The Snowy Bavarian Bliss Cake is a dreamy dessert that brings together layers of light, fluffy vanilla cake, rich Bavarian cream, and a delicate dusting of powdered sugar—like fresh snow on a winter’s day. Topped with a snowy white whipped frosting and optional coconut flakes for extra texture, this cake is a showstopper for holidays, birthdays, or anytime you crave something elegant and sweet.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Elegant & Light – A soft vanilla cake filled with creamy custard that melts in your mouth.
Winter-Inspired – The powdered sugar “snow” and coconut flakes evoke a beautiful winter scene.
Great for Celebrations – Looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to make.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble a day in advance for stress-free serving.
Versatile – Add fruits, change flavors, or customize the look for any season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Vanilla Cake Layers:
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk (room temperature)
For the Bavarian Cream Filling:
• 2 cups whole milk
• 4 egg yolks
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp unflavored gelatin
• ¼ cup cold water
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream (whipped to stiff peaks)
For the Whipped Frosting:
• 2 cups heavy cream
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Garnish:
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)
• Sweetened shredded coconut (optional)
• White chocolate curls or snowflake sprinkles (optional)
Tools You’ll Need
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Two 9-inch round cake pans
• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Fine mesh sieve
• Cake spatula
• Cooling rack
• Serrated knife or cake leveler
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Cake Layers
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment circles.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined.
Divide batter evenly between the pans and smooth the tops.
Bake for 25–28 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Bavarian Cream Filling
Sprinkle the gelatin over cold water in a small bowl. Let it bloom for 5 minutes.
In a saucepan, whisk together milk, egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened (about 8–10 minutes).
Remove from heat and whisk in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved.
Stir in vanilla extract. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then fold in whipped cream gently.
Chill the Bavarian cream in the fridge for at least 1 hour until it firms up slightly but is still spreadable.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
Level the cooled cake layers with a serrated knife if needed.
Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake board.
Spread a generous amount of chilled Bavarian cream over the top.
Place the second cake layer on top and press gently.
Chill the cake for 30 minutes to set the filling before frosting.
Step 4: Make the Whipped Frosting
Beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
Frost the top and sides of the chilled cake with the whipped cream frosting using a spatula for a fluffy, snow-like finish.
Step 5: Garnish
Dust the top generously with powdered sugar to mimic snowfall.
Sprinkle with shredded coconut and decorate with white chocolate curls or snowflake sprinkles if desired.
Tips for a Perfect Snowy Bavarian Bliss Cake
Use Room Temp Ingredients – Ensures a smooth batter and better cake rise.
Don’t Overmix – Mix cake batter just until combined to keep the texture tender.
Chill Before Frosting – A chilled cake is easier to frost and keeps the cream stable.
Whip Cream Right – Use cold cream and equipment for perfect whipped peaks.
Let It Set – For clean slices, refrigerate the finished cake for at least 1 hour before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Winter Holidays – A stunning centerpiece for Christmas or New Year’s tables.
With Fresh Berries – Add a handful of raspberries or sugared cranberries on top.
Afternoon Tea – Serve small slices with tea or hot chocolate.
Birthday Alternative – Elegant enough to replace traditional birthday cakes.
Mini Versions – Bake in smaller pans or jars for individual servings.
How to Store & Freeze
Storing:
Refrigerate: Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Keep cold due to the whipped cream and Bavarian filling.
Freezing:
Freeze Unfrosted Layers: Wrap cooled cake layers tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Do Not Freeze Cream – The Bavarian cream and whipped frosting won’t hold texture after thawing.
Reheating:
Not needed—this cake is best served cold or at room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a cake mix instead of homemade cake?
Yes, a good-quality white or vanilla boxed cake mix can be used in a pinch.
2. What’s the difference between pastry cream and Bavarian cream?
Bavarian cream is lighter and airier because it includes whipped cream and gelatin for stability.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free butter, coconut cream, and plant-based milk, but note texture changes may occur.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the cake a day in advance and refrigerate. Garnish with powdered sugar just before serving.
5. What’s a good topping alternative to coconut?
Try white chocolate shavings, pearl sprinkles, or fresh mint leaves dusted with sugar.
Final Thoughts
The Snowy Bavarian Bliss Cake is a true winter wonder—a light, elegant dessert with layers of soft vanilla cake and cloud-like Bavarian cream. Its snowy white appearance makes it perfect for festive occasions, while the flavor and texture make every bite a delight. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or celebrating a cozy evening in, this cake brings magic to the table.
Give it a try and let it become a seasonal tradition. Don’t forget to share your cake photos and leave a review—I’d love to hear how it turns out for you!
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Chilling Time: 2 hours
Cuisine: European-inspired
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 390 | Protein: 6g | Carbohydrates: 42g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 180mg
Snowy Bavarian Bliss Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour
Description
The Snowy Bavarian Bliss Cake is a dreamy dessert that brings together layers of light, fluffy vanilla cake, rich Bavarian cream, and a delicate dusting of powdered sugar—like fresh snow on a winter’s day. Topped with a snowy white whipped frosting and optional coconut flakes for extra texture, this cake is a showstopper for holidays, birthdays, or anytime you crave something elegant and sweet.
Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest baking delights and dessert ideas you’ll fall in love with.
Ingredients
For the Vanilla Cake Layers:
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk (room temperature)
For the Bavarian Cream Filling:
• 2 cups whole milk
• 4 egg yolks
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp unflavored gelatin
• ¼ cup cold water
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream (whipped to stiff peaks)
For the Whipped Frosting:
• 2 cups heavy cream
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Garnish:
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)
• Sweetened shredded coconut (optional)
• White chocolate curls or snowflake sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Cake Layers
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment circles.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined.
Divide batter evenly between the pans and smooth the tops.
Bake for 25–28 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Bavarian Cream Filling
Sprinkle the gelatin over cold water in a small bowl. Let it bloom for 5 minutes.
In a saucepan, whisk together milk, egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened (about 8–10 minutes).
Remove from heat and whisk in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved.
Stir in vanilla extract. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then fold in whipped cream gently.
Chill the Bavarian cream in the fridge for at least 1 hour until it firms up slightly but is still spreadable.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
Level the cooled cake layers with a serrated knife if needed.
Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake board.
Spread a generous amount of chilled Bavarian cream over the top.
Place the second cake layer on top and press gently.
Chill the cake for 30 minutes to set the filling before frosting.
Step 4: Make the Whipped Frosting
Beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
Frost the top and sides of the chilled cake with the whipped cream frosting using a spatula for a fluffy, snow-like finish.
Step 5: Garnish
Dust the top generously with powdered sugar to mimic snowfall.
Sprinkle with shredded coconut and decorate with white chocolate curls or snowflake sprinkles if desired.
Notes
Use Room Temp Ingredients – Ensures a smooth batter and better cake rise.
Don’t Overmix – Mix cake batter just until combined to keep the texture tender.
Chill Before Frosting – A chilled cake is easier to frost and keeps the cream stable.
Whip Cream Right – Use cold cream and equipment for perfect whipped peaks.
Let It Set – For clean slices, refrigerate the finished cake for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine: European-inspired
