Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs spring unfolds its colorful tapestry, I’m reminded of the delicate balance between lightness and indulgence that the season brings. This is exactly what you’ll find in my Berry Chantilly Cake—a luscious dessert that features velvety vanilla cake layers kissed by airy Chantilly cream and adorned with a vibrant mix of fresh strawberries and blueberries. Perfect for any celebration, this cake not only dazzles with its stunning presentation but also offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures with each bite. Plus, it’s a breeze to whip up, and the leftovers make for a refreshing treat on warm afternoons—who could resist? So, are you ready to bring a little sunshine into your kitchen? Why is Berry Chantilly Cake a Must-Try? Irresistible Freshness: The mix of juicy berries and light cream creates an explosion of spring flavors that will brighten any occasion. Effortless Elegance: With its stunning appearance, this cake serves as a centerpiece for gatherings without requiring advanced baking skills. Flavor Fusion: Combining the subtle sweetness of Chantilly cream with moist vanilla cake layers results in an irresistible treat that’s both creamy and fruity. Versatile Delight: From birthday parties to casual summer get-togethers, this cake fits any occasion perfectly. For other fruity inspirations, check out my Moist Strawberry Shortcake or Blueberry Coffee Cake. Quick to Make: Spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the festivities; this recipe comes together in just a few simple steps! Every bite of this refreshing dessert captures the essence of summer, making it a crowd-pleaser that nobody can resist. Berry Chantilly Cake Ingredients For the Cake Cream Cheese (8 oz) – Adds richness and stability to the frosting; opt for full-fat for the best results. Unsalted Butter (1 ½ sticks or ¾ c) – Provides moisture and flavor to the cake; let it soften for easier mixing. Sugar (2 cups) – Sweetens the cake and enhances flavor; adjust to taste if you prefer less sweetness. Large Eggs (4) – Acts as a binder, adding moisture and a light fluffiness to the cake. Cake Flour (3 cups) – Gives a soft, tender cake texture; substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch for a lighter result. Baking Powder (2 tsp) – Helps the cake rise, creating a fluffy end product. Baking Soda (½ tsp) – Provides additional leavening to ensure a light cake. Salt (½ tsp) – Enhances flavor balance in the cake. Buttermilk (1 cup) – Adds moisture and tenderness; mix normal milk with vinegar or lemon juice for a quick substitute. Vegetable Oil (¼ cup) – Ensures moisture without making the cake dense. Vanilla Extract (1 tbsp) – Introduces a lovely flavor depth, enriching the overall taste of the cake. For the Chantilly Cream Heavy Whipping Cream (3 cups) – The base for the Chantilly cream, contributing to its airy lightness; chill before whipping for the best results. Powdered Sugar (2 cups) – Sweetens the Chantilly cream frosting; adjust based on your sweetness preference. For the Topping Fresh Blueberries (approx. 4 oz or 1 cup) – Adds fruity flavor and visual appeal; use fresh for the best texture and taste. Fresh Strawberries (approx. 1 ¼ cup sliced) – Enhances the fruity elements and makes for beautiful decoration; slice just before use for freshness. With these delightful Berry Chantilly Cake ingredients, you’re all set to create a stunning dessert that embodies the spirit of spring and summer! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Berry Chantilly Cake Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pans Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) while you prepare your baking pans. Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans to ensure a smooth release after baking. This step is crucial for your Berry Chantilly Cake to maintain its perfect shape and structure once baked. Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This step takes about 2-3 minutes, ensuring there are no lumps. Set this mixture aside, as it will be crucial in providing that light, fluffy texture to your cake. Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until fully blended. Allow this mixture to sit for a few moments. The blend of flavors will add moisture and depth to the cake, setting a lovely base for your Berry Chantilly Cake. Step 4: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together using an electric mixer. Mix on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This provides a rich base for your cake, contributing to its moistness and flavor. Step 5: Add Sugar Gradually Gradually pour in the sugar while mixing constantly. Continue to beat the mixture for another 2-3 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy. The amount of air incorporated is essential for the texture of the Berry Chantilly Cake, making it delightful with every bite. Step 6: Incorporate Eggs Add the large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This process will take about 1-2 minutes, ensuring that each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. The eggs act as a binder, adding moisture and helping the cake rise beautifully. Step 7: Combine Mixtures Now, alternately add the dry flour mixture and the wet buttermilk mixture to the cream mixture, starting with the flour and ending with it as well. Mix on low speed until just combined, about 1-2 minutes. This step is key for achieving the perfect balance of flavors and texture in your Berry Chantilly Cake. Step 8: Bake the Cake Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Bake in your preheated oven for 25-28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cakes should be golden brown and spring back slightly when touched. This ensures that your cake layers are perfectly baked and ready for cooling. Step 9: Cool the Cakes Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Gently run a knife around the edges before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Proper cooling is vital for maintaining the integrity of your Berry Chantilly Cake layers. Step 10: Prepare Chantilly Cream While the cakes cool, chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 10 minutes. Then, whip the heavy cream in the chilled bowl until stiff peaks form, which should take about 3-5 minutes. This whipped cream will provide the light and airy texture that complements the Berry Chantilly Cake beautifully. Step 11: Fold in Cream Cheese Mixture In another bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold this mixture into the whipped cream, being careful not to deflate it. This step transforms the whipped cream into a creamy, fluffy Chantilly, perfect for layering. Step 12: Assemble the Cake Layer the first cake round with a generous spread of Chantilly cream and a sprinkle of fresh blueberries and strawberries. Repeat this process with the remaining layers. Each layer should be evenly filled, creating a beautiful, flavorful contrast in your Berry Chantilly Cake. Step 13: Frost the Cake Once assembled, use the remaining Chantilly cream to frost the entire cake, smoothing out the top and sides. Take your time to create a polished look. The frosting will enhance the overall appeal of your Berry Chantilly Cake, making it a stunning centerpiece for any gathering. What to Serve with Berry Chantilly Cake? This delightful dessert pairs beautifully with an array of side dishes and beverages, creating a feast for the senses. Refreshing Lemonade: The citrusy zing cuts through the sweetness, making it a perfect palate cleanser. Its brightness complements the cake’s fruity elements wonderfully. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds an extra layer of richness. The cold, smooth texture provides a dreamy contrast to the fluffy Chantilly cream. Mixed Green Salad: Tossed greens with a light vinaigrette add a fresh, crisp element to your meal. This balance of flavors makes for a delightful dining experience. Sparkling Water with Lime: The effervescence of sparkling water brings a refreshing contrast, while lime’s tartness enhances the cake’s fruitiness, providing a refreshing sip for each bite. Grilled Peaches: Sweet, caramelized grilled peaches bring an additional fruity dimension to your dessert table. Their warm, smoky flavor harmonizes beautifully with the berries. Coconut Macaroons: These chewy cookies offer a delightful textural contrast, with their sweetness serving to enhance the flavors of the berries in the cake. Strawberry Mimosa: Combining fresh strawberries and sparkling wine creates a festive drink that pairs exquisitely with the Berry Chantilly Cake for any celebration. Chocolate-Dipped Fruit: The slight bitterness of dark chocolate adds depth to the sweetness, complementing the berries’ natural flavors while providing a luxurious touch. Serve any of these alongside your Berry Chantilly Cake and watch your guests light up with every delicious bite! Berry Chantilly Cake Variations Feel free to make this delightful cake your own with these fun twists! Raspberry Option: Swap out blueberries for fresh raspberries for a tangy contrast to the sweet cream. Almond Extract: Incorporate just a teaspoon of almond extract into the Chantilly cream for an aromatic depth. Coconut Cream: Replace heavy whipping cream with coconut cream for a tropical twist in your frosting. Chocolate Layers: Alternate vanilla layers with chocolate cake layers for a rich flavor combination that excites the palate. Zesty Lemon: Add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the cake batter for a refreshing citrus spark. Spicy Kick: Introduce a hint of cinnamon or cayenne to the cake batter for a surprising warmth in each bite. This unique twist can elevate the flavor profile! Nutty Texture: Fold in chopped nuts, such as pecans or almonds, into the cake batter for added crunch and depth. Cream Cheese Swirl: Blend cream cheese into the cake batter for rich swirls, enhancing both appearance and flavor. Whether you’re looking to customize for dietary preferences or simply wanting to experiment, these variations will support your creativity in the kitchen. For more delicious inspiration, be sure to check out my refreshing Strawberry Cake Refreshingly or the indulgent Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake. Happy baking! Expert Tips for the Best Berry Chantilly Cake Chill Your Tools: Ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are chilled before whipping the cream to achieve the lightest, fluffiest dessert. Gentle Layering: When assembling the cake, handle it carefully to prevent breakage; a gentle touch is key to maintaining your pristine layers. Heat for Smooth Frosting: Using a warm spatula can help create a smoother finish when frosting the cake, offering that professional touch for your Berry Chantilly Cake. Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to tweak the sugar in the Chantilly cream to match your taste; a little less can accentuate the berries’ natural sweetness. Experiment with Berries: While blueberries and strawberries shine, consider mixing in raspberries or other seasonal fruits to add layers of flavor and color. Make Ahead Options Preparing a Berry Chantilly Cake ahead of time is a fantastic way to save precious minutes on busy days! You can bake the cake layers up to 24 hours in advance. Simply let them cool completely, then wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. The Chantilly cream can also be made ahead; just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain the cream’s lightness, gently re-whip it before layering. When you’re ready to serve, layer the cake with the cream and fresh berries, and you’ll have a beautiful dessert that tastes just as delightful—with minimal fuss! How to Store and Freeze Berry Chantilly Cake Fridge: Keep leftover Berry Chantilly Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain its freshness and texture. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the unadorned cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before frosting. Reheating: If you prefer serving your cake cold, there’s no need to reheat. However, you may microwave individual slices for about 10 seconds if you want a slightly warmed treat. Assembly: Always add fresh berries just before serving to maintain their vibrant look and taste, ensuring your cake remains a delightful experience. Berry Chantilly Cake Recipe FAQs What kind of berries can I use in the Berry Chantilly Cake? Absolutely! While fresh blueberries and strawberries are the stars of this recipe, feel free to experiment with other berries like raspberries or blackberries. Mixing different berries adds visual appeal and enhances the overall flavor profile. Just ensure they are fresh for the best texture and taste! How should I store leftover Berry Chantilly Cake? To keep your Berry Chantilly Cake fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you find yourself with more cake than you can eat, you can freeze unadorned cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 1 month. Just remember to let them thaw in the fridge overnight before frosting when you’re ready to enjoy them again! Can I freeze the Berry Chantilly Cake? Yes! Freezing is a fantastic option for this cake. Wrap the unfrosted cake layers securely in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to serve, thaw the layers in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and assembling. This method helps maintain the cake’s texture and flavors, just like freshly baked! What should I do if my Chantilly cream doesn’t whip up properly? If your whipped cream isn’t forming stiff peaks, it might be due to warm utensils or cream. Ensure your bowl and beaters are chilled; even populating them in the freezer for about 10 minutes can help. Also, try using heavy whipping cream (not half-and-half or whipping cream) as it has a higher fat content, which is essential for achieving that delightful fluffiness. Are there any dietary considerations for the Berry Chantilly Cake? Absolutely! For those with allergies, you can substitute ingredients according to dietary needs. Use gluten-free cake flour for a gluten-free version. If avoiding dairy, consider using coconut cream as a substitute for the heavy whipping cream. While this may slightly alter the flavor, it still provides a lovely creamy texture that pairs well with the berries! How can I ensure my Berry Chantilly Cake looks as good as it tastes? For a professional finish, frost the assembled cake with a warm spatula to smooth out the cream. Additionally, top the cake with fresh berries right before serving to maintain their vibrant color and freshness. This simple step not only improves the cake’s presentation but also elevates the taste, making every slice a visual and delicious treat! Berry Chantilly Cake: A Fruity Delight for Every Celebration Berry Chantilly Cake is a luscious dessert featuring vanilla layers and airy Chantilly cream topped with fresh berries, perfect for spring celebrations. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 28 minutes minsCooling Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 8 minutes mins Servings: 12 slicesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 500 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cake8 oz Cream Cheese Adds richness and stability to the frosting; opt for full-fat for the best results.1.5 sticks Unsalted Butter Provides moisture and flavor to the cake; let it soften for easier mixing.2 cups Sugar Sweetens the cake and enhances flavor; adjust to taste if you prefer less sweetness.4 large Eggs Acts as a binder, adding moisture and a light fluffiness to the cake.3 cups Cake Flour Gives a soft, tender cake texture; substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch for a lighter result.2 tsp Baking Powder Helps the cake rise, creating a fluffy end product.0.5 tsp Baking Soda Provides additional leavening to ensure a light cake.0.5 tsp Salt Enhances flavor balance in the cake.1 cup Buttermilk Adds moisture and tenderness; mix normal milk with vinegar or lemon juice for a quick substitute.0.25 cup Vegetable Oil Ensures moisture without making the cake dense.1 tbsp Vanilla Extract Introduces a lovely flavor depth, enriching the overall taste of the cake.For the Chantilly Cream3 cups Heavy Whipping Cream The base for the Chantilly cream; chill before whipping for the best results.2 cups Powdered Sugar Sweetens the Chantilly cream frosting; adjust based on your sweetness preference.For the Topping4 oz Fresh Blueberries Adds fruity flavor and visual appeal; use fresh for the best texture and taste.1.25 cup Fresh Strawberries Enhances the fruity elements and makes for beautiful decoration; slice just before use for freshness. Equipment 9-inch round cake pansMixing bowlselectric mixerWhiskspatula Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Berry Chantilly CakePreheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and prepare three 8-inch round cake pans by greasing and flouring them.In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until fully blended.In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy.Gradually pour in the sugar while mixing constantly until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.Add the large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.Alternately add the dry flour mixture and the wet buttermilk mixture to the cream mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans and bake for 25-28 minutes.Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.Chill your mixing bowl and beaters for 10 minutes and then whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.Mix the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth, then gently fold into the whipped cream.Layer the first cake round with Chantilly cream and a sprinkle of fresh berries, repeating this process with remaining layers.Use remaining Chantilly cream to frost the entire cake and smooth out the top and sides. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 6gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 35gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 70mgIron: 1mg NotesChill mixing tools for the best whipped cream texture. Handle the cake layers gently to avoid breakage. Use a warm spatula for smoother frosting. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
