*Start this a day before you want to assemble the cake
Place the white chocolate in a heat proof bowl. Set aside.
Pour the heavy whipping cream into a medium size saucepan over medium heat. Heat the cream, stirring frequently until it boils. Stir in the vanilla.
Turn off the heat and let sit for 1 to 2 minutes to cool ever so slightly.
Carefully pour the warm heavy cream over the white chocolate. Allow the mixture to sit for another 1 to 2 minutes before stirring.
With a spatula or whisk, begin to gently stir the mixture starting in the center and then working outward to blend. This helps to create a smooth emulsion and prevents too much air from being incorporated. Too much air means the ganache may split. You can then use a hand mixer or immersion blender to emulsify the white chocolate ganache.
Be sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl, as the white chocolate often settles.
Once the mixture is smooth and cooled a little more, cover the ganache with plastic wrap, making sure to press it gently into the ganache to ensure a film doesn’t form.
Refrigerate the ganache overnight, or at least 6 hours. You won’t be able to whip it if it’s not cold.
Once chilled, pour the ganache into a chilled stainless steel bowl. Using medium-high speed on your mixer, beat the ganache until fluffy and thick. This will take a couple minutes.
Use immediately or cover and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days.