If you are searching for a dessert that’s as impressive in flavor as it is in presentation, this Chantilly Cake Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine layers of tender, buttery cake paired with a luxuriously light and creamy Chantilly frosting that perfectly balances sweetness with a subtle tang from mascarpone and cream cheese. Topped with a vibrant array of fresh berries, this cake delivers a burst of freshness and jewel-like color in every bite. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something that feels indulgent yet refined, this recipe promises a dessert experience you’ll want to recreate over and over again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients sets the stage for your Chantilly Cake Recipe. Each item plays a crucial role, contributing to the cake’s moist texture, creamy frosting, or the delightful fruity topping that makes this dessert truly sing.
- All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups): The foundation for a tender cake crumb.
- Cornstarch (3 tablespoons): Helps lighten the flour’s structure for a softer texture.
- Baking powder (2 ½ teaspoons): The leavening agent that ensures a nice rise.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Adds richness and moisture.
- Granulated sugar (2 cups): Sweetens and helps create a tender crumb.
- Large eggs (4): Bind the ingredients and provide structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons): Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
- Whole milk (1 cup): Keeps the cake moist and tender.
- Sour cream (¼ cup): Adds subtle tang and enhances moisture.
- Water (½ cup): Used in the frosting for optimal consistency.
- Granulated sugar for frosting (½ cup): Sweetens the Chantilly cream perfectly.
- Mascarpone cheese (12 ounces, cold): Gives richness and a creamy texture to the frosting.
- Cream cheese (12 ounces, softened): Adds a silky tang and stabilizes the frosting.
- Powdered sugar (2 ¼ cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting nicely.
- Heavy whipping cream (3 cups, cold): The star ingredient of the Chantilly cream, whipped to fluffy perfection.
- Fresh berries (2 cups strawberries, 1 cup raspberries, 1 cup blueberries, plus extra for decoration): Provide a burst of color, tartness, and freshness that brighten the whole cake.
How to Make Chantilly Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Preheat Oven
Start by setting your oven to 325°F and greasing two 8-inch cake pans, then line them with parchment paper to ensure your cakes come out cleanly and keep their perfect shape.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
Sift together the all-purpose flour and cornstarch to aerate the mixture, then whisk in baking powder and salt. This creates the key dry blend that will give your cake its light and delicate crumb.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a stand or handheld mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the texture turns pale and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step traps air, which helps your cake rise beautifully and have a tender crumb.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract, infusing the batter with a lovely warm aroma that signals something special is baking.
Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Liquids
Gradually mix in the flour mixture alternated with the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Finally, stir in the sour cream just until combined for extra moisture and a slightly tangy depth.
Step 6: Bake the Cake Layers
Divide the batter evenly between your prepared cake pans and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know the cakes are ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, revealing a perfectly cooked crumb.
Step 7: Cool and Chill
Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them onto wire racks to cool completely. Once cool, wrap them in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes to firm up, making them easier to slice and assemble.
Step 8: Make the Chantilly Frosting
In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. In a separate bowl, beat together mascarpone cheese, cream cheese, powdered sugar, granulated sugar, water, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold the whipped cream into this mixture until light and airy, creating the iconic Chantilly cream that’s both silky and stable.
Step 9: Assemble the Cake
Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread a generous layer of Chantilly cream on top, and sprinkle a mix of sliced strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. Repeat with the second cake layer and finish by covering the entire cake with the remaining Chantilly cream.
Step 10: Decorate with Fresh Berries
Artistically arrange extra whole berries on top to create a stunning decoration that adds a fresh, fruity pop of color and an inviting texture contrast to the creamy frosting.
How to Serve Chantilly Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh berries are the perfect garnish to complement the Chantilly cake. Their natural tartness balances the creamy sweetness, and their vibrant hues make the cake irresistible. Consider adding a sprinkle of finely chopped mint or a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant touch.
Side Dishes
This cake shines on its own, but pairing it with a light dessert wine, a chilled fruit sorbet, or a simple bowl of fresh berries can elevate the experience. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a fragrant herbal tea also pairs beautifully to round out the sweet indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
For celebrations, turn your Chantilly Cake Recipe into individual parfait glasses layering crumbled cake pieces, Chantilly cream, and berries. Alternatively, use edible flowers along with berries for a whimsical, garden-fresh look that’s sure to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chantilly cake covered tightly in the refrigerator to keep the cream fresh and the cake moist. It should stay delicious for up to 3 days, but for the best taste and texture, enjoy it within 24 hours whenever possible.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake layers unassembled by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw layers completely before frosting and assembling to preserve the cake’s tender crumb and smooth Chantilly cream texture.
Reheating
Since this cake is best eaten chilled, avoid reheating. If you want to soften the cake slightly, allow it to come to room temperature before serving but keep it refrigerated as long as possible to maintain the integrity of the Chantilly cream.
FAQs
What is Chantilly cream?
Chantilly cream is lightly sweetened whipped cream often flavored with vanilla extract. In this recipe, it’s enriched with mascarpone and cream cheese for added creaminess and stability.
Can I substitute fresh berries?
Absolutely! You can use any fresh fruits you love or have on hand, such as peaches, kiwi, or blackberries. Just make sure the fruit is fresh and thoroughly washed for the best flavor and appearance.
Is this cake suitable for a birthday celebration?
Yes! The Chantilly Cake Recipe is elegant and festive, making it perfect for birthdays or any special occasion that calls for a beautiful, delicious cake.
Can I make the cake gluten-free?
To make this cake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum to mimic the texture of regular flour. Baking times may vary slightly.
How long does it take to make this cake?
From start to finish, including baking and assembling, you’ll spend around 1 hour and 10 minutes. The prep time is about 30 minutes, and baking takes roughly 40 minutes, not including chilling time.
Final Thoughts
This Chantilly Cake Recipe offers a wonderful blend of classic French elegance and accessible home baking. Its tender crumb, creamy frosting, and fresh berries combine to create a dessert that tastes as incredible as it looks. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved staple in your dessert repertoire.
Print
Chantilly Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A light and fluffy Chantilly Cake featuring tender vanilla sponge layers filled and topped with a rich, smooth mascarpone and cream cheese Chantilly cream. Fresh strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries add a burst of fruity freshness, making this cake perfect for special occasions and summer celebrations.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¼ cup sour cream
Sugar Syrup
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chantilly Cream Filling
- 12 ounces mascarpone cheese (cold)
- 12 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 2 ¼ cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups heavy whipping cream (cold)
Fruit
- 2 cups strawberries (hulled and sliced)
- 1 cup raspberries
- 1 cup blueberries
- Extra berries for decoration
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pans: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper to ensure the cakes will release easily after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour and cornstarch into a bowl. Whisk in the baking powder and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This aerates the batter for a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse flavor throughout the batter.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredients and the whole milk to the butter-egg mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir in the sour cream until just combined to maintain moisture without overmixing.
- Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This ensures the cakes are fully cooked but still moist.
- Cool and Chill the Cakes: Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them and place on a wire rack to cool completely. Wrap each cake layer in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes; this helps with easier slicing and assembly.
- Make Sugar Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine water and granulated sugar. Heat until sugar dissolves completely, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Let cool. This syrup will be brushed on the cake layers to keep them moist.
- Prepare Chantilly Cream: In a mixing bowl, beat mascarpone cheese, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cheese mixture to create a light and fluffy Chantilly cream.
- Assemble the Cake: Slice each chilled cake layer horizontally if desired for more layers. Brush the sugar syrup over each cake layer to moisten. Spread a generous amount of Chantilly cream on each layer and evenly distribute sliced strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries between the layers. Stack the layers, then cover the top and sides of the cake with more Chantilly cream. Decorate the top with extra whole berries for an elegant presentation. Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- Ensure all dairy ingredients are cold for best results when whipping Chantilly cream.
- For a lighter cake, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with cake flour.
- The sugar syrup helps keep the cake moist and adds subtle sweetness; do not skip this step.
- Allow the assembled cake to rest in the refrigerator before serving for optimal texture and flavor.
- Use fresh, ripe berries for best flavor and presentation.
