chantilly cake recipe

Easy Homemade Chantilly Cake Recipe

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Summer is here, and what’s better than a light, refreshing dessert? The Chantilly cake is perfect for this season. It has fluffy vanilla layers, creamy frosting, and fresh berries. This recipe will help you make a homemade chantilly cake for your summer party or a special treat.

The Chantilly cake is special because of its mix of flavors and textures. The cake is soft, the frosting is creamy, and the berry filling is tart. It’s a fresh summer dessert that will wow your guests, whether you’re an expert baker or just starting out.

What is Chantilly Cake and Its Origins

Chantilly cake is a sweet treat named after the Château de Chantilly in France. It’s known for its Chantilly cream topping. This cream is a mix of whipped cream, sugar, and vanilla, making it soft and creamy.

The French Connection to Chantilly Cream

The story of Chantilly cream starts in the 17th century at the Château de Chantilly. It was a hit, becoming a key part of French desserts. It’s often paired with fruits and light cakes.

How Whole Foods Made It Famous

Whole Foods made Chantilly cake famous in 2005 with their Berry Chantilly Cake. Chaya Conrad created it in New Orleans. It’s a vanilla sponge cake with berries and Chantilly cream frosting, loved by many.

Traditional vs Modern Variations

Traditional Chantilly cake uses vanilla sponge and Chantilly cream. But, modern versions add new twists. You might find almond sponge or yellow cake with Chantilly cream. The secret is using top-notch ingredients and the right amount of Chantilly cream.

Chantilly cake’s popularity has grown a lot, with over 30 million views on social media. It’s a favorite in Whole Foods stores. From its French beginnings to today, Chantilly cake is a treat loved by all.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Chantilly Cake Recipe

To make the perfect Chantilly cake, you need top-notch ingredients. Start with a fluffy vanilla cake. It’s made from all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and a bit of salt. Add creamy unsalted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and fragrant vanilla extract to bring it to life.

The Chantilly cream frosting is next. You’ll need heavy whipping cream, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and more vanilla. Don’t forget fresh mixed berries like strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries. They add color and a burst of flavor.

Cake IngredientsChantilly Cream IngredientsBerry Ingredients
  • 2 ⅔ cups cake flour
  • 1 ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2.5 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 14 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • ⅓ cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract
  • 1 tsp almond extract
  • 3 cups heavy whipping cream
  • ⅓ to ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 8 oz mascarpone cheese
  • Strawberries
  • Raspberries
  • Blackberries
  • Blueberries

With these key chantilly cake ingredients, vanilla cake ingredients, chantilly cream ingredients, and fresh berries for cake, you’re ready to make a stunning Chantilly cake. It’s sure to impress your guests.

chantilly cake ingredients

Equipment and Tools Needed for Baking

Baking the perfect Chantilly cake needs the right cake baking equipment and tools. You’ll need the right cake pan sizes, mixing tools for baking, and cake decorating tools. Having the right tools makes a big difference in taste and looks.

Baking Pans and Sizes

The Chantilly cake recipe needs two to three 8-inch round cake pans. These pans are the perfect size and shape for the cake layers. Choose high-quality, durable pans made of aluminum or with a nonstick coating for easy cake release.

Mixing Equipment Requirements

An electric mixer, either a stand mixer or a handheld model, is key for whipping the cake batter and frosting. You’ll also need mixing bowls, a whisk, and a spatula for mixing ingredients and scraping the bowl sides.

Additional Tools for Decoration

  • Offset spatula: This tool is invaluable for smoothing and spreading the Chantilly cream frosting evenly on the cake layers.
  • Piping bags and tips: Use a piping bag with a large open-star tip, such as the Wilton 1M, to create decorative swirls and borders on the cake.
  • Cake turntable: A cake turntable can make frosting and decorating the cake much easier, allowing you to rotate the cake as you work.

With the right cake baking equipment, cake pan sizes, mixing tools for baking, and cake decorating tools, you’ll be ready to make a stunning Chantilly cake. It’s sure to impress everyone.

Cake baking equipment

Making the Vanilla Sponge Cake Base

Making the perfect vanilla sponge cake is key to your delicious Chantilly cake. The recipe uses a special method called reverse creaming. This method makes the cake soft and moist with a tender crumb.

To start, you’ll need: 3 cups of cake flour, 2 1/4 cups of sugar (save 1/2 cup for egg whites), 4 eggs separated, 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, 1/2 cup of oil, 1 1/4 cups of whole milk, 1/2 cup of sour cream, 1 tsp of vanilla extract, and 2 tsp of almond extract.

  1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Then, grease and flour three 20cm/7.8-inch cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper.
  3. In a big bowl, mix together the cake flour, 1 3/4 cups of sugar, and any other dry ingredients.
  4. Add cold butter and mix on low speed until it looks like coarse sand.
  5. In another bowl, beat the egg whites with 1/2 cup of sugar until stiff peaks form.
  6. Combine the milk, sour cream, vanilla, and almond extracts in a bowl.
  7. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
  8. Then, gently fold in the whipped egg whites until there are no streaks left.
  9. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans.
  10. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  11. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before assembling the Chantilly cake.

Using the reverse creaming method, you’ll get moist cake layers with a delicate, fine crumb. This is the perfect base for your Chantilly cake recipe.

vanilla sponge cake

Creating the Perfect Chantilly Cream Frosting

Learning to make Chantilly cream frosting is key to a delicious Chantilly cake. Start by keeping all ingredients cold. This includes heavy cream, mascarpone, and your mixing bowl. Cold ingredients are crucial for a fluffy texture.

Stabilizing Your Whipped Cream

To keep the whipped cream stable, add a bit of cornstarch. Mix it in slowly as you whip the cream. This helps the cream stay thick and prevents it from falling flat.

Adding Mascarpone for Extra Richness

Adding mascarpone cheese makes the frosting even creamier. Mix it with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Then, gently fold in the whipped heavy cream. This adds a velvety texture that pairs well with the light Chantilly cream.

Flavoring Options

  • Vanilla bean paste or extract for a classic flavor
  • Almond extract for a delicate, nutty undertone
  • Citrus zests like lemon or orange to brighten the frosting
  • Powdered freeze-dried fruits for a burst of natural sweetness
  • Liqueurs like rum or amaretto for an adult twist

There are many ways to flavor your Chantilly cream frosting. Try different extracts, zests, and even powdered freeze-dried fruits. This way, you can make it your own special flavor.

Chantilly cream frosting

Berry Filling Preparation and Assembly

To make a tasty berry filling for your Chantilly cake, start by making a quick berry syrup. Mix sugar, water, and your favorite berry jam in a saucepan. Heat it over medium heat, stirring now and then, until it thickens. Then, let it cool down completely.

After baking and cooling your vanilla sponge cake layers, it’s time to put the Chantilly cake together. Start by brushing each cake layer with the berry syrup. This adds a burst of berry flavor and keeps the cake moist.

  1. Spread a thin layer of the creamy Chantilly frosting over the syrup-brushed cake layer.
  2. Scatter a generous amount of chopped fresh berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, over the frosting.
  3. Cover the fresh berry layer with another layer of the Chantilly frosting, ensuring the berries are completely encased and hidden from view.

Keep adding layers, making sure the berries are spread out evenly. This prevents any unsightly bleeding or gaps. The Chantilly frosting keeps the berry filling for cake inside, making the assembling chantilly cake process even better.

fresh berry cake layers

Now that your fresh berry cake layers are put together, your Chantilly cake is almost ready. The next section will show you how to add the final touches. You’ll learn professional piping techniques and finishing flourishes to make your cake truly stand out.

Professional Decorating Techniques

Take your homemade Chantilly cake to the next level with pro decorating tips. Learn to pipe fancy borders and place fresh berries just right. These tricks will make your cake a real showstopper.

Piping Methods

For a bakery-style look, use a 1M piping tip. It’s great for decorating swirls and borders on your Chantilly cake. Pipe rosettes or shells to frame the cake, adding texture and interest.

Fresh Berry Placement

Decorating with fresh berries is easy yet effective. Place juicy strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries in a pretty pattern on top. You can also add berries along the sides for a cascading effect.

Final Touches

For a smooth finish, use a cake scraper to smooth the frosting. Chill the cake before adding the final touches. This ensures the frosting sets well, making it easier to decorate.

Finish your Chantilly cake by dusting it with powdered sugar or adding edible flowers. This adds elegance and makes it a show-stopper.

Storage Tips and Shelf Life

Storing your homemade Chantilly cake right is key. The whipped cream frosting makes it extra sensitive. So, keep it covered in the fridge to keep it fresh and moist.

Chantilly cake stays good in the fridge for 3-5 days. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. This softens the butter in the cake, making it even more delicious.

For the best taste, eat your Chantilly cake within 3 days. The berries in the filling can make it spoil faster. So, watch the expiration date closely.

IngredientShelf Life
Chantilly Cake3-5 days
Chantilly Cream Frosting3-5 days
Fresh Berries2-3 days

Follow these storage tips to keep your Chantilly cake tasty for days. Enjoy every bite of your homemade masterpiece!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Creating the perfect Chantilly cake can sometimes present a few challenges, but don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. If your frosting turns out too runny, just keep whisking it or chill it a bit longer. This will help it reach the right consistency. If your cake ends up dry, double-check that you’ve measured the flour correctly and avoid overbaking. A sunken middle is often a sign that the cake was underbaked, so use the trusty toothpick test to ensure it’s fully cooked through.

If your frosting appears grainy, it may be due to overmixing or using low-quality mascarpone cheese. To prevent this, be mindful of your mixing technique and opt for high-quality ingredients. Remember, the key to troubleshooting Chantilly cake is to pay close attention to the recipe and make adjustments as needed. With a little trial and error, you’ll be whipping up perfectly moist and fluffy Chantilly cakes in no time.

By addressing common issues like runny frosting, dry cake, and sunken middles, you can ensure your Chantilly cake turns out as delicious as it should be. Stay vigilant, use quality ingredients, and follow the recipe closely for the best results. With a little practice, you’ll be a Chantilly cake pro in no time.

FAQ

What is Chantilly Cake and where does it originate from?

Chantilly cake is a light, refreshing dessert. It has soft vanilla cake layers, creamy whipped cream, tart berry jam, and fresh berries. The name “Chantilly” comes from the Château de Chantilly in France.

How did Whole Foods popularize the Berry Chantilly Cake?

Whole Foods made the berry chantilly cake famous over 10 years ago. They created a version inspired by a grandmother’s recipe. Modern versions might include mascarpone or cream cheese in the frosting.

What are the key ingredients in a Chantilly Cake?

The cake layers need flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and more. The frosting is made with heavy whipping cream, mascarpone cheese, and vanilla. Fresh mixed berries are key for the filling and decoration.

What equipment is needed to make a Chantilly Cake?

You’ll need two or three 8-inch cake pans and an electric mixer. Also, mixing bowls, measuring cups, a whisk, spatulas, and a serrated knife are essential. For decoration, you’ll need an offset spatula, piping bags, and tips. A cake turntable is also helpful.

How do you make the soft, tender vanilla cake layers?

The vanilla cake uses the reverse creaming method. This method coats flour with butter, making the cake soft. Mix ingredients as the recipe says, divide the batter, and bake at 335°F until a toothpick comes out clean.

How do you make the stable Chantilly cream frosting?

For stable chantilly cream, use cold ingredients and add cornstarch. Mix mascarpone, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Whip heavy cream separately, then fold it into the mascarpone mixture. This adds stability and richness.

How do you assemble and decorate the Chantilly Cake?

Brush cake layers with berry syrup, spread frosting, add berries, and cover with more frosting. Repeat for each layer. Use a 1M piping tip for borders and decorate with berries. Chill the cake before decorating.

How long will a Chantilly Cake keep, and how should it be stored?

Store the cake in the refrigerator due to the whipped cream frosting. It keeps for 3-5 days. Let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. For best freshness, consume within 3 days.

What are some common issues that can arise when making a Chantilly Cake?

For runny frosting, whisk longer or chill it. If the cake is dry, check flour measurement and baking time. For a sunken cake, it might be underbaked. For grainy frosting, it could be overmixed or using low-quality mascarpone. Use high-quality ingredients and follow the recipe closely.

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