Berry Chantilly Cake

Introduction

Berry Chantilly Cake is a luxurious and light dessert, perfect for celebrating special occasions or simply indulging your sweet tooth. This cake features layers of moist sponge cake, fresh mixed berries, and a delicate Chantilly cream frosting made with mascarpone and whipped cream. The combination of fresh fruit and creamy frosting makes it a crowd-pleaser for any event.

I remember the first time I made this cake for a family gathering. As soon as I placed the finished cake on the table, everyone couldn’t wait to dig in. The light, airy texture of the sponge cake paired with the sweetness of the berries and the richness of the cream was a perfect balance. What’s great about this cake is how customizable it is—you can use any berries you like or even mix in some citrus zest for an extra zing.

Not only is this cake beautiful, but it’s surprisingly easy to make. The fresh ingredients come together quickly, and the result is a dessert that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare. Whether you’re making it for a birthday, a holiday, or a casual get-together, this cake will definitely impress your guests and leave everyone asking for the recipe!

Perfect for:

• Birthday celebrations
• Bridal or baby showers
• Summer gatherings
• Afternoon tea parties
• Elegant dessert tables

Why You’ll Love This Berry Chantilly Cake

Here’s why Berry Chantilly Cake will become your go-to dessert:

• Refreshing Flavor: The fresh berries and light cream make it perfectly sweet and not overly rich.
• Elegant Presentation: Its vibrant layers of fruit and cream make it a visually stunning centerpiece.
• Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite fruits or cake flavors.
• Crowd Favorite: A universally loved dessert that’s perfect for all ages.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepped ahead for stress-free hosting.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (plus cooling time)
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Servings: 12 slices
• Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
• Key Nutrients: Calcium, Vitamin C, Protein

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Berry Chantilly Cake:

For the Cake Layers:

• 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (240ml) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, room temperature

Chantilly Cream Frosting:

• 8 oz (226g) mascarpone cheese, softened
• 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 2 cups (480ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Filling and Decoration:

• 3 cups fresh mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, for sweetening berries)
• Mint leaves (optional, for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

• Mascarpone Cheese: Adds a rich and creamy texture to the frosting without being too heavy.
• Fresh Berries: Use a mix of your favorite fresh, ripe berries for the best flavor and presentation.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Whipped to soft peaks, it creates a fluffy and airy frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of both the cake and frosting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make a Berry Chantilly Cake:

Prepare the Cake Layers:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Bake the Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Chantilly Cream Frosting:

7. Mix Mascarpone and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the mascarpone and cream cheese together until smooth.
8. Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until well incorporated.
9. Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream to soft peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until fully combined. Chill the frosting until ready to use.

Assemble the Cake:

10. Prepare the Berries: Wash and dry the berries. If desired, toss them with 1 tablespoon of sugar to enhance their sweetness.
11. Layer the Cake: Place the first cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thin layer of Chantilly cream over the top, then add a layer of fresh berries. Repeat with the second cake layer.
12. Frost the Cake: Place the final cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining Chantilly cream. Decorate with fresh berries and mint leaves if desired.

Serve:

13. Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing to allow the flavors to meld and the frosting to set.

How to Serve Berry Chantilly Cake

Berry Chantilly Cake can be served in various ways:

• Elegant Dessert: Serve as the centerpiece dessert for weddings, birthdays, or dinner parties.
• With Ice Cream: Pair a slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
• For Brunch: Serve smaller slices as part of a brunch spread with coffee or tea.

Additional Tips for Berry Chantilly Cake

Here are some tips to ensure your Berry Chantilly Cake turns out perfect every time:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room temperature eggs, butter, and milk for smoother batter and even baking.
• Fresh Berries Only: Avoid frozen berries as they release too much moisture.
• Level the Cake Layers: If your cake layers are domed, use a serrated knife to trim them for even stacking.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to avoid a dense cake.
• Store Properly: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Recipe Variations for Berry Chantilly Cake

Here are 10 variations you can try for Berry Chantilly Cake:

1. Chocolate Berry Chantilly Cake: Substitute chocolate cake layers for a richer dessert.
2. Lemon Berry Chantilly Cake: Add lemon zest to the cake batter and frosting for a citrusy twist.
3. Gluten-Free Chantilly Cake: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
4. Berry-Only Layers: Layer the cake with just berries and skip the frosting in between.
5. Tropical Chantilly Cake: Replace berries with tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, and kiwi.
6. Berry Jam Filling: Add a layer of berry jam between the cake layers.
7. Mini Chantilly Cakes: Make individual-sized cakes using ramekins or cupcake molds.
8. Almond Chantilly Cake: Add almond extract to the cake batter and frosting.
9. Berry Chantilly Trifle: Layer the cake, frosting, and berries in a glass trifle dish.
10. Vegan Chantilly Cake: Use plant-based alternatives for butter, milk, cream cheese, and heavy cream.

Freezing and Storage for Berry Chantilly Cake

• Freezing: You can freeze the cake layers (without frosting) by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and storing them in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before assembling.
• Storage: Refrigerate the assembled cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Special Equipment for Berry Chantilly Cake

Here’s what you’ll need to make the perfect Berry Chantilly Cake:

• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: To make the batter and whip the frosting.
• 8-Inch Cake Pans: For even baking and perfect layers.
• Cake Turntable: For easier frosting and decorating.
• Offset Spatula: For smooth frosting application.
• Wire Rack: To cool the cake layers evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions for Berry Chantilly Cake

1. Can I use frozen berries?
   It’s best to use fresh berries, but you can use frozen berries for decoration if they are thawed and drained.
2. Can I make the cake ahead of time?
   Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day ahead and frost them before serving.
3. Can I use whipped topping instead of homemade Chantilly cream?
   While whipped topping can be used, homemade Chantilly cream provides a fresher, richer flavor.
4. Can I substitute mascarpone with cream cheese?
   Yes, you can use cream cheese instead, but the texture may be slightly different.
5. How do I prevent the cake from drying out?
   Ensure the cake is covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container.

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Conclusion

Berry Chantilly Cake is a stunning dessert that combines the light, airy texture of moist cake with the richness of Chantilly cream and the natural sweetness of fresh berries. The layers of delicate cake, fluffy cream, and vibrant berries create a beautiful contrast in both flavor and appearance, making it perfect for everything from birthday parties to holiday celebrations.

This cake is as delightful to eat as it is to look at, offering a burst of freshness with every bite. Whether you’re making it for a special event or just to indulge, Berry Chantilly Cake is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

I’d love to see how your Berry Chantilly Cake turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!