Decadent Layered Berry Chantilly Cake Recipe (2024)

A decadent layer cake is always a stunning dessert presentation, but also absolutely delicious! This recipe is a favorite of many for a layered berry Chantilly cake. With moist vanilla cake, berry compote, and special cream cheese and mascarpone frosting, it's a work of art that tastes as good as it looks!

Berry Chantilly Cake Recipe

It may seem a bit overwhelming, but this recipe is really just a matter of following basic steps. A homemade cake comes together easily, as does the homemade compote and the decadent icing. If you look at this as three simple recipes instead of one hard recipe, you will find it is much easier than imagined.

Berries are a perfect naturally sweet addition to recipes. If you love berry desserts, then this simple cake mix berry cobbler is a fast and easy choice. I also love the fresh strawberry bread and no-bake strawberry cheesecake for a different option!

Why Is it Called Chantilly Cake?

The term typically refers to sweet whipped cream. Chantilly cream is a common French term that is used in many recipes and as a topping for fruits, puddings, and cakes. While this cake does not follow the exact recipe of others with the same name, it still has the element of sweetened creamy frosting on top and as part of the layering process.

Traditional Chantilly is a combination of heavy whipping cream and vanilla. It can also be made with other extracts and flavors. Basically, a fancy version of homemade whipped cream.

Can I Use Frozen Berries for the Compote?

Of course! Frozen berries are great for making the compote, but may not be as nice as the toppings. Once thawed, they can be a bit mushy and watery, so they don't work as well to stand up and look pretty on top of the finished cake.

For this recipe, fresh blueberries and raspberries were used. You can also use blackberries and strawberries if you prefer. A frozen mixed berry blend is a great choice to keep in your freezer at all times for last-minute ideas like this.

Do I Have to Use Cake Flour?

You do not have to use cake flour, but it is worthwhile to create a lighter and more moist cake. If you do not have cake flour on hand, then you can create your own. For every 1 cup of all-purpose flour, replace 2 tablespoons with 2 tablespoons cornstarch. Sift the mixture together and you will have an equivalent option to replace plain all-purpose flour in your recipe.

What is Chantilly Cake Made Of?

• Cake flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Unsalted butter
• Vanilla extract
• Whole milk
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil

Ingredients for Berry Compote

• Mixed berries
• Granulated sugar
• Water
• Cornstarch
• Lemon juice
• Lemon zest

Ingredients for Chantilly Frosting

• Cream cheese
• Unsalted butter
• Mascarpone
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Heavy whipping cream
• Cream of tartar

Handy Kitchen Tools

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer
• 8" round cake pans
• Wire cooling rack
• Medium saucepan
• Rubber spatula
• Offset spatula
• Whisk

How to Make Vanilla Cake

Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease two 8" cake pans well with butter or shortening.

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

To this mixture, add the softened butter and beat until a crumbly mixture forms.

Add in the eggs, one at a time.

Then add the oil and the milk.

Mix for 2 to 3 minutes to combine and incorporate air into the batter to help it rise.

Once the batter is together, fold in the vanilla extract making sure all dry ingredients from the sides and bottom of the bowl are incorporated.

Divide the batter between the prepared pans and bake for 25 minutes.

Allow them to cool for 10 minutes in the pans before placing them on a wire rack to finish cooling completely.

How to Make Berry Compote

In a heavy bottom medium saucepan, add the berries and sugar and heat over low until simmering.

Once the sugar has melted, in a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry.

Add the slurry to the berry mixture then remove from the heat.

Stir in the lemon juice and zest and set aside to cool completely.

How to Make Chantilly Buttercream

In a large bowl, beat together the heavy cream and cream of tartar until soft peaks form then set aside.

In a separate large bowl, combine the cream cheese, butter, and mascarpone beating them together until smooth.

To the cheese mixture, add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and beat until incorporated.

Fold in the whipped cream until no streaks are left.

Chill until ready to use.

How to Assemble a Berry Chantilly Cake

Place one cooled cake layer onto a cake stand or cake plate. Spread a small amount of icing onto the top, then use a large round tip to create a wall of icing around the outside edge.

Spoon the berry filling into the center of the cake and spread smooth.

Top with the second layer of cake.

Use a spatula to spread an even layer of frosting over the tops and sides of the layered cake. An offset spatula makes this easier to manage.

Top the cake with additional piped frosting and fresh berries.

More Cake Recipes

It just doesn't get any better than a slice of cake, but sometimes it is hard to choose which cake you want. Below are some absolutely incredible cake recipes. From the easiest option to the ones that take time to prepare, you have options for any situation and the ability to cook.

• Classic Pink Lemonade Cake with Whipped Icing
• The Easiest 7 Up Cake Recipe
• Easy Swirl Chocolate Vanilla Bundt Cake Recipe
• Coconut Cake Recipe with Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting
• The Easiest Old Fashioned Pound Cake Recipe