Chantilly Cake Recipe: If you’ve ever tasted a slice of Chantilly cake, you know it’s pure magic—light, fruity, and decadently creamy. This showstopper of a dessert isn’t just another layer cake; it’s a flavorful symphony of moist sponge cake, airy Chantilly cream, and fresh, juicy berries. Perfect for celebrations, birthdays, or just because—you don’t really need a reason to bake this beauty. But before diving into the step-by-step recipe, let’s explore what makes a Chantilly cake so special.
What is Chantilly Cake?
Chantilly cake is a layered sponge or butter cake topped with a sweetened whipped cream-based frosting known as Chantilly cream, often combined with mascarpone or cream cheese for richness. It’s filled with fresh fruits—typically berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries—giving it a fresh burst of flavor with every bite. The cake is elegant yet surprisingly easy to make at home, and it tastes just as luxurious as it looks.
Unlike heavy, overly sweet cakes, Chantilly cake strikes the perfect balance between creamy, fruity, and light textures. It’s especially popular in the Southern U.S. and Hawaii, where it’s become a beloved staple for weddings and birthdays.
Origin and History of Chantilly Cake
Chantilly cake draws inspiration from “Crème Chantilly,” a sweetened whipped cream said to originate from Château de Chantilly in France. While the classic Crème Chantilly has French roots, the cake itself gained traction much later, especially in the U.S.
In Hawaii, a variation known as Hawaiian Chantilly Cake swaps berries for coconut and uses a cooked frosting, but the modern, berry-filled version we’re making today is more akin to what bakeries like Whole Foods have popularized. It’s become an internet sensation thanks to its fresh, light, and elegant vibe that’s both bakery-quality and achievable in your own kitche
Ingredients You’ll Need
You can’t make a masterpiece without the right components. For Chantilly cake, every layer counts—from the sponge to the frosting to the fruit filling. Let’s break it down.
For the Cake Base
You can use a homemade vanilla sponge or a butter cake. Here’s a simple ingredient list:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
This combination gives a moist, fluffy cake base that holds well under layers of fruit and frosting.
For the Chantilly Frosting
This frosting is a rich blend of whipped cream, mascarpone, and cream cheese.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
The whipped texture with the tang from the cream cheese and mascarpone elevates the entire cake’s flavor profile.
For the Fruit Filling
Choose ripe, fresh berries for the best results:
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup raspberries
- Optional: 1 tbsp sugar (if berries are too tart)
You can mix and match the fruits depending on availability or personal preference.
Tools Required for Making Chantilly Cake
To make this cake without a hitch, gather the following kitchen essentials:
- Stand mixer or electric hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- 9-inch cake pans (2 or 3 depending on layers)
- Offset spatula for frosting
- Cake turntable (optional but helpful)
- Serrated knife (for leveling layers)
- Wire rack (for cooling)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Chantilly Cake
Let’s get into the good stuff. Follow these steps to create a bakery-style Chantilly cake right at home.
Step 1: Preparing the Cake Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your cake pans with butter or line them with parchment paper. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy—this should take about 3-4 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Be careful not to overmix—stop as soon as everything is combined.
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
Step 2: Baking the Cake Layers
Place the pans in the oven and 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 to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, you can level the tops with a serrated knife to ensure even layers. This step is essential for a neat and stable cake, especially if you’re aiming for three layers.
Step 3: Making the Chantilly Frosting
This frosting is the heart of the Chantilly cake—it’s rich, tangy, and absolutely luxurious. Start by combining the cream cheese and mascarpone cheese in a mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat them together until smooth and creamy, which should take about 2–3 minutes. Be sure there are no lumps before moving on.
Add the powdered sugar gradually, mixing on low to avoid a sugar cloud. Once incorporated, increase the speed to medium-high and beat until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Then, pour in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This means the cream should hold its shape when the beaters are lifted. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cheese mixture in batches, being careful not to deflate it. The result should be a light, pillowy frosting that’s perfect for spreading and layering.
If the frosting feels too soft, refrigerate it for 15–20 minutes to firm it up before using.
Step 4: Preparing the Fresh Fruit Filling
Fresh fruit is what takes this cake from good to unforgettable. Wash all the berries and pat them dry with a paper towel. Slice the strawberries thinly so they layer well in the cake. If your berries are slightly tart, sprinkle them with a bit of sugar and let them sit for 10 minutes to macerate. This helps draw out their natural juices and enhances their sweetness.
If you’re prepping the cake in advance, you can also toss the berries in a tablespoon of cornstarch or gelatin mix to prevent them from leaking too much juice into the cake. However, if the cake will be consumed the same day, fresh berries are best just as they are.
Set the berries aside and get ready to build your cake masterpiece.
Step 5: Assembling the Cake
Now comes the fun part—assembly! Place one cake layer on a cake board or plate. Use an offset spatula to spread a generous amount of Chantilly frosting over the top. Next, add a layer of sliced strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Gently press them into the frosting so they stay in place.
Add the second cake layer and repeat the process: frosting, then berries. If you’re doing three layers, continue with the third layer in the same fashion.
Once the layers are stacked, apply a thin crumb coat—a light layer of frosting that seals in crumbs—and refrigerate for 20 minutes. After chilling, apply the final thick layer of frosting and smooth it out with an offset spatula or cake scraper. Decorate the top with more fresh berries, and if you’re feeling fancy, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few mint leaves.
Refrigerate the finished cake for at least an hour before slicing. This helps everything set and makes for cleaner cuts.
Tips for the Perfect Chantilly Cake
- Use room temperature ingredients: This helps everything blend smoothly and evenly.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can result in a dense cake. Mix until just combined.
- Chill your bowl and beaters: When whipping cream, cold tools help it whip up faster and hold better.
- Level your cakes: A flat surface ensures your layers don’t slide around.
- Serve chilled: Chantilly cake is best served cold to maintain the integrity of the frosting and fruit.
Want to go next-level? Add a layer of lemon curd or raspberry jam between the cake and frosting for an extra zing.
Storing and Serving Suggestions
Chantilly cake is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it moist. Because it contains fresh fruit and cream, it should always be refrigerated.
If you’re making it ahead, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them tightly wrapped at room temperature. Assemble the cake the day you plan to serve it for best results.
Serve each slice chilled with a cup of tea, coffee, or even a sparkling wine for that fancy brunch or dessert vibe. It’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
FAQs about Chantilly Cake Recipe
What is Chantilly Cake made of?
Chantilly Cake is typically made with layers of soft vanilla sponge or butter cake, fresh berries (like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries), and a rich Chantilly cream — a lightly sweetened whipped cream often mixed with mascarpone or cream cheese for extra decadence.
Is Chantilly Cake the same as Tres Leches Cake?
Nope — they’re totally different treats. While Chantilly Cake uses whipped cream and fresh fruit for a light, airy vibe, Tres Leches Cake is soaked in three kinds of milk (evaporated, condensed, and cream), making it ultra-moist and dense.
Can I make Chantilly Cake ahead of time?
Yes, but not too far ahead. You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Assemble the cake with cream and berries the same day you plan to serve it to keep everything fresh and fabulous.
What’s the best way to store Chantilly Cake?
Store it in the fridge, covered with a cake dome or plastic wrap. Because of the whipped cream and fruit, it’s best enjoyed within 2–3 days. After that, the berries might get weepy, and no one wants soggy cake.
Can I use frozen berries for Chantilly Cake?
Fresh is best, but in a pinch, you can use frozen berries — just make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly. Excess moisture can mess with your cake layers and make things a little… mushy.
Conclusion
Making a Chantilly cake at home might seem intimidating at first, but once you break it down step by step, it’s totally manageable—and incredibly rewarding. From the soft vanilla cake to the creamy, dreamy frosting and the burst of fresh berries, each bite is a celebration of flavors and textures.
It’s more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special day or just want to treat yourself, this Chantilly cake recipe is a must-try. It brings the charm of a fancy bakery straight into your kitchen.
