Berry Chantilly Cake is a stunning and indulgent dessert that combines the lightness of a sponge cake with the richness of Chantilly cream and the freshness of mixed berries. This cake is perfect for special occasions, whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or a festive gathering. Its vibrant colors and delicious flavors are sure to impress your guests. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through each step to create this decadent treat that is as delightful to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients for Berry Chantilly Cake
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Chantilly Cream:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Berry Topping:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (optional, for macerating berries)
- Mint leaves for garnish (optional)
For the Simple Syrup (optional):
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
How to Make Berry Chantilly Cake
1. Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Chantilly Cream:
- In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, as this can turn the cream into butter.
3. Prepare the Berry Topping:
- If desired, macerate the berries by combining them with granulated sugar in a bowl and letting them sit for 15-20 minutes. This will enhance their sweetness and release some of their juices.
- If using simple syrup, heat the water and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat until the sugar is completely dissolved. Let it cool before using.
4. Assemble the Cake:
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, level them if necessary using a serrated knife.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. If using simple syrup, brush a thin layer over the cake to add moisture.
- Spread a layer of Chantilly cream over the first cake layer.
- Add a layer of mixed berries on top of the cream.
- Place the second cake layer on top and spread a thin layer of Chantilly cream over the entire cake to crumb coat it. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- After chilling, apply a final layer of Chantilly cream smoothly over the cake.
- Decorate with additional fresh berries on top and garnish with mint leaves if desired.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice and serve the Berry Chantilly Cake chilled. Enjoy this delightful dessert with its luscious cream, tender cake, and juicy berries.
About the Main Ingredients
1. All-Purpose Flour: A versatile flour that provides structure to the cake. It helps bind the ingredients together and gives the cake its tender crumb.
2. Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the amount of salt in the recipe.
3. Heavy Cream: Essential for making the Chantilly cream, providing a rich and creamy texture. Whipping heavy cream creates a light, airy topping.
4. Fresh Berries: Offer a burst of flavor and color to the cake. Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are used for their sweetness and tartness, enhancing the overall taste of the dessert.
5. Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and Chantilly cream. It also helps macerate the berries if desired, bringing out their natural sweetness.
This Berry Chantilly Cake recipe combines the best elements of a classic dessert with a fresh and fruity twist. It’s perfect for any celebration and will undoubtedly be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy baking and indulging in this delicious treat!
