Berry Chantilly Cake is a delightful dessert that layers fluffy vanilla cake with a luscious whipped cream frosting and a medley of fresh berries. This cake is not only visually stunning, but it also tantalizes the taste buds with its perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. The creamy frosting complements the juicy berries, creating a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, from birthday celebrations to summer gatherings.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will absolutely love this Berry Chantilly Cake for its light and airy texture combined with the bold flavors of fresh berries. The recipe is approachable, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. It fits well into a variety of lifestyles, especially if you’re looking for a dessert that feels indulgent yet is light enough to enjoy after a hearty meal. Plus, its vibrant colors make it a showstopper on any dessert table!
Tips and Tricks
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature for the best cake texture. This helps create an even batter and a fluffy cake.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until incorporated to avoid a dense cake.
- Chill Your Bowl and Whisk: For the whipped cream, chilling your mixing bowl and whisk will help achieve stiff peaks more easily.
- Berry Selection: Use a mix of berries for a colorful presentation. Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries work beautifully together.
- Decorate Just Before Serving: To maintain the freshness of the berries and frosting, decorate the cake right before serving.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare components of the Berry Chantilly Cake in advance. The cake layers can be baked up to two days ahead; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature. The whipped cream frosting can also be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. If you want to prepare the berries in advance, wash and slice them the day before; just keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the cake.
Recipe Variations
- Flavor Variations: Add a splash of lemon or almond extract to the cake batter for a unique flavor twist.
- Different Frosting: Swap the whipped cream for a mascarpone cheese frosting for a richer taste.
- Alternative Berries: Try using peaches or mangoes for a tropical version of this cake.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free.
How to Serve
To serve your Berry Chantilly Cake, slice it into wedges and plate with an extra dollop of whipped cream if desired. Garnish with additional fresh berries on the side for a touch of color and elegance. You can also sprinkle some mint leaves for a refreshing finish.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair this delightful cake with a chilled glass of Prosecco or a fruity white wine such as Moscato. For a non-alcoholic option, serve it alongside a refreshing iced tea or lemonade. Complement the dessert with a side of vanilla ice cream or a light fruit salad for added sweetness.
How to Store
Store any leftover Berry Chantilly Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The cake is best enjoyed fresh, so try to consume it within this timeframe. If you need to freeze it, wrap the individual cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to a month; thaw in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Cake pans (two 9-inch round)
- Offset spatula for frosting
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Toothpick for testing cake doneness
Dietary Adaptations
To make Berry Chantilly Cake vegan, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) and use a plant-based butter alternative. For a dairy-free version, replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free whipped topping. Always check that your ingredients, like the cake flour, are free from allergens as needed.
Seasonal Adaptations
In summer, use fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. In fall, consider adding spiced apples or pears with a dash of cinnamon into the cake for a seasonal twist. In winter, try a combination of cranberries and orange zest to brighten the flavors.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use frozen berries?: Yes, but fresh berries yield the best flavor and presentation.
- What can I use instead of heavy cream?: Coconut cream is a great dairy-free alternative.
- How do I prevent my cake from sinking?: Ensure your baking powder is fresh and don’t overmix your batter.
- Can I make this cake in advance?: Yes, you can bake the cake layers and prepare the frosting ahead of time.
Berry Chantilly Cake
Berry Chantilly Cake is a delightful dessert that layers fluffy vanilla cake with a luscious whipped cream frosting and a medley of fresh berries.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar (for sweetening whipped cream)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- While the cakes are cooling, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of whipped cream on top and add a layer of mixed berries.
- Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides with the remaining whipped cream. Decorate with additional berries.
- Slice and serve chilled.
Nutrition Information
Yield
12Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 359Total Fat 17gSaturated Fat 10gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 6gCholesterol 91mgSodium 135mgCarbohydrates 48gFiber 1gSugar 30gProtein 5g
TastyFitnessRecipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although tastyfitnessrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Making a Berry Chantilly Cake is a rewarding experience that yields a stunning and delicious dessert. With its light texture and fresh flavors, it is sure to impress family and friends alike. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this cake is a perfect choice. Enjoy the process of creating this masterpiece and savor every bite!