Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chantilly Cake is a show-stopping dessert that combines light and fluffy layers of cake with a decadent whipped cream frosting. The combination of the soft cake and airy frosting creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience that is simply irresistible. Often adorned with fresh fruit, this cake is perfect for any celebration, whether it’s a birthday, wedding, or just a treat for a special occasion. Its delicate sweetness, along with the creamy texture, makes it a crowd favorite. This cake is an elegant yet easy dessert that feels like a luxury, perfect for any time you want to impress your guests.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
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2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
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2 cups granulated sugar
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4 large eggs
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1 tablespoon vanilla extract
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1 cup whole milk
For the Chantilly Frosting:
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2 cups heavy whipping cream
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1/2 cup powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Fresh berries or fruit for decoration (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.
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In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
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In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
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Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three additions, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
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Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
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Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
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Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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While the cakes are cooling, make the Chantilly frosting. In a large bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form (about 4-5 minutes).
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Once the cakes have cooled, spread a layer of Chantilly frosting on top of one cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
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Decorate with fresh berries or fruit, if desired. Serve and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 8-10
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
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Cooling Time: 30 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Variations
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Fruit filling: Add a layer of jam, fresh fruit, or lemon curd between the cake layers for extra flavor and texture.
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Flavored frosting: You can infuse the Chantilly frosting with a different flavor like almond extract, lemon zest, or even chocolate for a unique twist.
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Chocolate version: Add cocoa powder to the cake batter for a chocolate Chantilly cake. This would pair wonderfully with the vanilla Chantilly frosting.
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Layered design: For a more dramatic effect, make a multi-layered Chantilly cake by doubling the recipe and stacking more layers of cake and frosting.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Chantilly Cake is best stored in the refrigerator because of the whipped cream frosting. Keep it covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
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Reheating: Chantilly cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. To bring it to room temperature, take it out of the fridge about 20-30 minutes before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different frosting for this cake?
Yes! While Chantilly frosting is traditional for this cake, you can substitute it with buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or whipped ganache for a different flavor profile.
2. How do I prevent the cake from becoming too dense?
Be sure to measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off. Overpacking flour can result in a dense cake.
3. Can I use buttermilk instead of whole milk?
Yes, you can substitute buttermilk for whole milk to add a slight tanginess and richness to the cake. Just be sure to adjust the baking powder since buttermilk is acidic.
4. How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make this cake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and check that the baking powder is gluten-free.
5. Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, you can bake the cakes ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Frost the cake just before serving for the best results.
6. Can I use non-dairy cream for the frosting?
Yes, you can use coconut cream or other non-dairy whipping creams as a substitute for heavy whipping cream to make this cake dairy-free.
7. How do I get my frosting to be perfectly smooth?
Be sure to chill the frosting if it starts to soften while frosting the cake. Use a spatula to spread the frosting evenly, and if you prefer a smoother finish, dip the spatula in warm water and smooth over the frosting.
8. Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake layers before frosting. Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Frost the cake once it’s thawed.
9. Can I add food coloring to the frosting?
Yes, you can add food coloring to the Chantilly frosting to match a theme or create a fun effect for special occasions.
10. Is this cake suitable for a wedding cake?
Yes! This cake makes a wonderful option for a wedding, especially if you’re looking for a light, elegant flavor. You can even decorate it with flowers or other elegant details for a beautiful presentation.
Conclusion
Chantilly Cake is a light, airy, and delicious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Its simple ingredients come together to create a masterpiece of flavor and texture that is both impressive and indulgent. Whether you’re serving it for a birthday, a dinner party, or just a sweet treat, this cake will never disappoint. Enjoy the luxurious taste of Chantilly Cake, and watch as your guests savor every bite!
Chantilly Cake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chantilly Cake is a light and elegant dessert featuring fluffy cake layers and a rich, creamy whipped Chantilly frosting. Perfect for any celebration, from birthdays to weddings, this show-stopping cake is decorated with fresh fruit for added flavor and beauty. With its delicate sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth texture, it’s the ideal dessert to impress your guests. Whether you’re a baking enthusiast or a beginner, this easy-to-make cake is sure to delight everyone!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
-
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
-
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
-
1/2 teaspoon salt
-
1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
-
2 cups granulated sugar
-
4 large eggs
-
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
-
1 cup whole milk
For the Chantilly Frosting:
-
2 cups heavy whipping cream
-
1/2 cup powdered sugar
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Fresh berries or fruit for decoration (optional)
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
-
Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl. Set aside.
-
In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (3-4 minutes).
-
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
-
Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
-
Divide the batter evenly between the cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
-
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
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Let the cakes cool for 10 minutes in the pans, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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For the frosting, beat the whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form (about 4-5 minutes).
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Once the cakes have cooled, spread Chantilly frosting on the top of one cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
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Decorate with fresh berries or fruit, if desired. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
For added flavor, layer fresh jam, fruit, or lemon curd between the cake layers.You can swap Chantilly frosting for buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or whipped ganache.For a chocolate version, add cocoa powder to the cake batter and pair it with vanilla Chantilly frosting.
