Chantilly Cake
Chantilly cake is the epitome of elegance in dessert form. With its light, fluffy layers and sweet whipped cream topping, this cake is perfect for celebrations or a delightful treat any day. The combination of vanilla and cream creates a luscious flavor that will leave your taste buds dancing. Whether served at a birthday party or a cozy family dinner, this cake is sure to impress and satisfy.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- Fresh berries (for garnish)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields 12 servings. Preparation time is approximately 30 minutes, and cooking time is about 25 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving of chantilly cake contains approximately 350 calories, 15g of fat, 52g of carbohydrates, and 5g of protein. This is based on a serving size of one slice.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with flour.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
- Once the cakes are cool, frost the top of one layer with whipped cream, then place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides.
- Garnish with fresh berries and additional whipped cream, if desired.
Alternative Ingredients
For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. You can also replace sugar with a sweetener like stevia for a low-calorie version.
Serving and Pairings
Chantilly cake pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce can elevate this dessert even further.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover chantilly cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake.
- Not allowing the cakes to cool completely before frosting can cause melting.
- Using cold ingredients can affect the mixing process.
- Not greasing the pans properly may cause sticking.
- Skipping the whisking of the cream can result in a runny frosting.
Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of almond extract to the batter.
- Chill the mixing bowl for the cream for better whipping results.
- Decorate with seasonal fruits for a colorful presentation.
FAQs
What is chantilly cake?
Chantilly cake is a light and airy cake layered with whipped cream and often garnished with fruits. It’s known for its delicate texture and rich flavor, making it a popular choice for celebrations.
Can I make chantilly cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to frost and garnish the cake on the day of serving for optimal freshness.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use whipped topping or a mixture of milk and butter, though the texture and flavor may differ slightly.
How should I store chantilly cake?
Store chantilly cake in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It can be kept for up to 3 days, but for the best taste, consume it fresh.
Can I freeze chantilly cake?
Yes, you can freeze chantilly cake without frosting. Wrap the layers tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.
Conclusion
Chantilly cake is a delightful dessert that brings joy to any occasion. Its light, fluffy texture and sweet cream topping create a perfect balance of flavors. Whether for a birthday or a casual gathering, this cake is sure to be a hit among your guests. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious treat!
Chantilly Cake
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- Fresh berries for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form and frost the cake.
