Description
A Chantilly cake is a light, fluffy vanilla cake layered with rich Chantilly cream and fresh berries. Popular in the Southern United States, this elegant dessert is perfect for celebrations like weddings, birthdays, and graduations.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ½ cups cake flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk or buttermilk
For the Chantilly Cream:
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Fruit Filling & Topping:
- 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk, mixing until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly into the cake pans and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool completely before assembling.
Macerate the Berries:
- In a bowl, toss the berries with sugar and lemon juice. Let sit for 20 minutes to release juices.
Make the Chantilly Cream:
- Beat mascarpone and cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream to soft peaks. Gently fold into the mascarpone mixture.
Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thin layer of berry jam (optional), then a layer of Chantilly cream, followed by macerated berries.
- Repeat with the remaining layers. Frost the outside with the remaining Chantilly cream.
- Garnish with fresh berries on top.
Notes
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let sit at room temperature for 1 hour before serving.
- To enhance stability, chill the cake between layers for 10 minutes before frosting the outside.
- You can substitute mascarpone with extra cream cheese if needed.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American (Southern)
Keywords: Chantilly Cake, Berry Cake, Mascarpone Frosting, Southern Desserts