Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp almond extract (optional)
- 1 cup whole milk
For the Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Filling & Decoration:
- 3 cups fresh mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
Instructions
Prepare the Cake Batter:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in almond extract.
- Gradually alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients.
Bake the Cake:
- Divide the batter evenly between the cake pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Frosting:
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese, mascarpone, and powdered sugar until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined.
Assemble the Cake:
- Slice the cooled cake layers in half horizontally to create four layers.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a thin layer of frosting.
- Add a layer of fresh berries. Repeat with the remaining layers.
- Frost the top and sides of the cake, smoothing with a spatula.
- Decorate with extra berries on top.
Chill & Serve:
- Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
- Make-Ahead Tip: Bake the cake layers and prepare the frosting a day in advance. Assemble a few hours before serving.
- Storage: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Shortcuts: Use a vanilla cake mix or store-bought whipped cream cheese frosting if short on time.
- Variations: Try swapping berries for mango, peaches, or kiwi for a tropical twist.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine: American, French-Southern fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 6g
Keywords: Chantilly Cake