White Chocolate Mocha Cake
White Chocolate Mocha Cake is a decadent dessert that brings together the rich flavors of white chocolate and espresso in every bite. This cake is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests. Its unique combination of sweet and slightly bitter notes, along with its moist texture, makes it an unforgettable treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor: The blend of white chocolate and espresso creates a rich taste that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a cozy afternoon tea, this cake fits right in.
- Easy to Follow: With clear steps and readily available ingredients, baking this cake is simple.
- Versatile: This recipe can easily be adapted into cupcakes or other desserts if you’re looking for variety.
- Impressive Presentation: The layers of white chocolate ganache and espresso cream cheese frosting make for a stunning cake that will wow your guests.

Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect White Chocolate Mocha Cake, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Cake pans (three 8×2 inch)
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: This tool helps achieve the right consistency when beating butter and sugar, which is crucial for the cake’s texture.
- Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows you to separate ingredients easily during preparation.
- Rubber spatula: A rubber spatula ensures all ingredients are incorporated thoroughly without wasting any batter.
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)(I used Ghirardelli Premium Baking Bar and Bakers Premium Baking Bar to test the recipe))
– 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 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 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.
Step 2: Prepare 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 the cake pans to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Melt White Chocolate
Heat the milk in the microwave or on the stove top—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 mixing bowl. Whisk for about 30 seconds to blend well and set aside.
Step 5: Cream Butter and Sugar
In the bowl of your mixer, beat the softened butter until smooth. Slowly add the sugar while beating on medium speed for about 4 to 5 minutes until fluffy.
Step 6: Incorporate Eggs
Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition until fully blended. Then add vanilla extract.
Step 7: Combine Mixtures
With your mixer on low speed, alternately add the flour mixture and milk/chocolate mixture—beginning and ending with flour (3 additions of flour and two of milk mixture). Mix until just combined; avoid over-mixing.
Step 8: Bake
Pour batter 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 cool for about ten minutes in pans before turning out onto wire racks.
This recipe yields approximately six cups of cake batter—perfect for making cupcakes too!
How to Serve White Chocolate Mocha Cake
Serving White Chocolate Mocha Cake can elevate any occasion, from birthdays to casual gatherings. Here are some delightful ways to present this decadent dessert.
Individual Slices
- Each slice can be topped with a dollop of whipped cream for added richness.
- A sprinkle of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings can enhance the visual appeal.
With Fresh Berries
- Pairing slices with fresh strawberries or raspberries adds a refreshing contrast to the sweet flavors.
- Consider drizzling a bit of berry sauce on the plate for an elegant touch.
Alongside Coffee or Espresso
- Serving a slice with a cup of coffee or espresso complements the mocha flavor perfectly.
- Offer flavored syrups for guests to customize their drinks.
As a Layered Dessert
- For an impressive presentation, serve the cake as part of a layered dessert in clear glasses.
- Alternate layers of cake pieces, whipped cream, and chocolate ganache for a stunning visual.
How to Perfect White Chocolate Mocha Cake
Creating the perfect White Chocolate Mocha Cake requires attention to detail. Here are some essential tips.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Choose high-quality white chocolate and real butter for the best flavor and texture.
- Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise ingredient measurements, especially for flour and sugar.
- Cool Ingredients: Ensure milk is warm but not boiling when adding white chocolate; this helps in achieving a smooth mixture.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix only until ingredients are just combined to keep your cake light and fluffy.
- Check Oven Accuracy: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your baking temperature is correct for even baking.
Best Side Dishes for White Chocolate Mocha Cake
Complement your White Chocolate Mocha Cake with these delightful side dishes that enhance its rich flavors.
- Espresso Beans: Crunchy espresso beans offer a bold flavor contrast to the cake’s sweetness.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully, providing a cool balance against the warm cake.
- Chocolate Sauce: A drizzle of rich chocolate sauce adds indulgence and extra sweetness.
- Pecan Pralines: Sweet pecan pralines add a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the soft cake layers.
- Coconut Whipped Cream: Light and airy coconut whipped cream introduces tropical notes that enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Dairy-Free Milkshake: A refreshing dairy-free milkshake can provide a creamy complement without overwhelming the palate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking a White Chocolate Mocha Cake can be delightful, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Skipping the room temperature eggs: Using cold eggs can make your batter uneven. Always allow your eggs to reach room temperature before adding them.
- Not measuring flour accurately: Too much or too little flour can ruin the texture of your cake. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too long can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined for the best results.
- Ignoring the cooling time: Cutting into the cake while it’s still warm can lead to crumbling. Allow it to cool in the pans for at least 10 minutes before turning it out.
- Using ungreased pans: This can cause your cake layers to stick, making them hard to remove. Always grease and flour your pans properly.
- Using boiling milk: Boiling milk can cook the chocolate too fast, ruining its smooth texture. Heat it gently until warm instead.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover White Chocolate Mocha Cake in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing White Chocolate Mocha Cake
- Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating White Chocolate Mocha Cake
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 15-20 seconds or until warm.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat with a lid. Warm each slice for about 5 minutes, checking often.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making a White Chocolate Mocha Cake.
How do I ensure my White Chocolate Mocha Cake is moist?
To keep your cake moist, avoid overbaking it and use fresh ingredients like room temperature eggs and softened butter.
Can I substitute dark chocolate for white chocolate?
While you can substitute dark chocolate, it will change the flavor profile significantly. Stick with white chocolate for this recipe.
What is the best way to frost my White Chocolate Mocha Cake?
Use an offset spatula for smooth frosting application, and consider chilling the cake briefly before frosting it to help with stability.
How long does it take to make a White Chocolate Mocha Cake?
The total time is about 105 minutes, including preparation and baking time, which makes it perfect for special occasions!
Final Thoughts
This White Chocolate Mocha Cake is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding different flavors or toppings according to your preferences. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to impress friends and family!

White Chocolate Mocha Cake
Indulge in the luxurious delight of White Chocolate Mocha Cake, a harmonious blend of sweet white chocolate and bold espresso flavors that creates an unforgettable dessert experience. This decadent cake features layers of moist sponge infused with espresso, elegantly frosted with creamy espresso cream cheese frosting and rich white chocolate ganache. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any gathering where you want to impress your guests, this cake not only tastes divine but also boasts an impressive presentation that will leave everyone in awe. With easy-to-follow instructions and versatile ingredient options, baking this showstopper is a breeze. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this heavenly dessert that promises to satisfy any sweet tooth.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 ounces white baking chocolate
- 2 ½ cups cake flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ sticks unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ⅓ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso or coffee
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ¼ cup boiling water
- 12 oz. White Chocolate
- 6 oz Heavy Cream
- 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- 16 oz packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon espresso granules dissolved in vanilla extract
- 6 to 6 ½ cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour three 8×2 inch cake pans.
- Melt the white chocolate with warm milk until smooth and set aside to cool.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream softened butter and sugar until fluffy; add eggs one at a time followed by vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients alternating with the cooled chocolate mixture until just combined.
- Divide batter among prepared pans and bake for 22-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow cakes to cool before frosting with espresso cream cheese frosting and white chocolate ganache.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (120g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg