ["description"]=> string(56) "Tempting treats to get the charity donations rolling in." ["parent"]=> int(0) ["count"]=> int(50) ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" ["term_order"]=> string(1) "0" } [10]=> object(WP_Term)#12748 (11) { ["term_id"]=> int(902) ["name"]=> string(11) "Celebration" ["slug"]=> string(11) "celebration" ["term_group"]=> int(0) ["term_taxonomy_id"]=> int(902) ["taxonomy"]=> string(15) "bbc_collections" ["description"]=> string(0) "" ["parent"]=> int(0) ["count"]=> int(48) ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" ["term_order"]=> string(1) "0" } [11]=> object(WP_Term)#12749 (11) { ["term_id"]=> int(378) ["name"]=> string(16) "Celebration cake" ["slug"]=> string(16) "celebration-cake" ["term_group"]=> int(0) ["term_taxonomy_id"]=> int(378) ["taxonomy"]=> string(15) "bbc_collections" ["description"]=> string(34) "Show-stopping cakes for occasions." ["parent"]=> int(0) ["count"]=> int(62) ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" ["term_order"]=> string(1) "0" } [12]=> object(WP_Term)#12750 (11) { ["term_id"]=> int(96) ["name"]=> string(27) "Celebration cakes and bakes" ["slug"]=> string(17) "celebration-cakes" ["term_group"]=> int(0) ["term_taxonomy_id"]=> int(96) ["taxonomy"]=> string(15) "bbc_collections" ["description"]=> string(160) "The festive season is still in full swing! If you’re just starting to think about your New Year’s Eve menu, add a show-stopping dessert to the list." ["parent"]=> int(0) ["count"]=> int(56) ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" ["term_order"]=> string(1) "0" } [13]=> object(WP_Term)#12751 (11) { ["term_id"]=> int(406) ["name"]=> string(9) "Chocolate" ["slug"]=> string(9) "chocolate" ["term_group"]=> int(0) ["term_taxonomy_id"]=> int(406) ["taxonomy"]=> string(15) "bbc_collections" ["description"]=> string(0) "" ["parent"]=> int(0) ["count"]=> int(262) ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" ["term_order"]=> string(1) "0" } [14]=> object(WP_Term)#12752 (11) { ["term_id"]=> int(380) ["name"]=> string(16) "Chocolate baking" ["slug"]=> string(16) "chocolate-baking" ["term_group"]=> int(0) ["term_taxonomy_id"]=> int(380) ["taxonomy"]=> string(15) "bbc_collections" ["description"]=> string(37) "Biscuits, brownies, fondants and pies" ["parent"]=> int(0) ["count"]=> int(78) ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" ["term_order"]=> string(1) "0" } [15]=> object(WP_Term)#12753 (11) { ["term_id"]=> int(381) ["name"]=> string(14) "Chocolate cake" ["slug"]=> string(14) "chocolate-cake" ["term_group"]=> int(0) ["term_taxonomy_id"]=> int(381) ["taxonomy"]=> string(15) "bbc_collections" ["description"]=> string(31) "Irresistibly chocolatey treats." ["parent"]=> int(0) ["count"]=> int(65) ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" ["term_order"]=> string(1) "0" } [16]=> object(WP_Term)#12754 (11) { ["term_id"]=> int(357) ["name"]=> string(17) "Chocolate dessert" ["slug"]=> string(17) "chocolate-dessert" ["term_group"]=> int(0) ["term_taxonomy_id"]=> int(357) ["taxonomy"]=> string(15) "bbc_collections" ["description"]=> string(72) "Celebrate all things cocoa with our tart, cake, pudding and pie recipes." ["parent"]=> int(0) ["count"]=> int(76) ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" ["term_order"]=> string(1) "0" } [17]=> object(WP_Term)#12755 (11) { ["term_id"]=> int(91) ["name"]=> string(16) "Christmas baking" ["slug"]=> string(16) "christmas-baking" ["term_group"]=> int(0) ["term_taxonomy_id"]=> int(91) ["taxonomy"]=> string(15) "bbc_collections" ["description"]=> string(152) "Crumbly mince pies, iced cakes and traditional festive breads like stollen and panettone – find all your favourite Christmas cakes and bakes here." ["parent"]=> int(0) ["count"]=> int(123) ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" ["term_order"]=> string(1) "0" } [18]=> object(WP_Term)#12756 (11) { ["term_id"]=> int(2) ["name"]=> string(12) "Classic cake" ["slug"]=> string(12) "classic-cake" ["term_group"]=> int(0) ["term_taxonomy_id"]=> int(2) ["taxonomy"]=> string(15) "bbc_collections" ["description"]=> string(82) "Old favourites and traditional bakes- take your pick from our timeless collection." ["parent"]=> int(0) ["count"]=> int(69) ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" ["term_order"]=> string(1) "0" } [19]=> object(WP_Term)#11951 (11) { ["term_id"]=> int(895) ["name"]=> string(12) "Dinner party" ["slug"]=> string(12) "dinner-party" ["term_group"]=> int(0) ["term_taxonomy_id"]=> int(895) ["taxonomy"]=> string(15) "bbc_collections" ["description"]=> string(0) "" ["parent"]=> int(0) ["count"]=> int(162) ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" ["term_order"]=> string(1) "0" } [20]=> object(WP_Term)#11952 (11) { ["term_id"]=> int(367) ["name"]=> string(13) "Easter baking" ["slug"]=> string(13) "easter-baking" ["term_group"]=> int(0) ["term_taxonomy_id"]=> int(367) ["taxonomy"]=> string(15) "bbc_collections" ["description"]=> string(33) "Sugar, spice and all things nice." ["parent"]=> int(0) ["count"]=> int(63) ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" ["term_order"]=> string(1) "0" } [21]=> object(WP_Term)#11953 (11) { ["term_id"]=> int(32) ["name"]=> string(17) "Easy entertaining" ["slug"]=> string(17) "easy-entertaining" ["term_group"]=> int(0) ["term_taxonomy_id"]=> int(32) ["taxonomy"]=> string(15) "bbc_collections" ["description"]=> string(0) "" ["parent"]=> int(0) ["count"]=> int(219) ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" ["term_order"]=> string(1) "0" } [22]=> object(WP_Term)#11956 (11) { ["term_id"]=> int(241) ["name"]=> string(20) "Festive cake recipes" ["slug"]=> string(12) "festive-cake" ["term_group"]=> int(0) ["term_taxonomy_id"]=> int(241) ["taxonomy"]=> string(15) "bbc_collections" ["description"]=> string(25) "Festive and fruity cakes." ["parent"]=> int(0) ["count"]=> int(59) ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" ["term_order"]=> string(1) "0" } [23]=> object(WP_Term)#11975 (11) { ["term_id"]=> int(242) ["name"]=> string(23) "Festive dessert recipes" ["slug"]=> string(15) "festive-dessert" ["term_group"]=> int(0) ["term_taxonomy_id"]=> int(242) ["taxonomy"]=> string(15) "bbc_collections" ["description"]=> string(160) "Try our selection of traditional and alternative sweet treats for the festive season. We've got Christmas pudding, mince pies, trifle, cheesecake and more." ["parent"]=> int(0) ["count"]=> int(103) ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" ["term_order"]=> string(1) "0" } [24]=> object(WP_Term)#11991 (11) { ["term_id"]=> int(45) ["name"]=> string(5) "Fruit" ["slug"]=> string(5) "fruit" ["term_group"]=> int(0) ["term_taxonomy_id"]=> int(45) ["taxonomy"]=> string(15) "bbc_collections" ["description"]=> string(0) "" ["parent"]=> int(0) ["count"]=> int(64) ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" ["term_order"]=> string(1) "0" } [25]=> object(WP_Term)#11760 (11) { ["term_id"]=> int(389) ["name"]=> string(11) "Fruity cake" ["slug"]=> string(11) "fruity-cake" ["term_group"]=> int(0) ["term_taxonomy_id"]=> int(389) ["taxonomy"]=> string(15) "bbc_collections" ["description"]=> string(36) "Cakes bursting with fruity flavours." ["parent"]=> int(0) ["count"]=> int(48) ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" ["term_order"]=> string(1) "0" } [26]=> object(WP_Term)#12736 (11) { ["term_id"]=> int(12534) ["name"]=> string(16) "Ramadan desserts" ["slug"]=> string(16) "ramadan-desserts" ["term_group"]=> int(0) ["term_taxonomy_id"]=> int(12534) ["taxonomy"]=> string(15) "bbc_collections" ["description"]=> string(0) "" ["parent"]=> int(0) ["count"]=> int(34) ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" ["term_order"]=> string(1) "0" } }