Chantilly Cake Recipe: Easy & Delicious Homemade Cake

Craving a Slice of Heaven? Dive into the Magic of Chantilly Cake!

Get ready to experience pure dessert bliss! This Chantilly Cake recipe is not only incredibly delicious, with its light, airy cake and luscious frosting, but it’s also surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this cake is guaranteed to impress everyone (including yourself!).

Why You’ll Love It

• It’s melt-in-your-mouth delicious, with a delicate vanilla flavor that’s not too sweet.
• The light and airy cake texture is complemented perfectly by the creamy, decadent frosting.
• It’s surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner bakers!
• It’s incredibly versatile and suitable for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion where a stunning dessert is desired.
• You can easily customize it with fresh berries, chocolate shavings, or other delicious toppings.

What Makes This Recipe Unique?

This recipe goes beyond the typical vanilla cake by focusing on creating a super light and tender crumb. The secret lies in using a specific creaming method for the butter and sugar, and gently folding in the dry ingredients to avoid over-mixing. This results in a cake that is both moist and airy, the perfect canvas for the iconic Chantilly frosting. Plus, we make our frosting from scratch for ultimate flavor!

Ingredient List

• For the Cake:
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
• 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (120ml) hot water
• For the Chantilly Frosting:
• 3 cups (720ml) heavy cream – Key for the light and airy texture.
• 3/4 cup (150g) powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon almond extract – Enhances the flavor beautifully.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined.
5. Slowly add the hot water to the batter while mixing on low speed. The batter will be thin.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
9. While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
10. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) and continue beating until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat.
11. Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one cake layer with a generous amount of frosting, then place the second cake layer on top. Frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.

Optional Toppings/Variations

While the classic Chantilly cake is gorgeous as is, feel free to add these delightful toppings:

• Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries) are a classic complement.
• Chocolate shavings or curls add a touch of elegance.
• A dusting of powdered sugar creates a beautiful finish.
• A drizzle of caramel sauce adds an extra layer of sweetness.
• A sprinkle of finely chopped nuts adds a nice crunch.

Expert Tips

• Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and a lighter cake.
• Don’t overmix the batter, as this will result in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
• Use a stand mixer or hand mixer to ensure the frosting is light and fluffy.
• Don’t overbeat the frosting, as it can become grainy. Beat until stiff peaks form.
• Let the cakes cool completely before frosting, otherwise the frosting will melt.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I substitute almond extract? Yes, if you don’t like almond extract, you can simply leave it out or substitute it with another flavoring, like lemon extract.
• Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, the cake layers can be baked a day ahead and stored at room temperature, wrapped in plastic wrap. The frosting is best made the same day you plan to frost the cake.
• How do I store leftover cake? Leftover cake should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Can I use different sized cake pans? Yes, you can use different sized cake pans, but you may need to adjust the baking time. Watch the cake carefully and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Can I use a different type of flour? While all-purpose flour works best for this recipe, you can substitute it with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if needed.

Variations and Customization Options

Here are a few ways to get creative with your Chantilly Cake:

• Chocolate Chantilly Cake: Add 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and use a chocolate extract in the frosting.
• Lemon Chantilly Cake: Add lemon zest to the cake batter and lemon extract to the frosting.
• Coffee Chantilly Cake: Substitute strong brewed coffee for the hot water and add a teaspoon of instant coffee granules to the dry ingredients.
• Mini Chantilly Cakes: Bake the batter in cupcake tins for individual servings.

Serving Suggestions

This Chantilly Cake is perfect on its own, but you can enhance the experience by serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s also a great addition to any party or celebration. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon treat.

Conclusion

This Chantilly Cake is a true showstopper, combining ease of preparation with exceptional flavor and texture. From its light and airy cake to its dreamy frosting, every bite is a delight. Don’t just take our word for it – give this recipe a try and experience the magic yourself! Don’t forget to share your beautiful cake creations with us! Happy Baking!