Chantilly Cake
Indulge in the delightful charm of chantilly cake, a classic dessert that promises to captivate your taste buds. This cake features layers of soft, airy sponge, generously filled with sweetened whipped cream and adorned with fresh fruits or chocolate. It’s a perfect treat for celebrations or a simple afternoon tea. Get ready to impress your guests with this elegant yet easy-to-make cake that will surely become a favorite!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- Fresh berries for decoration
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes 8 servings. Preparation time is approximately 30 minutes, with a cooking time of 25 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 slice) contains approximately 320 calories, 15g of fat, 45g of carbohydrates, and 4g of protein. This estimation is based on standard ingredients used.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk.
- Mix until just combined and smooth.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- While the cake cools, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
- Once the cakes are cool, spread whipped cream between the layers and on top.
- Decorate with fresh berries as desired.
Alternative Ingredients
If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use almond milk instead of regular milk for a nutty flavor. Additionally, coconut cream can replace heavy whipping cream for a dairy-free option. You can also use gluten-free flour to make this cake suitable for gluten-intolerant guests.
Serving and Pairings
Chantilly cake pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. Serve it alongside a fruit compote or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. It also complements light salads and savory dishes at gatherings.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover chantilly cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can be frozen for up to 2 months; just ensure it’s well-wrapped. To enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and serve chilled.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake; mix until just combined.
- Not preheating the oven can cause uneven baking.
- Using cold ingredients can prevent proper mixing; ensure eggs and milk are at room temperature.
- Forgetting to grease the pans can lead to sticking.
- Not letting the cake cool completely before frosting can cause the icing to melt.
Helpful Tips
- Use fresh fruits for decoration to enhance flavor and presentation.
- Chill your mixing bowl before whipping cream for better results.
- Experiment with flavor extracts like almond or lemon for a twist.
- For a richer taste, add a layer of chocolate ganache between the cake layers.
FAQs
What is chantilly cake?
Chantilly cake is a light, layered cake filled with sweetened whipped cream and often topped with fresh fruits. It’s known for its fluffy texture and delightful taste, making it a popular choice for celebrations.
Can I make chantilly cake in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the cake layers in advance and freeze them. Just ensure they are well-wrapped. Assemble the cake with whipped cream and fruits on the day you plan to serve it for best results.
What can I use instead of whipped cream?
If you prefer a non-dairy option, coconut cream is an excellent substitute for whipped cream. You can also use store-bought non-dairy whipped toppings for convenience.
How do I prevent my cake from drying out?
To keep your chantilly cake moist, avoid overbaking and consider brushing the cake layers with simple syrup before frosting. This adds moisture and enhances flavor.
Is chantilly cake suitable for special diets?
Yes, by using gluten-free flour and dairy-free cream, chantilly cake can be made suitable for gluten-intolerant and lactose-intolerant individuals. Always check labels for allergens.
Conclusion
Chantilly cake is a delightful dessert that combines simple ingredients to create a stunning and tasty treat. Its fluffy texture and creamy filling make it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or enjoying a casual gathering, this cake is sure to impress and satisfy every palate.
Chantilly Cake
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- Fresh berries for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk.
- Mix until just combined and smooth.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Spread whipped cream between the layers and on top, then decorate with fresh berries.
